Field-Programmable Gate Arrays: Reconfigurable Logic for Rapid Prototyping and Implementation of Digital Systems

GLOSSARY

Antifuse   An initially open switch between two points, which may be closed by electrical selection of the location, using a nonreversible process activated by a higher-than-normal voltage. There is a variety of proprietary technologies.

ASIC   Application-specific integrated circuit. This term is used to distinguish integrated circuits for specialized applications, from commodity components.

CAE   Computer-aided engineering. Software tools for use by engineers.

CBIC   Cell-based integrated circuit. An IC mostly composed from a library of proven, pre-designed cells.

CLB   Configurable logic block. Proprietary term describing the internal element used in field-programmable gate array architectures developed by Xilinx, Inc.

CMOS   Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. The fabrication process used for field-programmable gate arrays.

Commodity component   A widely used type of integrated circuit that is produced in high volume and is readily available from different manufacturers with virtually-identical specifications.

DIL   Dual-in-line integrated circuit package. Common form of packaging with two rows of pins typically spaced by 0.1 inch.

CAL   Configurable Array Logic. Proprietary term describing the architecture employed by Algotronix Ltd.

DRAM   Dynamic random-access memory. A volatile semiconductor memory that requires periodic refresh cycles to maintain its contents.

EPROM   Erasable programmable read-only memory. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory, usually with ...