A FPGA Engineer is a professional who plays a pivotal role in the world of digital design and hardware development. FPGA, or Field-Programmable Gate Array, is a versatile technology that enables engineers to reconfigure digital circuits on-the-fly, offering flexibility and efficiency. These engineers are the architects behind the intricate world of programmable logic, transforming concepts into tangible electronic systems. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for FPGA Engineers.

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Main Responsibilities of a FPGA Engineer

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a FPGA Engineer:

Analyze

• Analyze and debug FPGA systems.

• Analyze system requirements and determine DSP options and specifications.

Architect

Architect and implement complex FPGA based systems.

Assist

• Assist engineers on the design of custom PCBs based on modern FPGA / SoC devices.

• Assist hardware developers with the design of custom PCBs based on modern FPGA / SoC devices.

• Assist the design of RF circuitry, focusing on defining the Digital system requirement.

• Assist with board "bring-up” and integration of custom FPGA-based electronics.

Attend

Attend vendor and industry conferences.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate closely with DSP / radio algorithm designer.

• Collaborate closely with embedded firmware and software engineers.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements.

• Collaborate with hardware and software teams for system-level design.

• Collaborate with PCB designers for layout considerations.

• Collaborate with software engineers for system integration.

• Collaborate with software, hardware, sales and customer support teams.

• Collaborate with vendors for FPGA component selection.

• Collaborate with vendors to deliver products effectively.

Complete

Complete other tasks as assigned by the Director of Electrical Engineering.

Conduct

• Conduct feasibility studies for FPGA applications.

• Conduct lab debugging and characterization of new hardware.

• Conduct performance analysis of FPGA implementations.

Consult

Consult and work with product architects and PLM.

Coordinate

Coordinate interoperability of digital modules with embedded camera firmware.

Create

• Create and maintain design documentation.

• Create RTL, test-bench, and EDA support files to meet performance goals on the target device.

• Create simulation and verification environment, test benches, validate designs.

Debug

• Debug and troubleshoot FPGA designs.

• Debug product, test and resolve design issues on hardware platforms.

• Debug, test, and optimize designs on the bench and in the lab.

Define

Define hardware and firmware interfaces, protocols.

Design

• Design and implement high-speed communication interfaces.

• Design and implement image processing FPGA blocks.

• Design and implement real-time control systems.

• Design digital circuits for FPGA implementation.

• Design gateware, software and interface specifications.

• Design RTL for high data rate, software defined radios.

Develop

• Develop and documents moderately complex requirements.

• Develop and execute DVT plans to ensure high-reliability in field deployment.

• Develop and improve existing Verilog modules, reuse and integrate IP modules.

• Develop and maintain simulation environments for FPGA designs.

• Develop and maintain the FPGA engineering design practices, processes and standards.

• Develop and optimize FPGA code for performance.

• Develop FPGA based systems particularly using Xilinx Series 7 FPGAs (Virtex and Zynq Ultrascale).

• Develop high speed secure communications and control products.

• Develop in-system debugging interface.

• Develop new hardware platforms.

• Develop scalable, high-performance, RF signal generation systems.

• Develop test benches for FPGA verification.

• Develop test scripts and documentation to assist with validation of both the hardware and RTL.

• Develop thorough HDL test benches and hardware test fixtures.

• Develop verification environments and build test plans.

Ensure

Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Estimate

Estimate and validate the cost and schedule requirements of assigned FPGA design work packages.

Evaluate

• Evaluate and select FPGA components based on project requirements.

• Evaluate and utilize the latest technologies to continuously improve system performance.

Help

Help define, evolve and support our FPGA firmware development methodology.

Identify

• Identify critical board issues that could drive PCB layout and ensure robust board designs.

• Identify critical design issues that drive PCB layout to ensure robust boards.

• Identify IP (re-) use both in-house and third party.

Implement

• Implement and optimize cryptographic algorithms.

• Implement DDR, LPDDR, FIFO controllers within FPGA.

• Implement error detection and correction mechanisms.

• Implement security features in FPGA designs.

• Implement signal processing algorithms.

Integrate

• Integrate FPGA designs with embedded processors.

• Integrate IP modules from multiple sources.

Interact with

Interact with customers on debugging and gathering requirements.

Interface with

• Interface FPGAs with high speed data converters, memories, MCUs.

