Programmable and reconfigurable technologies offer integrated circuits known as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), mainly developed by companies such as AMD/Xilinx and Altera. These devices allow for the implementation of any digital system that fits within their hardware resources. Since these devices enable rapid design, testing, and correction using hardware description languages such as VHDL they are especially suitable for electronic system prototyping. This significantly shortens the design cycle of ASICs.

FPGAs are particularly valuable in education, as they allow students to explore the entire integrated circuit design flow, reaching even the physical implementation stage. This makes them an essential tool in courses related to digital systems and integrated circuit design methodologies. In addition, FPGAs are highly effective in project-based learning environments, where students can put theoretical knowledge into practice, solve real-world problems, and develop multidisciplinary skills in engineering and technology.

This educational project proposes the development of an expansion board for the FPGA-based development kits currently used by students in digital systems and communication systems courses. The board will provide analog input and output capabilities to the Altera FPGA DE1 and DE0 kits used in various laboratories. With this addition, students will be able to learn how to implement mixed-signal electronic systems in a fast and flexible way.

This approach will enable students to design and test a variety of signal processing and communication systems while minimizing the need for external laboratory instruments. As a result, it increases even more educational value to the use of FPGA technology in project-based learning and promotes hands-on experience with modern, industry-relevant tools.

Keywords: Digital systems, education, technology, FPGA.