As the uses of digital systems continue to proliferate in quantity and variety, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are taking centre-stage in their design. Introduction to Embedded System Design Using Field Programmable Gate Arrays provides a starting point for the use of FPGAs in the design of embedded systems. The text considers a hypothetical robot controller as an embedded application and weaves around it related concepts of FPGA-based digital design. The book details:

• use of FPGA vis-?-vis general purpose processor and microcontroller;

• design using Verilog hardware description language;

• digital design synthesis using Verilog and Xilinx^® Spartan^TM 3 FPGA;

• FPGA-based embedded processors and peripherals;

• overview of serial data communications and signal conditioning using FPGA;

• FPGA-based motor drive controllers; and

• prototyping digital systems using FPGA.

The book is a good introductory text for FPGA-based design. It will be useful for both students and designers who have worked with microprocessors and microcontrollers and now wish to move to design using FPGA. Its end-of-chapter exercises and frequent use of example can be used for teaching or for self-study.