System-on-chip research leads to hardware/software co-design degree

A case study of multi-chip module design, implementation and evaluation has been undertaken by the author at Matra Marconi Space as part of an on-going research programme into large electronic designs. Multi-chip modules offer an intermediate step towards system-on-chip. The intention of Matra Marconi Space is to use unprecedented levels of electronic integration in the next generation of communications satellites to provide the maximum number of channels thereby giving maximum revenue to the satellite operators. This case study has already had an impact on the curriculum of the degree courses at the University of Luton. Consequently, hardware description languages have been integrated into the electronics degrees for many years now and all students have extensive use of current, industry standard electronic design automation tools. The theme of all of the electronics courses at Luton is "Design, Simulate, Build and Evaluate ". Students educational experience has immediate relevance in industry which has resulted in the student's obtaining exceptionally good careers when they graduate. This case study laid the foundation of the system-on-chip research at the University of Luton that has resulted in the hardware/software co-design masters programme.