FPGA

FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a semiconductor device that can be configured after manufacturing to implement custom digital circuits, allowing developers to create hardware-accelerated solutions for specific tasks. It consists of an array of programmable logic blocks and interconnects that can be programmed using hardware description languages (HDLs) like VHDL or Verilog. FPGAs are widely used in applications requiring high performance, low latency, or real-time processing, such as signal processing, embedded systems, and prototyping.

Also known as: Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGAs, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, Programmable Logic Device, PLD

Why learn FPGA?

Developers should learn and use FPGAs when working on projects that demand hardware-level optimization, such as accelerating algorithms in machine learning, implementing custom protocols in networking, or prototyping ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). They are particularly valuable in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and automotive for tasks where software-based solutions are too slow or inefficient, enabling parallel processing and deterministic timing.

Learning Resources

• docs: FPGA Fundamentals
• course: FPGA Programming with Verilog
• video: Introduction to FPGAs - YouTube Tutorial
• book: Digital Design and Computer Architecture
• tutorial: FPGA Development with Vivado