What is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)?
Q: What is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)?
A: A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an electronic component used to build reconfigurable digital circuits. It has an undefined function at the time of manufacture and must be programmed, or reconfigured, before it can be used in a circuit.
Q: How does an FPGA differ from a logic gate?
A: An FPGA differs from a logic gate because a logic gate has a fixed function while an FPGA has an undefined function at the time of manufacture.
Q: What type of integrated circuit is an FPGA?
A: An FPGA is an integrated circuit in the category of programmable logic devices or PLDs.
Q: What are some drawbacks of using FPGAs compared to other PLDs?
A: One drawback of using FPGAs compared to other PLDs is that they do not remember their design when the power is removed, so they need a separate configuration memory chip that holds the design. They are also more expensive than other types of PLDs.
Q: How does one program an FPGA?
A: To program an FPGA, engineers use engineering software for Windows or Linux to develop designs written in hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog. The software then translates this code into the logic elements available on the selected FGPAs and positions them with place and route processes which creates a bitfile that can be programmed into either the configuration memory or directly into the FGPA itself with a USB programmer connected to its JTAG port.
Q: Are microprocessors and microcontrollers similar to FGPA's?
A: No, microprocessors and microcontrollers are different from FGPA's because in its basic form it cannot run software; only when given a configuration containing processor architecture does it have this ability.
