FPGARFingeniør

FPGARFingeniør is a professional title that describes an engineer who designs and implements digital systems on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for radio frequency (RF) applications. The term is used in Norwegian and similar Scandinavian contexts to denote a role that combines FPGA development with RF engineering, often within telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and related industries.

Typical responsibilities include developing digital signal processing blocks in FPGAs to handle RF tasks such as modulation and demodulation, digital up- and down-conversion, filtering, channelization, and waveform generation. The role also involves interfacing FPGA logic with RF front-end components, including DACs, ADCs, mixers, and RF transceivers, as well as implementing control logic for software-defined radio, radar, or wireless transceiver platforms. Engineers perform verification and hardware/software integration, optimize timing and resource usage, and address signal integrity, power, and thermal considerations.

A background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field is common, with strong foundations in digital signal processing and RF concepts. Proficiency in HDL languages such as VHDL, Verilog, or SystemVerilog is essential, along with experience with FPGA toolchains from major vendors (e.g., Xilinx/Vivado, Intel Quartus). Programming or scripting skills in Python or MATLAB are typical, as are familiarity with high-speed interfaces (JESD204B/C, PCIe, SERDES) and RF measurement and debugging techniques.

Applications of the FPGA RF engineering skill set span software-defined radio, wireless infrastructure (including 4G/5G and Wi‑Fi), radar systems, satellite payloads, and instrumentation. Professionals in this field may work for telecom equipment manufacturers, defense contractors, research laboratories, or integrators developing custom RF solutions.