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Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are semiconductor devices that are programmable and have the capability to reconfigure themselves to implement logic functions, custom functionality, and complex timing sequences from the software program. They are often referred to as mini-computers, since their physical complexity and sheer power can rival even the most powerful personal computers. In this article, we\'ll discuss what FPGAs are, their basic operation, and how they can be used in embedded systems.

What Is an FPGA?

An FPGA is a Field Programmable Gate Array. It is a programmable chip with a limited number of gates and I/O pins. The gates are digital logic elements that can be wired together to create logic circuits and function blocks. The I/O pins can be configured to receive external signals or supply data to external devices. These devices are typically used in electronics, robotics, and embedded systems for various computing applications.

The Basic Structure of an FPGA

FPGAs are made up of several basic components. Inside the chip, there are several input/output (I/O) pins, which provide the connection point between the FPGA and other external devices. Additionally, the chip contains several rows and columns of programmable logic blocks (PLBs). The PLBs are connected together by interconnects called horizontal and vertical logic buses. The logic buses connect all the PLBs together, allowing the flow of data throughout the FPGA.

On top of the PLBs are the memory blocks, which are used to store the instructions and code that define the functioning of the FPGA. The control logic block (CLB) is also used to control the flow of the data, regulate the timing of the logic blocks, and provide the power management necessary to keep the FPGA functioning at optimal levels. Finally, the FPGA also has a configuration PROM (programmable read-only memory) which holds the instructions and data necessary to configure the FPGA.

How FPGAs are Programmed

The first step in programming an FPGA is to write the code for the logic blocks. This code is usually written in a high-level language such as Verilog or VHDL (very high-speed integrated circuit hardware description language). The code defines the inputs and outputs for the logic blocks, which are then sent to the hardware description (HDL) compiler. The compiler is then used to generate the netlist which is the binary representation of the code that the FPGA can interpret.

Next, the netlist is sent to the FPGA programmer, which then sends signals to the FPGA\'s memory blocks. This causes the FPGAs logic blocks to begin performing their predetermined tasks, based on the instructions in the code. This process is known as configuration and can be done either on-time or in-system programming where the FPGA is placed in a running system. Once the FPGA is configured, it can then be used as a controller or processor.

Applications of FPGAs

FPGAs have found a wide range of uses in computer engineering, robotics, and embedded systems. FPGAs are used for signal processing, communications, data conversion, and image processing. Additionally, FPGAs are used for controllers, networking, automation, and machine vision. Some of the most common applications of FPGAs include encryption, bio-metrics, medical imaging, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

Conclusion

FPGAs have become an important component in the development of modern embedded systems. Their reconfigurable logic blocks and interconnects give them the flexibility and power to be used in a wide variety of applications. FPGAs enable designers to rapidly prototype and test out their designs, leading to shorter development cycles and more cost-effective devices. In short, FPGAs provide a valuable solution in the ever-changing world of embedded electronics.

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