Introduction
The Field Programmable Gate Array, or FPGA, is a device that has been developed further based on programmable devices like PAL, GAL, CPLD, and others. In the realm of ASIC, it is created as a semi-custom circuit that not only addresses the shortcomings of custom circuits but also gets beyond the constraints of the original programmable device gate circuit. Its primary feature is that the user can fully configure and program it through software to carry out a specific task. It is currently the primary hardware platform used in digital system design. It is also erasable multiple times.
To convert hardware design effort into software development work, the modification and upgrade only require updating the computer's program rather than making any additional changes to the PCB circuit board. Costs are decreased, implementation flexibility is increased, and the system design cycle is shortened.
What is a programmable
logic device?
Given that FPGA is a type of programmable logic device, let's define a programmable logic device. Fixed logic devices and programmable logic devices are the two types of logic devices. As the name implies, the circuits in fixed logic devices are made to last and serve a single purpose or a combination of purposes. It cannot be altered once the manufacturing process is finished. However, PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices) are conventional finished parts that offer a broad range of logic features, including speed and voltage characteristics. Furthermore, this type of gadget can be modified at any time to perform a wide range of tasks.
PLDs are created as general integrated circuits, and the user programs the device to specify the logic function of the device. The level of general PLD integration is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of general digital system design. Rather than requiring the chip manufacturer to develop and produce a specific integrated circuit chip, a digital system can be "integrated" into a PLD by the designers themselves.
The internal digital circuits of PLDs can be programmed after they are created, unlike standard digital chips, and certain PLD types permit modifications following planning decisions. General digital chips are manufactured with predetermined internal circuitry that cannot be altered. The majority of mixed-signal and analog chips are the same. Once they leave the manufacturer, they are unable to modify or fix their internal circuits.
Memory, microprocessors, and logic devices are the three main categories of devices used in digital electronic systems. Random information, like the contents of a database or datasheet, is kept in memory. Word processors and video games are only two examples of the many activities that a microprocessor may perform by executing software instructions. Device-to-device interface, data transmission, signal processing, data display, timing and control operation, and all other tasks necessary for system functioning are among the specialized services that logic devices offer.
There are two types of logic devices: programmable logic and fixed logic. From the initial concept to the prototype and production, fixed logic should be incorporated. A new design for the gadget should be made after the application has changed. Programmable logic devices offer the benefit of not needing to be completely redesigned if the application changes and the device malfunctions. The logic devices only need to be directly reprogrammed, which saves money and time during the early stages of development.
Design Flow of FPGA
Since FPGA is a programmable chip, there are two components to its design process: software and hardware design. Input and output interface circuits, memory, FPGA chip circuits, and other devices are examples of hardware. The software consists of the matching Verilog HDL and VHDL programs. FPGAs use a top-down approach to design, beginning with the system-level architecture and working their way down to secondary and tertiary units until they are confident that the IP core, or fundamental logic unit, can be operated directly. The steps involved in the design process are generally as follows:
Definition of function and choice of device
The system function and module division must be defined before the start of the FPGA design project. Furthermore, the task requirements, including system function and complexity, should be taken into account while balancing work speed, resources, cost, and wire distributability. Next, decide on the best device kind and design strategy.
Design input
Schematic and hardware description language input are two types of design input. Although schematic input is easy to understand, it is difficult to simulate. It is also hard to maintain and inefficient. It is not beneficial for building and reusing modules. Its inadequate portability is its primary drawback. Every schematic needs to be updated when the chip is upgraded. Verilog HDL, VHDL, System C, and other hardware languages are examples. Some common characteristics of hardware description language input are that it is independent of chip technology, allowing for easy module transplanting and partitioning and supporting top-down design. They have robust logic descriptions, simulation functions, and good portability.
Functional simulation
Before compiling, functional simulation, also known as pre-simulation, is used to confirm that the user-designed circuit has a logic function. Only the function's first detection is available at this moment; there is no delay information.
Synthesis
Transforming the description of the higher level abstract level into the lower level description is known as "synthesis." By the logical connections produced by the optimization of goals and specifications for the execution of FPGA layout and wiring software, integrated optimization can create a hierarchical design plane. Currently, synthesis involves assembling the design input into a logical join network table using fundamental logic components such as triggers, AND and disjunction gates, inverters, RAM, and so forth. A true gate circuit does not exist.
Market Development of FPGA
Actually, a number of businesses withheld their products from the PLD (programmable logic device) market or sold their PLD businesses in the late 1990s, resulting in a strongly integrated FPGA market. or establish an independent firm and split off the PLD business.
In the FPGA industry nowadays, there are just a few prominent manufacturers: Altera, Xilinx, Actel, Atmel, Lattice, Quick Logic, and so forth. QuickLogic, however, was also certain to exit the FPGA industry in November 2007.
Nonetheless, there are still emerging producers of FPGA, such Math Star and Achronix Semiconductor. The mix-up and analog programmable logic devices likewise cut a figure, with the exception of programmable logic devices with basic digital logic features. One such adjustable mix circuit is included in the PSoC (Programmable System-on-Chip) from Cypress Semiconductor. For instance, Actel has also suggested the Fusion programmable hybrid chip. It is thought that this could provide programmable processors with higher kinetic energy.
Beyond its initial use in communications, FPGA
(Field Programmable Logic Devices) devices are now used in consumer electronics,
automotive electronics, and industrial control industries. The way that FPGA
products have evolved in recent years has become increasingly clear: on the one
hand, suppliers of FPGAs are dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge technology to
increase product performance and lower product costs; on the other hand, an
increasing number of generic or custom intellectual property rights (IP) have
been added to FPGAs in order to satisfy customer demands for quick product
launches. Furthermore, FPGA companies are working very hard to lower the power
consumption of their products in order to satisfy the industry's growing demand
for low power consumption.