HLS for AI Accelerators - Fall 2025

Announcements

• Babylon server access & SSH key updatePinned

  10/1/2025 · Babylon · SSH Keys · Flip Server

  SSH Key GuideOffice Hours

  Some students have reported issues connecting to babylon (connection closed / permission denied). This is due to missing EECS accounts. If you cannot access babylon, please send your full name to the TA so we can forward it to IT. In the meantime, you may use the flip server as a fallback.

  We have also updated the SSH documentation with clearer instructions on SSH keys and config files. Please review the new guide. If you continue to have trouble, reach out via email or come to office hours for hands-on help.

Overview

Welcome to Special Topics: High-Level Synthesis (HLS) for AI Accelerators.

This course takes a project-first approach to accelerator design using SystemC and Catapult HLS.

Prerequisite: proficiency in C/C++. Exams: none (9 quizzes, 7 labs, 1 light project).

Objectives:

• Build a clear, broad vision of the AI accelerator landscape
• Understand how HLS compilers work and where they fit in the ASIC/SoC flow
• Prepare for advanced coursework, research, and jobs in hardware-accelerated ML

Schedule

Lecture & Lab cadence: Mon/Wed 10:00–11:50 AM · BEXL 417

• Week 0 (9/24) - Introduction · COE Server Access & SSH Setup
• Week 1 (9/29, 10/1) - ML Basics I · Lab 1 · Quiz 1 & Lab 1 due Sun 11:59 PM
• Week 2 (10/6, 10/8) - ML Basics II · Lab 2 · Quiz 2 & Lab 2 due Sun
• Week 3 (10/13, 10/15) - AI Accelerator Architecture · Lab 3 · Quiz 3 & Lab 3 due Sun
• Week 4 (10/20, 10/22) - SystemC · Lab 4 · Quiz 4 & Lab 4 due Sun
• Week 5 (10/27, 10/29) - VLSI Flow (Canvas module) · Optional self-directed lab · Quiz 5 due Sun
• Week 6 (11/3, 11/5) - HLS Overview · Project assigned · Lab 5 · Quiz 6 & Lab 5 due Sun
• Week 7 (11/10, 11/12) - HLS Compiler & Optimizations · Lab 6 · Quiz 7 & Lab 6 due Sun
• Week 8 (11/17, 11/19) - HLS Interfaces & Integration · Lab 7 · Quiz 8 & Lab 7 due Sun
• Week 9 (11/24) - Special Topics (module) · Quiz 9 due Sun 11/26 Thanksgiving (no class)
• Week 10 (12/1 & 12/3) - Project Tutoring · Project due Sun 11:59 PM

Materials

• No-cost/OER: all required materials provided electronically.
• Helpful references:
  • Deep Learning - deeplearningbook.org
  • Data Orchestration in DL Accelerators - Springer open access
  • Accelerator Design with HLS - chapter (open access)
  • Catapult HLS Blue Book - free with Google account
• Tooling: SystemC, Catapult HLS, Git, Linux shell, VS Code Remote/SSH.

Staff & Hours

• Instructor: Prof. Lizhong Chen (chenliz@oregonstate.edu) - Office hours after Monday’s class
• TAs:
  • Anthony Kung - Wed 3–5 PM (KEC Atrium & Zoom) · kungc@oregonstate.edu
  • Raymond Baartmans - Fri 3:30–5 PM (KEC 3130 & Zoom) · baartmar@oregonstate.edu

Grading & Policies

• Weights: Quizzes 20%, Labs 60%, Project 15%, Trust 5%.
• Late policy: 20% per day (all assignments & project).
• Discussion: allowed on Canvas only (strategies/clarifications; no answers).
• Academic Integrity: See OSU Code of Student Conduct. Zero-tolerance for dishonesty.
• DAS: Accommodations via Disability Access Services (DAS).
• Student Rights: asosu.oregonstate.edu/advocacy/rights
• Calendar: registrar.oregonstate.edu/osu-academic-calendar
• AI Tools: allowed with explicit disclosure (tool used, where/how used). Undisclosed use is a violation. Over-reliance may hinder learning.