• Interface with microcontrollers.

Lead

Lead the design of the proof of concept systems and prototypes for the next generation of equipment.

Liaise with

Liaise directly with software and other design teams.

Maintain

• Maintain and improve existing HDL designs.

• Maintain good documentation and formal FPGA image release process.

Mentor

Mentor and coach colleagues.

Optimize

Optimize FPGA designs for power consumption.

Participate in

• Participate as an engineering representative in company meetings outside engineering.

• Participate in all phases of FPGA design Flow.

• Participate in design reviews and peer code inspections.

• Participate in technical design reviews to ensure FPGA design integrity is achieved.

Perform

• Perform power analysis and optimization for FPGA circuits.

• Perform power, size and utilization optimization.

Propose

• Propose algorithmic solutions for FPGA and / or embedded processor implementation.

• Propose creative solutions to overcome FPGA / hardware limitations.

Provide

• Provide digital board design including high speed signal layout as required.

• Provide FPGA technical support to other areas of the organization outside engineering.

• Provide off-site support as required.

• Provide support to production as required.

• Provide support to the preparation of detailed estimates and bids.

• Provide technical support during the entire product lifecycle.

Report

Report status, risks, and estimates-to-complete on all tasks to project management.

Research

• Research and evaluate a variety of cutting-edge FPGA hardware and technologies.

• Research specific technology advances for potential application to company business needs.

Solve

Solve problems concerning fielded gateware and software over the entire product lifecycle.

Source

Source and develop external FPGA design resources to meet fluctuating resource requirements.

Stay on top of

• Stay on top of technology and product developments in the FPGA space.

• Stay updated on emerging FPGA technologies and trends.

Strive

Strive to ensure designs are completed within the agreed timeframe to a high standard.

Support

Support product through pre & post production release.

Synthesize

Synthesize and optimize FPGA designs for resource utilization.

Test

Test and validate FPGA designs against specifications.

Track

Track record for successfully assessing and hiring the best talent for the team.

Utilize

Utilize hardware description languages (HDL) such as Verilog or VHDL.

Watch

Watch for new technologies and trends that may impact present and future product development.

Work

• Work closely with FW and SW Engineers.

• Work closely with HW engineers to define new FPGA.

• Work collaboratively with Circuit card designers, SW, and Systems engineers.

• Work collaboratively with SystemVerilog / UVM Design Verification engineer.

• Work / Life balance that is supported.

• Work on the design of automated test systems, test fixtures and factory test.

• Work the IP vendors when required to solve technical problems.

• Work with designers to develop lab test strategies.

• Work with hardware and software design teams during design and integration phases.

• Work with multiple FPGAs and toolchains.

• Work with verif prime to develop verification strategies.

Write

• Write algorithm documents and guide firmware implement.

• Write RTL, test-bench, and EDA support files to meet performance goals on the target system.

• Write RTL, test-bench, constraints, and EDA support files to meet performance goals.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a FPGA Engineer:

1. Verilog and VHDL proficiency.

2. FPGA synthesis tools (Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus).

3. High-speed digital design.

4. Embedded systems programming.

5. FPGA debugging techniques.

6. Signal processing algorithms.

7. FPGA simulation tools (ModelSim, VCS).

8. Hardware architecture and design.

9. Communication protocols (e.g., PCIe, Ethernet).

10. Power analysis and optimization.

11. FPGA security implementation.

12. Real-time operating systems.

13. Cryptographic algorithm implementation.

14. System-on-Chip (SoC) design.

15. FPGA component selection and evaluation.

16. Error detection and correction techniques.

17. High-speed communication interfaces (e.g., DDR, HDMI).

18. PCB layout considerations.

19. FPGA verification methodologies.

20. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a FPGA Engineer:

1. Strong problem-solving skills.

2. Effective communication in cross-functional teams.

3. Attention to detail and accuracy.

4. Time management and multitasking abilities.

5. Adaptability to evolving project requirements.

6. Critical thinking and analytical skills.

7. Collaboration and teamwork.

8. Initiative and proactive attitude.

9. Creativity in finding innovative solutions.

10. Strong commitment to professional development.

Conclusion

In the dynamic landscape of FPGA engineering, possessing a blend of these hard and soft skills ensures that professionals can navigate challenges and contribute to the advancement of technology with confidence and proficiency.