ECE4813 · Arm based system-on-chip design

Overview

Arm architecture underpins the majority of today’s computing platforms, powering billions of devices across mobile, automotive, IoT, and edge-AI applications. In this unit, you will be introduced to Arm technologies and their role in modern system-on-chip (SoC) design. You will study the Arm A-profile architecture, including performance-oriented and heterogeneous processing concepts. You will be exposed to the complete SoC design and implementation flow, with particular emphasis on the front-end design process, including architecture definition, IP selection, AMBA-based integration, RTL design, and functional verification. Through the use of Arm virtual platforms and FPGA-based prototyping, you will gain practical, system-level experience in analysing and demonstrating Arm-based SoC designs suitable for real-world applications.

Areas of study: Minor: Semiconductor

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Continuous assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Design an Arm based System-on-Chip (SoC) architecture that meets specified application and performance requirements.
2. Investigate Arm-based SoC design choices through analysis and evaluation of front-end design decisions.
3. Apply modern engineering tools, including Arm virtual platforms and field programmable gate array (FPGA) prototyping environments, to demonstrate SoC functionality.
4. Demonstrate self-directed learning to implement an SoC that contains Arm core interfaced to peripherals on a FPGA platform.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.