What is fpga?
An FPGA (Field‑Programmable Gate Array) is a type of electronic chip that you can program after it’s made. Unlike a regular processor that runs software, an FPGA lets you create your own hardware circuits inside the chip, shaping how it processes data.
Let's break it down
- Field‑Programmable: You can change its configuration whenever you want, using a computer.
- Gate Array: Inside the chip are thousands (or millions) of tiny logic blocks (like tiny switches) that can be wired together.
- How it works: You write a description of the circuit (using languages like VHDL or Verilog), then a tool turns that description into a “bitstream” that programs the FPGA’s internal connections.
Why does it matter?
Because you get hardware‑level speed and parallelism without the cost and time of designing a custom chip. It lets engineers test ideas quickly, adapt to new standards, and build specialized processors for tasks like video encoding, AI inference, or signal processing.
Where is it used?
- Prototyping new ASIC designs
- High‑frequency trading (ultra‑low latency)
- Telecommunications (5G base stations, radio)
- Automotive (advanced driver‑assistance systems)
- Industrial control and robotics
- Consumer electronics (smart cameras, drones)
- Research labs and universities for teaching digital design
Good things about it
- Re‑configurable: change the design anytime.
- Parallel processing: many operations can run at once.
- Faster than software on a CPU for specific tasks.
- Short development cycle compared to custom silicon.
- Wide range of sizes and price points.
Not-so-good things
- More power‑hungry than an ASIC for the same function.
- Requires hardware description languages, which have a steep learning curve.
- Design tools can be expensive and complex.
- Performance may not match a purpose‑built chip for very high‑volume production.