FPGA programming
Other folks may suggest a different approach, but . . .
The basic steps:
- Learn digital hardware design.
- Learn an HDL such as Verilog or VHDL.
- Choose an FPGA. Study its (huge) documentation.
- Install simulation and synthesis software. Read the (huge) manuals, especially the chapter on HDL coding techniques.
- Maybe buy a development board containing an FPGA that's similar to your chosen FPGA.
- Write HDL code that's targeted to your chosen FPGA. Simulate and debug it. Synthesize it and download into real hardware.
The job of Xilinx? Xilinx is a manufacturer of FPGAs, CPLDs, and development software.