Memec introduces workshop series

Memec has introduced three workshops based on the new Xilinx Embedded Development Kit (EDK) v6.3i. Targeting FPGA designers and embedded software engineers, the workshop series addresses the challenges of architecting FPGA-based embedded processors and systems.

"This Memec workshop series couples the product and engineering expertise of Memec design experts with the development kits and boards available from Xilinx and Memec," said Jim Beneke, director of technical marketing for Memec. "Customers will benefit from the workshops' hands-on approach as well as the value received from the low course cost and discounted boards."

The Embedded Software Development workshop highlights the process and design tools used to simplify and automate the development of embedded FPGA processor systems. The first Memec FPGA class targeting software engineers, the course features the Xilinx MicroBlaze soft processor and EDK v6.3i, and covers the following topics:

- Using the Xilinx Platform Studio (XPS) tool suite
- Understanding Xilinx libraries
- Integrating and debugging a design
- Working with Eclipse IDE
- Manipulating program memory space
- Implementing a boot sequence

The one-day course equips students with sufficient knowledge to build an interrupt-driven TCP/IP application running on the Memec Spartan-3 MB Development Board, which is available at a discounted price to workshop attendees.

Targeting FPGA designers, the Xilinx MicroBlaze Development Workshop and Xilinx PowerPC Development Workshop each highlight how to architect a processor-based system with the Xilinx EDK. The one-day courses help simplify and speed the transition to new FPGA-based embedded development methods.

Held through December in locations throughout the U.S., each course costs $99 per attendee. Interested parties can visit www.memec.com/workshops for more information.