5 Responsibilities of an FPGA Design Engineer

The world of circuits can be complicated. Even the smallest mistake can change the outcome of a project and require the entire circuit to go back to the drawing board. There are many people who play a role in circuit creation, including the FPGA design engineer. The field-programable gate array engineer has a number of responsibilities to work both as an individual and with a team to create innovative and safe circuits that help the end users. An FPGA design engineer is responsible for a number of things.

Here are five of those things:

Codes and Creates Circuits

One of the main responsibilities of an FPGA design engineer is to use the VHDL-VHSIC (Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit) hardware description language to create codes. The FPGA design engineer both codes the systems and is in charge of the physical creation for the RTL And VHDL coding procedures. The FPGA design engineer takes the lead on much of the circuit creation and develops models based on the circuit’s framework.

Tests Circuits

After the circuit is completed, the FPGA design engineer needs to test to make sure it is safe and accurate. In many cases, the engineer will simulate the code in a virtual environment that is used over multiple scenarios. The FPGA design engineer uses test results to look for ways to improve the circuit for success, efficiency, and security. Thoroughly testing the circuits and systems is necessary to create effective circuits that serve the needs of the end-users without causing safety or security issues.

Collaborates with Engineers

In general, FPGA engineers work both individually and with a team of other engineers. An FPGA design engineer might create his or her own circuit or code a system but then work with software engineers, DSP design engineers, and ASIC design engineers to create a cohesive final project. Because each engineer has their own area of expertise, an FPGA design engineer needs to have at least a basic understanding of other areas in the circuit. In order to be effective, an FPGA must communicate with the other engineers and members of the team, including those in other departments. On occasion, the FPGA design engineer may be asked to help other engineers with their aspects of the project. In many cases, the FPGA design engineer takes the lead of communication and collaboration. Working together, the engineers can test in various areas and create a more cohesive system.

Keeps Notes and Records

Record-keeping is a large part of any kind of engineering work, especially for FPGA design engineers. Each step of the creation and testing process is documented for future reference and to share with other engineers. An FPGA design engineer keeps detailed records of each aspect of the circuit, as well as the various tests and changes.

Considers End-Users

One of the most unique aspects of an FPGA design engineer’s job is the combination of technical work and considering the needs of the end-users. A successful FPGA design engineer puts himself in the shoes of the end-user to create a circuit that is not only accurate and efficient, but also user friendly and actually meets the needs of what the end-user is trying to achieve. An FPGA design engineer must consider a wide array of applications that end-users can easily reprogram to meet their exact needs. While other engineers may only be focused on one technical area of the circuit, the FPGA design engineer must think through the entire process to ensure it effectively serves end-users.

An FPGA design engineer’s work covers many different areas. In order to be effective, an FPGA design engineer must be detail-oriented and have a wide scope of understanding. Aside from technical knowledge, the engineer must also be able to communicate well and consider the needs of his or her end-users. The varied tasks of an FPGA design engineer create an exciting career for people who want to work with others and make a difference.

Want to learn more about FPGA design engineering at Right Paradigm Consulting? Contact us today.