Field Programmable Gate Array

What Is a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)?

Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA is an integrated circuit that allows customers or designers to reconfigure as per requirement after the manufacturing process. This customization usually involves selecting and placing a set of gates, switches, and routing channels. The programming varies depending on the needs and goals. However, it can be a single, simple logic gate or may involve multiple complex functions.  

Users program it directly with a programming language such as Verilog or VHDL, in order to create custom hardware functions that are specific to their needs.

It's worth noting that FPGA isn't actually a new technology, but rather a combination of existing technologies which has been around for over 40 years. If you've ever played around with an Arduino board, you'll have some experience with FPGA technology.

The FPGA configuration can be performed remotely, typically after it is installed in the end application. 

Because it’s programmable, it makes it possible to use the same piece of hardware for a variety of different applications. It also makes the device usable for prototyping new designs with a little upfront cost.

Where Is It Used?

The result is an extremely high-performance chip that can be tailored to specific uses. FPGAs find their primary application in high-performance computing such as telecommunications, military, aerospace, and finance. The technology is also used for mining Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

The primary advantage of an FPGA over a general-purpose processor is that it can be more efficient in terms of power usage, size, and speed. Each of these factors becomes more important as the number of computations increases. An FPGA is far more flexible than a hard-wired ASIC implementation, making it possible to change the hardware implementation without changing the software that runs on it.

FPGAs are used in applications from cryptocurrency mining to audio processing. FPGAs provide a flexible alternative to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), which are chips designed for a particular purpose and can't be repurposed.

In the past, FPGAs were quite expensive for most companies. But recent developments have made them more affordable for many businesses, which has spawned excitement among entrepreneurs and engineers.

FPGAs can be programmed to be completely different applications. You could use a certain platform for one job today and something completely different tomorrow — all without having to start over from scratch.