Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA): Reconfigurable Logic for Modern Applications
A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a semiconductor device that can be programmed or reconfigured by the user after manufacturing to perform a wide range of digital functions. Unlike fixed-function ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGAs offer hardware-level flexibility, allowing developers to implement custom logic circuits tailored to specific applications.
Key Components of an FPGA
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs):These are the core of FPGAs and consist of lookup tables (LUTs), flip-flops, and multiplexers that can be programmed to perform logical operations.
Programmable Interconnects:A complex matrix of routing paths that allows CLBs and I/O blocks to communicate flexibly.
Input/Output Blocks (IOBs):Interfaces for the FPGA to communicate with external systems and devices.
Clock Management Resources:Include PLLs (Phase-Locked Loops) and clock buffers for precise timing and synchronization.