Field Programmable Gate Arrays

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits that can be configured and reconfigured by users after manufacturing to implement custom digital logic circuits. They consist of an array of programmable logic blocks and interconnects that can be wired together to perform specific hardware functions, enabling high-performance, parallel processing for specialized tasks. FPGAs are widely used in applications requiring real-time processing, hardware acceleration, and rapid prototyping of digital systems.

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

Why learn Field Programmable Gate Arrays?

Developers should learn and use FPGAs when working on projects that demand low-latency, high-throughput processing, such as in telecommunications, aerospace, automotive systems, and data centers for tasks like signal processing, encryption, and machine learning acceleration. They are particularly valuable for creating custom hardware solutions without the high cost and lead time of designing application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), allowing for flexibility and iterative development in hardware design.

Learning Resources

• docs: FPGA Fundamentals - Intel FPGA Documentation
• course: FPGA Design with Verilog - Coursera Course
• video: Introduction to FPGAs - YouTube Tutorial by Nandland
• book: FPGA Prototyping by Verilog Examples - Book by Pong P. Chu