Digital system modeling and synthesis as an introduction to Computer Systems Engineering

This paper presents an overview of teaching hardware description languages (HDL) at Tallinn University of Technology (TUT). The structure of the course was modified by change of the approach to ground up learning through practical exercises. Different techniques to increase motivates of the students were introduced. These changes and their motivations are described in this paper. The course is taught as a first digital design modeling course for students who did not have prior digital design background. Observations and experiences from running the course over few years are described.