Understanding FPGA

FPGA is a well renowned term in VLSI(Very Large Scale Integration) domain.

Let’s dive into it and understand it in a simple language.

So, here we go……

What is FPGA ?

FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA is a type of chip that you can reprogram anytime to perform different tasks.

For example: Think of an FPGA like a blank notebook where you can write and erase anything, as many times as you want. Instead of writing text, you write circuits inside it.

FPGA is a special type of chip that is manufactured by different companies (like Xilinx, Intel etc.), and we can program it to behave like the custom IC we want. We can get these chips from these companies and put are design in it by programming it, to form the desired IC.

Why we use FPGA?

An FPGA lets you experiment and test before making a final ASIC. An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a fixed, custom-made IC. Once fabricated, it cannot be changed.

This is why FPGA is widely used in chip prototyping – engineers design their IC logic on FPGA before sending it for final ASIC manufacturing.

HOW to use FPGA?

Get an FPGA chip (e.g., Xilinx, Intel ).
Write your design using HDL (Verilog or VHDL).
Program the FPGA to configure its internal circuits as per your design.
Run & test it – If changes are needed, just reprogram the FPGA!