INTEL FPGA LAB
INTEL has launched the INTEL Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) at Cambridge Institute of Technology (CIT) with an aim to equip engineering students with industry-relevant data-centric skills. The program inaugurated on July 5, 2022, focuses to bring academia and industry together for addressing the skills gap in new age technologies. FPGA offers a platform for quickly emulating developing specific and (hardware-level simulation) the functionality of sophisticated digital circuit. Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) department of CIT is in the process of incorporating Intel FPGAs course in curriculum by providing hands-on expertise on development of complex digital system applications and embedded systems on FPGA platform. Access to computing resources and hardware boards will be provided by Intel enabling both students and faculty members to be well versed with next generation technologies.
Features of INTEL FPGA Lab:
- Each Intel FPGA lab comprises of Intel-recommended hardware and software stack, course content and co-branded course completion certificates for students.
- Presently, these labs are available for artificial intelligence (AI), AI Internet of Things (AIIoT) and FPGA solutions, with multiple other technologies in the pipeline such as remote laboratory.
- Through these labs, students will get access to cutting edge technologies such as server setup, IoT set ups, multiple funnels of data coming in etc.
- It will also enable the leading-edge R & D capability to students.
Objective:
In this lab, students will develop their skills by working on more challenging digital system design using Verilog description hardware language in an industry-standard Digital Design with FPGA design environment. Students will also implement real-world designs in FPGAs as well as test and optimize the FPGA-implemented system.
Eligibility & Duration:
- Number of students: 30 students from ECE department selected based on their academic performance.
- Name of the course: Advanced digital Design (Level 1 for 4th semester and Level 2 for 5th semester ECE).
- Duration of the course: 40 hours.
- Remote Laboratory – Intel FPGA Real time virtual lab for 6th semester students. FPGA can be accessed from mobile phones. Remote laboratory is called as Advanced Digital Lab (ADLab), which allows students to synthesis digital systems on an FPGA with a hardware description language.
- CSE, ECE and ISE students can also check out Machine Learning and Deep learning Projects on FPGA.
Curriculum:
According to CIT, the curriculum of the INTEL FPGA Program is designed in consultation with Intel and subject experts, who will also conduct faculty development and student training programmes. The course will give students the opportunity to acquire the latest skills in cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Edge Computing and High-Performance Computing, and Internet of Things.
For projects, students will work on advanced Intel hardware and software including Intel Xeon Processors, Intel one API Software suits – Intel System Studio Software, Intel AI development Tools, Intel AI Software Libraries, Intel Framework Optimization, and Intel FPGA Boards.
“We are excited to partner with Intel Corporation, which is at the forefront of expanding the horizons of AI, ML and other advanced technologies, to offer a higher education programme,” said Cyril Prasanna Raj, Cambrian Consultancy Center and Industrial Research (CCCIR) Director said.
Further he added “The best part of the collaboration is that our students and teachers will get an opportunity to work with Intel and experts and on the advanced Intel hardware and software solutions.”
The pace at which these technologies make inroads in manufacturing and services sectors is mind boggling. “Giving early exposure to our students on them is crucial to meet the skill demands of the emerging industries. We are committed to expanding the programme and adding new specializations in the future,” he explained.
Results:
Upon the completion of the program, the students will be job ready for various electronics, IT and other mainstream industries like healthcare and automobiles. CCCIR, a research wing of CIT, is planning to do innovation projects jointly with Intel to foster entrepreneurship and to develop a start-up culture among its students.
Inauguration of INTEL FPGA Program:
The Intel FPGA Laboratory was inaugurated Nithin Mohan, CEO of Cambridge Group of Institutions; Israr Sheikh – FAE Manager, South Asia Pacific, Intel PSG; Padamanaban K, Program Specialist, Intel PSG; Dr Indumathi G, Principal, CIT; Dr Cyril Prasanna Raj, CCCIR- Director and Prof Shivapanchakshari TG, HoD, ECE.
Timeline of INTEL FPGA Program:
- Launch of INTEL FPGA Program-June 2022
- Inauguration of INTEL FPGA Program-July 2022
- Release of Course Material-July 2022
- Level1 –INTEL FPGA Certification Course (August 2022 -September 2022)
- Inaugural function of Level 2 Certification Course (November 2022)
- Level2 –INTEL FPGA Certification Course (November 2022-December 2022)
