Hardware close programming for freshmen

For the future engineers, it is important during their studies to connect the acquired knowledge learned with the real life. It is also important to understand the problems and have the ability to apply their fresh knowledge know-how in solving different tasks. This paper concentrates on providing students with the possibility to apply their software-oriented programming skills to hardware implementations during the first year of their studies. Two different platforms are described - based on embedded microcontroller and FPGA solutions, providing various hands-on exercises for both individual assignments and teamwork. Both proposed task groups are accompanied with thorough documentation and web-based study material. Through solving the provided tasks, the students are able to get more clear comprehension of applying their skills to real-life problem solving.