Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)

What is a field-programmable gate array?

The phrase "field-programmable" refers to an integrated circuit that may be customized by a client or a designer after production. This is known as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). A hardware description language, like that used for an application-specific integrated circuit, is typically used to specify the FPGA setup. Previously, the configuration was specified via circuit diagrams, but with the development of electrical design automation tools, this is becoming less common.

Features and benefits

Programmers are now using OpenCL to benefit from the performance and power advantages that FPGAs provide. Using OpenCL techniques, programmers may target FPGA functions as OpenCL kernels while still writing code in the C programming language. See high-level synthesis and C to HDL for further details.

Many FPGAs use an SRAM-based method of programming. These FPGAs can be programmed and reconfigured in-system, but they need external boot devices. Flash memory or EEPROM devices, for instance, frequently load data into internal SRAM that regulates routing and logic. SRAM technology is based on CMOS.

Rarer alternatives to the SRAM strategy include:

• Fuse: Single-time programmable approach such as bipolar and obsolete.
• Anti fuse: Standalone programmable, CMOS.
• PROM: One-time programmable read-only memory technology, plastic packaging and obsolete.
• EPROM: One-time programmable erasable read-only memory technology. Thus, it can be erased with ultraviolet light.
• EEPROM: Programmable read-only memory that can be erased electronically.
• Flash: EPROM flash-erase technology. even in plastic packaging, can be eliminated. Some flash devices can be reprogrammed in-system, but not all of them.

Typical applications

Any problem can be solved computationally by using an FPGA. The fact that FPGAs may be utilized to construct soft microprocessors like the Xilinx MicroBlaze or Altera Nios II trivially proves this. Because of their parallelism and the ideal number of gates they employ for certain operations, they have the benefit of being substantially quicker for applications. In the beginning, FPGAs were CPLDs' rivals in the development of glue logic for printed circuit boards.

FPGAs began to do more tasks as their size, power, and speed rose to the point that some are now sold as complete systems on chips (SoCs). The usage of FPGAs has grown because of their advancement since their design enables the creation of hardware solutions that are optimized for difficult tasks like tomographic image reconstruction and 3D MRI image segmentation.

Why Enrgtech?

Enrgtech is an e-commerce platform committed to assisting the online community in introducing the most up-to-date and innovative Field Programmable Gate Array and the best services around the world. Our gate array is 100% genuine, well-designed, and composed of refined materials. Moreover, we assist our potential customers in choosing an excellent product that helps them achieve their goals.