Mastering High Level Synthesis: A Crucial Skill for Modern Tech Jobs
High Level Synthesis (HLS) converts high-level code into hardware descriptions, crucial for hardware design, embedded systems, and software development.
Understanding High Level Synthesis (HLS)
High Level Synthesis (HLS) is a transformative technology in the field of digital design and hardware engineering. It refers to the process of converting high-level algorithmic descriptions, typically written in languages like C, C++, or SystemC, into hardware descriptions that can be implemented on FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). This process significantly abstracts the traditional hardware design flow, which usually involves writing detailed RTL (Register Transfer Level) code in languages like VHDL or Verilog.
The Role of HLS in Tech Jobs
HLS is becoming increasingly relevant in various tech jobs, particularly those involving hardware design, embedded systems, and even software development. Here’s how HLS integrates into different roles:
Hardware Design Engineers
For hardware design engineers, HLS offers a more efficient way to design complex digital systems. Instead of manually writing RTL code, engineers can describe the desired functionality in a high-level language. The HLS tools then automatically generate the RTL code, which can be further synthesized into hardware. This not only speeds up the design process but also allows for easier verification and debugging.
Embedded Systems Engineers
Embedded systems engineers can leverage HLS to optimize the performance of their systems. By using high-level languages to describe hardware functionality, they can quickly iterate and refine their designs. This is particularly useful in applications requiring high performance and low power consumption, such as IoT devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics.
Software Developers
Even software developers can benefit from understanding HLS. As the lines between hardware and software continue to blur, having knowledge of HLS allows software developers to write more efficient code that can be directly translated into hardware. This is especially relevant in fields like machine learning and data processing, where custom hardware accelerators can significantly boost performance.
Key Skills and Tools for HLS
To effectively use HLS, professionals need to be proficient in several key areas:
Programming Languages
A strong grasp of high-level programming languages such as C, C++, and SystemC is essential. These languages are used to describe the algorithms that will be synthesized into hardware.
HLS Tools
Familiarity with HLS tools like Xilinx Vivado HLS, Intel HLS Compiler, and Cadence Stratus is crucial. These tools automate the conversion of high-level code into RTL and provide various optimization options to improve the performance and efficiency of the generated hardware.
Digital Design Fundamentals
Understanding the basics of digital design, including concepts like pipelining, parallelism, and timing analysis, is important. This knowledge helps in writing high-level code that can be efficiently synthesized into hardware.
Verification and Debugging
Proficiency in verification and debugging techniques is also necessary. HLS tools often include simulation and verification features, but knowing how to manually verify and debug the generated RTL code can be invaluable.
Real-World Applications of HLS
HLS is used in a wide range of applications, demonstrating its versatility and importance:
Machine Learning Accelerators
In the field of machine learning, custom hardware accelerators designed using HLS can provide significant performance improvements over general-purpose processors. These accelerators can be tailored to specific algorithms, resulting in faster and more efficient processing.
Video Processing
HLS is also used in video processing applications, where real-time performance is critical. By designing custom hardware for tasks like encoding, decoding, and filtering, engineers can achieve the necessary performance levels.
Telecommunications
In telecommunications, HLS is used to design hardware for signal processing tasks. This includes functions like modulation, demodulation, and error correction, which require high-speed processing.
Conclusion
High Level Synthesis is a powerful tool that is reshaping the landscape of hardware design and embedded systems. By abstracting the hardware design process and allowing for high-level algorithmic descriptions, HLS enables faster development cycles, easier verification, and improved performance. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in HLS is likely to grow, making it a valuable skill for anyone pursuing a career in tech.
