FPGA

An FPGA (field-programmable gate array) is an integrated circuit that can be configured by a user after fabrication to implement digital circuits. Unlike fixed-function devices, FPGAs are programmable through hardware description languages or dedicated design software, allowing the user to define logic, routing, and peripherals and to reconfigure the device as needs change.

Most FPGAs contain an array of configurable logic blocks, comprising look‑up tables and flip‑flops, arranged with a programmable interconnect network. Additional components such as block RAM, DSP blocks, multipliers, and clock-management resources are integrated to support complex designs. Modern devices are often organized in a grid of logic tiles with high-bandwidth routing and abundant I/O capable of supporting various standards.

Programming is typically done with languages such as Verilog or VHDL, or with higher-level synthesis tools. The design is compiled in stages: synthesis, mapping to logic blocks, placement and routing, and generation of a configuration bitstream. The bitstream is loaded into volatile configuration memory on power-up, or stored in non-volatile memory for automatic reconfiguration. Some devices support partial reconfiguration to modify portions of the design while others run.

FPGA use spans digital signal processing, embedded systems, prototyping, telecommunications, aerospace, and data centers. They provide parallel processing capabilities and deterministic timing suitable for real-time applications. Compared with application-specific integrated circuits, FPGAs offer flexibility and shorter development cycles, but tend to have higher unit cost, larger area for equivalent logic, and higher dynamic power consumption, though these tradeoffs continue to improve with new architectures.

Development often leverages IP cores, soft or hard blocks, and increasingly high-level synthesis technologies to accelerate design. The ecosystem includes simulation, formal verification, and debugging tools to verify timing and functionality before deployment.