I2C, SPI, UART (RS232), VGA in VHDL for FPGA interfacing

--- **Course Review: Advanced FPGA Protocols** **Overview:** The course "Advanced FPGA Protocols" has received a global rating of 3.55 out of 5, based on recent reviews. The course is structured in a stepwise manner, making it relatively easy to follow for those familiar with VHDL and FPGA design. However, there are some notable areas of improvement, including typos in the VHDL code provided and the lack of comprehensive coverage of certain topics and practical demonstrations with specific FPGA boards like BASYS2 or 3. **Pros:** - **Stepwise Structure:** The course content is well-organized and presented in a logical sequence, which facilitates understanding for newcomers as well as seasoned professionals. - **Coverage of Protocols:** Learners have praised the detailed coverage of various serial communication protocols such as I2C, SPI, and RS232, and the explanations are clear and systematic. - **Practical Application:** The course includes practical examples and simulations that help in understanding how to implement these protocols in VHDL. It also mentions the use of Vivado, I2C-SPI, and Modelsim for UART, which are valuable tools in FPGA design. - **Recommendation:** Despite some drawbacks, the course is recommended by many learners who have found it worthwhile and useful. **Cons:** - **Typographical Errors:** Some reviews mention typographical errors in the VHDL code provided, which could lead to confusion or errors when implementing designs. - **Articulation and Vocabulary:** One review pointed out that the lecturer's English was adequate but not always articulate, particularly when explaining complex concepts. A larger vocabulary could enhance teaching effectiveness. - **Missing Subjects:** The course does not cover all aspects of FPGA protocols, such as VGA interfacing and constraints for designs under discussion. Additionally, some reviews suggest that the course would benefit from demonstrations on specific FPGA boards like BASYS2 or 3. - **Incomplete Content:** The constraints for designs are not addressed, which is a critical component of FPGA development. - **Sound Quality:** Some chapters have low sound levels, which may affect learning experience. - **Limited Protocol Coverage:** While I2C, SPI, and UART are well covered, there is a suggestion that the course could include more protocols like UART for a comprehensive understanding of serial communication. - **One-Sided Protocol Explanation:** The course explains the protocols primarily in master or transmission mode but lacks coverage on slave or reception modes. **Additional Notes:** - The course is deemed suitable for those looking to implement different serial communication protocols and understand their operations and VHDL coding. It is particularly helpful for beginners. - Some learners have expressed interest in applying the code from the course to a Artix 100T FPGA board, indicating the potential adaptability of the content to various hardware platforms. In conclusion, while "Advanced FPGA Protocols" has its strengths in terms of structured learning and coverage of key protocols, it is clear that there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of typos, articulation, and comprehensive content coverage. The course remains a valuable resource but should be approached with the understanding that some additional research or clarification on certain topics may be necessary for a complete FPGA education experience.