FPGA (original) (raw)

FPGA stands for field-programmable gate array. It is like an ASIC that can reprogrammed after it is manufactured — a programmable logic device. Device manufacturers include Xilinx, Altera, Lattice Semiconductor, Actel, Cypress, Atmel and QuickLogic.

Many modern FPGAs have the ability to be reprogrammed at 'run time', and this is leading to the idea of reconfigurable computing or reconfigurable systems - CPUs that reconfigure themselves to suit the task at hand.

Applications of FPGAs include DSP, Software-defined radio, Aerospace and defence systems, ASIC Prototyping, Medical imaging and a growing range of other areas.

Basic Process Technology Types


Note: FPGA's should not be confused with Flip Chip Pin Grid Array, a form of integrated circuit packaging.