Embedded - FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array)

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuit (IC) devices that are used to build focused digital systems on a single board or chip. FPGAs are configured using HDL (hardware description language) or Verilog or VHDL. FPGAs increase flexibility, reduce time to market, and enable rapid hardware design experimentation. The AGL600V5-FGG144 a system-on-chip (SoC) FPGA device from Altera, combines the power of an Arm Cortex-A9 MPCore processor with the flexibility of a high-performance FPGA fabric.

Processing Capabilities

Advanced microcontroller features make the AGL600V5-FGG144 an ideal choice for applications requiring an efficient processor, such as audio and video processing, communications and networking, and high-end embedded systems. The processor supports up to four cores within the single FPGA device, which provides high-performance multiprocessing capabilities. The FPGA fabric can be designed to emulate the logic requirements of a variety of applications, and programmable I/O pins allow for custom communication protocols, including support for up to two Serial RapidIO ports, two PCI Express ports, and two USB 2.0 ports.

Memory Features

The AGL600V5-FGG144 contains dual integrated Flash memory controllers that support standard memory components such as SDRAM, SRAM, and DDR3 memory. The integrated Flash controllers help reduce die size and power consumption, and enable the system to boot from directly from flash. The integrated interface logic allows for easy communication between the FPGA logic and memory controller subsystems, simplifying data system designs.

Design Benefits

The AGL600V5-FGG144 enables rapid hardware design experimentation, allowing designers to configure, test, and modify designs quickly. Programmability also increases system flexibility, allowing developers to adapt their designs for multiple applications. Additionally, because the FPGA is configured using HDL, the design process is faster when compared to standard VLSI IC design. This reduces development costs, making the AGL600V5-FGG144 an ideal solution for applications that require a low-cost, programmable logic solution.

Conclusion

The AGL600V5-FGG144 is an ideal choice for applications requiring an efficient processor, such as audio and video processing, communications and networking, and high-end embedded systems. With its combination of processing and memory capabilities, programmability, and design benefits, the AGL600V5-FGG144 is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance and cost-effective programmable logic solution.