An FPGA-based digital logic lab for computer organization and architecture

The number of core hours devoted to digital logic in the knowledge unit Computer Architecture (AR) has been significantly reduced with the publication of Computing Curricula 2001 (CC2001). Over half of core hours removed come at the expense of digital logic and digital systems. We have argued elsewhere that more digital logic must be included in Computer Architecture. In this paper, we present our experience with an FPGA-based digital logic lab offered with our undergraduate Computer Organization and Architecture course including objectives, curricular issues, equipment and costs, staffing, process and grading policy, and observations from faculty and students. The lab gives students at least 9 hours of digital logic in a hands-on environment supplementing at least 3 core hours included in CC2001 Computer Architecture course models. Also, students are exposed to hardware used in modern computing applications, such as embedded systems.