Field Programmable Gate Array

A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit designed to be configured by a customer or designer after manufacturing. It consists of an array of programmable logic blocks and a hierarchy of reconfigurable interconnects that allow the blocks to be wired together to implement custom digital circuits. FPGAs are used in applications requiring high performance, low latency, or specialized hardware acceleration.

Also known as: FPGA, Programmable Logic Device, PLD, Reconfigurable Hardware, Gate Array

Why learn Field Programmable Gate Array?

Developers should learn and use FPGAs when working on projects that demand hardware-level optimization, such as real-time signal processing, high-frequency trading, or embedded systems where software alone is insufficient. They are particularly valuable for prototyping ASICs, accelerating machine learning inference, and implementing custom protocols in networking or telecommunications.

Learning Resources

• docs: FPGA Fundamentals
• tutorial: FPGA Programming for Beginners
• course: Introduction to FPGA Design with Verilog
• video: FPGA Basics Explained
• book: Digital Design and Computer Architecture