FPGAs 101: A Beginner's Guide

  

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are semiconductor devices based around Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs) that are connected through programmable interconnects. It has a flexible, reconfigurable computing function that enables the user to reprogram and change the device to implement a desired logic function or functionality after manufacturing. So what exactly are they? Let’s find out.

What Is an FPGA Development Board

• Based around programmable logic blocks, FPGAs are connected through reconfigured interconnects.
• They are designed to be configured and reprogrammed to a user desired application or functionality requirements, with the ability to carry out one or more logical operations.
• FPGA enables you to design your own chip from scratch. With the FPGA, any digital function limited by the 1 universal chip can be implemented.
• They are a collection of circuits on a chip, the electrical functionality of which can be changed during the PCB assembly process or by the user with no limit.
• It may be configured to perform complicated combination functions similar to a simple logic gate (OR/AND function) or a CPU.

Why Use FPGA?

While programming FPGAs is slightly tricky due to the complicated calculations (compared to other microcontrollers) and requires more power, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Here are the advantages:

 

       Flexibility

• an FPGA is designed so that it has a flexible, reconfigurable computingfunction that enables the user to reprogram and change the device to implement adifferent logic function.
• This enables the changes to be made to the circuit without any cost compared to other hardware circuits like the Application Specific Integrated Circuit (or ASIC), which has fixed hardware functionalities.

          Security

• FPGAs have flexibility, so there is a lower risk for malicious modifications during programming or manufacturing.
• Many FPGA vendors also offer some security solutions to users like authentication and bit stream encryption for your security needs
  
  Efficiency and Performance
  

• FPGAs have acceleration and off-load functions for your CPU, which can enhance the performance of your system.
• FPGAs are also appropriate for running parallel execution that’s efficient as they can process various information input channels or control various channels simultaneously. For instance, with FPGAs, you can read two sensors simultaneously when data is immediately transmitted. Indirectly, this makes FPGAs a lot more energy-efficient since energy isn't wasted waiting for data transmission. In fact, data processing only occurs when there are updates.
• In comparison to microcontrollers, FPGA processing speeds and dataflow are faster and better.

          Time to Market

• With their flexible reconfigurable function, FPGAs are perfect for prototyping purposes.
• With parallel processes, development steps can simultaneously be performed. The programming can also be upgraded and changed.

What Are Some Applications of FPGAs

Since FPGAs are flexible and programmable, they can become any digital circuit as long as there are sufficient blocks in the unit to implement that circuit. This enables them to be used in several industries and have several functions. Some of them are:

 

 

• Parallel Processes: To control various channels or process various input channels of information at once.
• Digital Signal Processing: Algorithms like image processing, digital filtering, etc.
• Scientific and Medical Purposes: Medical equipment for monitoring, diagnostic, and therapy applications (for example, diagnostic imaging systems like ultrasounds and X-rays).
• Consumer Electronics: Allows for cost-effective solutions like portable entertainment (for example, smartphones and cameras) and digital television (for instance, digital set-top boxes for TV broadcasts).
• Security Programs: FPGAs are used in network security, cloud security, etc.
• Data Center: FPGAs are used for low-latency, high-bandwidth servers and storage applications for cloud purposes.
• Defense and Purpose: Used for radios for real-time signal processing, waveform generation in radars, image processing, etc.

Summary

There is great versatility that comes with FPGAs due to their programmable nature. Consequently, they have many uses and applications that appeal to different users, including makers and hobbyists. If you’re looking for boards radio or radio universal online or are unsure as to which FPGA development board to select for your project, call Apogee Applied Research, Inc., and one of our friendly customer service representatives will gladly assist you.