IoT design course using open-source tools

One of the most promising areas in Computer Engineering is certainly that of the Internet of Things (IoT) Systems. Moreover, such systems can be efficiently implemented in current Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) comprising of either soft-core or hard-core CPUs. The design of an IoT system comprises of developments in both hardware and software whereas a productive IoT Systems Designer should have numerous competencies in various independent computer engineering fields together with a number of non-technical competencies such as interpersonal competencies, transferable skills, etc. This paper describes a course which is based on open-source tools and methodologies that has been utilized efficiently in a number of post-graduate programs in two European countries (Greece, and Spain). The course lasts only one week (5 hours a day) and it allows computer engineering graduates with different specialties to implement an FPGA-based complete real-world IoT system as a course project.