Real Digital is a textbook developed for use in introductory digital design classes. It is structured as an ordered series of modules that contain chapters, exercises and hands-on design projects. Each module corresponds to about three lectures, or one week, in a typical University setting.
The Real Digital system is built around state of the art hardware and software design tools from Xilinx and Digilent. Xilinx’s free WebPack CAD software and Digilent’s low cost FPGA learning platforms are seamlessly integrated with the text and design projects to create an experience-based learning environment. Webpack is available from the Xilinx website, and the Basys2 and Nexys2 boards are designed to accompany the lessons of the Real Digital text book. The lower-cost Basys2 is a good choice for students who may not take additional digital systems or computer engineering classes. The more complex and capable Nexys2 board is suitable for this class and later classes as well.
The Real Digital system, including the CAD software and FPGA learning platform, is designed for direct student ownership. At a cost far below most textbooks, the system allows students to work in or out of the lab at a time and place of their choosing. Recent studies have shown that students with unrestricted access to design tools learn better, learn faster, and have a more enjoyable experience. Further, when more students work outside the lab, teaching resources can be selectively applied where they are needed most.
- A hands-on approach to digital design
- Broken down into modules that include chapters, exercises and hands-on projects
- Seamlessly integrated with state of the art hardware and software design tools from Xilinx and Digilent
- Designed for direct student ownership – Students can work in or out of the lab, whenever and wherever they want.
