Getting started with FPGAs on open tools: our training format
From an empty editor to a blinking LED on an iCEstick, with GHDL, Yosys and nextpnr. This is day one of our FPGA training.
People learning FPGAs usually fight a 30 GB vendor installation first and the chip second. We turn that around. Our introductory training uses a Lattice iCEstick for about 25 euros and a fully open-source toolchain that installs on Debian with one apt command.
Day one goes like this: what separates an FPGA from a microcontroller, why VHDL is strict and why that helps. Then a 1 Hz blinker: write VHDL, simulate with GHDL, inspect the waveform in GTKWave, synthesise with Yosys, place and route with nextpnr, flash the bitstream. Every step is explained, none is hidden. If you know what a for loop is, you can follow.
The format comes from Stephan Bökelmann's Zero-to-One series, which we use as the base for in-house training at customers. Advanced modules build on it: testbenches, timing analysis, Zynq bring-up with U-Boot and Yocto.
The complete walkthrough for self-study is on the blog. For training on your premises or online, get in touch.