FPGAtorsStudent Engineering
Back to Blog

FPGAtors Update

GBM #2 notes

Notes from GBM #2 on project plans, available hardware, workshops, and club updates.

2026-09-30 - FPGAtors

Quick Recap

GBM #2 covered this semester's project teams, available hardware, upcoming workshops, and other club updates.

Members gathered for GBM #2 in LAR 234.
Members gathered for GBM #2 in LAR 234.

Project Updates

  • Guitar Tuner, led by Lucas: explore frequency detection by building an FFT in HLS and RTL, comparing it with MATLAB or SciPy, and learning about DSP, GPIO, and SoC design using ZedBoard or Zybo Z7-10 hardware.
  • Ethernet, led by Bo: build an FPGA-based unmanaged Ethernet switch, with an initial target of 100 Mb. The project includes the Ethernet MAC, switching fabric, discovery table, softcore firmware, and UVM verification.
  • RISC-V Processor, led by Miguel: start with pipelining fundamentals and an architecture plan for an RV64IM core with a classic five-stage pipeline. Miguel emphasized taking time to build foundational skills before implementation.
Miguel discussing the RISC-V processor project at GBM #2.
Miguel discussing the RISC-V processor project at GBM #2.
Lucas presenting the guitar tuner project and its DSP goals.
Lucas presenting the guitar tuner project and its DSP goals.
Bo walking through the Ethernet switch project and verification plan.
Bo walking through the Ethernet switch project and verification plan.

Club Updates

Members with their own project ideas can rent club hardware. Available hardware includes ZedBoards, Zybo Z7-10s, Ultra96 and Ultra96-V2 boards, Basys3 boards, and AVNet hardware.

Michael also shared that we are trying to schedule in-person workshops with AMD engineers.

Michael wrapping up GBM #2 with a thank-you and questions from members.
Michael wrapping up GBM #2 with a thank-you and questions from members.

Workshop Notes

  • Workshop #3 is Introduction to Vitis on October 2 at 6 PM in LAR 234.
  • Other workshop topics discussed included verification and testbenches, UVM, DSP and embedded system design, safe clock domain crossings, PCIe and communication protocols, and computer architecture.

Slides

Attendance