Rapid System Prototyping with FPGAs

Chapter 2

FPGA Fundamentals

2.1 Overview

This chapter provides a brief overview of programmable logic technology and history. It is intended for designers with limited programmable logic experience. Since the primary focus of this book is on rapid design implementation with FPGA technology, the technology overview is at a higher level. This chapter provides a high-level overview of programmable logic technology. For a more detailed overview of programmable logic, refer to The Design Warrior’s Guide to FPGAs – by Clive Maxfield.

Programmable logic devices have the potential to implement a broad range of functionality, unlike the fixed-function devices that preceded them. It is the flexibility inherent in FPGA technology that allows design teams ...