What Is a Field Programmable Gate Array and How Does It Work?

Field programmable gate arrays are semiconductor units that are based on a matrix of configurable logic blocks linked through programmable intersects. Field programmable gate arrays can be reprogrammed to wanted application or functionality needs after makers. This feature differentiates FPGAs from Application specific integrated circuits, which are custom-made for exact design tasks. Although OTP FPGAs are obtainable, the leading types are SRAM-based which can be reprogrammed as the design evolves.

The field programmable gate array market is witnessing growth and is projected to reach USD 23,991.2 million by 2030.

What Is the Difference Between an ASIC and an FPGA?

The value proposition of ASIC and FPGAs varies, so it is very important to carefully assess them before selecting the one that best suits you. There is a great deal of information available comparing the two technologies. While FPGAs used to be selected for lower speed/complexity/volume designs in the past, today’s FPGAs easily push the 500 MHz performance barrier.

With unparalleled logic density surges and a host of other features, like clocking, embedded processors, DSP blocks, and high-speed serial at ever lesser price points, Field programmable gate arrays are a compelling proposition for nearly any kind of design.

FPGA Applications

Because of their programmable nature, Field programmable gate arrays are perfectly suitable for numerous diverse markets.

Aerospace & Defense - The intellectual property for image processing, waveform generation, and partial reconfiguring of SDRs includes radiation-resistant field programmable gate arrays.

ASIC Prototyping - ASIC prototyping with field programmable gate arrays allows quick and 

precise SoC system modeling and authentication of embedded software.

Automotive - Automotive silicon and intellectual property solutions for gateway and driver 

assistance systems, comfort, convenience, and incur infotainment.

Broadcast & Pro AV - Adapt to altering needs quicker and extend product life cycles with Broadcast Targeted Design Platforms and solutions for high-end professional broadcast systems.

Consumer Electronics - Lucrative solutions allow next-generation, full-featured customer applications, like home networking, converged handsets, information appliances, digital flat panel displays, and residential set-top boxes.

Data Center – made for networking, high-bandwidth and low-latency servers, and storage applications to get advanced value into cloud deployments.

High-Performance Computing and Data Storage - Solutions for servers, network attached storage, Storage Area Networks, and storage appliances.

Industrial-field programmable gate array and targeted design channels for Medical, Industrial, and Scientific permit advanced degrees of faster time-to-market, flexibility, and lower overall non-recurring engineering prices for an extensive variety of applications like medical imaging equipment, industrial imaging, industrial automation, and surveillance.

Security - solutions that fulfill the growing requirements of safety applications, from access control to observation and safety systems.

Video & Image Processing - FPGAs and targeted design platforms enable higher degrees of flexibility, faster time-to-market, and lower overall non-recurring engineering costs (NRE) for a wide range of video and imaging applications.

Wired Communications - End-to-end solutions for the Reprogrammable Networking Line card Packet serial backplanes, Processing, Framer/MAC and more.