2. Generic FPGA architecture
An FPGA is an integrated circuit whose functionality can be "printed" in hardware using a configuration loaded into memory.
This memory, whether volatile or non-volatile, can be programmed directly by the user (hence the term Field Programmable ) without the need for costly casting. Generally speaking, an FPGA can be seen as an array of elementary logic elements (hence the term Gate Array ) whose functionality and connection to a subset of neighboring or distant elements depend on the configuration loaded in the memory plane. Figure 2 shows a generic view of FPGA architecture. It shows a homogeneous area in the form of a large matrix connecting :
logic blocks (BL) ;
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Generic FPGA architecture
Examples of FPGA families
Bibliography
Software tools
VPR: a set of CAD tools for FPGAs made by the University of Toronto. Initially specialized for placement/routing phases. Now available for other phases of the FPGA design flow. http://www.eecg.utoronto.ca/vpr/
Synplify: logic synthesis tool for FPGA circuits marketed by Synopsys, capable of synthesizing different FPGAs...
Events
FPGA: ACM/SIGDA International Symposium on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays http://www.isfpga.org
FPL: International Conference on Field Programmable Logic and Applications. 22nd edition in 2012 http://www.fpl.org/
FPT: International Conference on Field-Programmable...
Directory
Manufacturers – Suppliers – Distributors (non-exhaustive list)
Xilinx http://www.xilinx.com
Altera http://www.altera.com
Actel http://www.actel.com
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