FPGA basics: Architecture,

applications and uses

Outline
• What is FPGA?
• FPGA Architecture
• CPLD vs FPGA
• FPGA Design
• FPGA Uses: An Attractive Choice for
Certain Applications
• FPGA Applications
What is FPGA?
• Field Programmable Gate Array
(FPGA) is an integrated circuit that
consists of internal hardware blocks
with user-programmable interconnects
to customize operation for a specific
application.
• The interconnects can readily be
reprogrammed, allowing an FPGA to
accommodate changes to a design or
even support a new application during
the lifetime of the part.
• The FPGA has its roots in earlier devices such as
programmable read-only memories (PROMs) and
programmable logic devices (PLDs). These devices
could be programmed either at the factory or in the
field, but they used fuse technology (hence, the
expression “burning a PROM”) and could not be
changed once programmed.
• In contrast, FPGA stores its configuration information
in a re-programmable medium such as static RAM
(SRAM) or flash memory. FPGA manufacturers
include Intel, Lattice Semiconductor, Microchip
Technology and Microsemi.
FPGA Architecture A basic FPGA architecture
consists of thousands of
fundamental elements called
configurable logic blocks
(CLBs) surrounded by a
system of programmable
interconnects, called a fabric,
that routes signals between
CLBs. Input/output (I/O)
blocks interface between the
FPGA and external devices.

Depending on the
manufacturer, the CLB may
also be referred to as a logic
block (LB), a logic element
(LE) or a logic cell (LC).
• An individual CLB is made up of several logic blocks. A lookup table
(LUT) is a characteristic feature of an FPGA. An LUT stores a
predefined list of logic outputs for any combination of inputs: LUTs with
four to six input bits are widely used.
• Which contains two three-input LUTs (1), an FA (3) and a D-type flip-
flop (5), plus a standard mux (2) and two muxes, (4) and (6), that are
configured during FPGA programming.
• This simplified CLB has two modes of operation. In normal mode, the
LUTs are combined with Mux 2 to form a four-input LUT; in arithmetic
mode, the LUT outputs are fed as inputs to the FA together with a carry
input from another CLB. Mux 4 selects between the FA output or the
LUT output. Mux 6 determines whether the operation is asynchronous
or synchronized to the FPGA clock via the D flip-flop.
CPLD vs FPGA
FPGA Design
• How do we transform this collection of thousands of hardware blocks
into the correct configuration to execute the application? An FPGA-
based design begins by defining the required computing tasks in the
development tool, then compiling them into a configuration file that
contains information on how to hook up the CLBs and other modules.
The process is similar to a software development cycle except that
the goal is to architect the hardware itself rather than a set of
instructions to run on a predefined hardware platform.
• Designers have traditionally used a hardware description language
(HDL) such as VHDL (Figure 4) or Verilog to design the FPGA
configuration.
• Once the FPGA design has been created and verified using HDL, the
compiler takes the text-based file and generates a configuration file
that contains information on how the components should be wired
together. Even if the HDL code has no errors, choosing the wrong
FPGA may still cause the compilation to fail—for example, the FPGA
runs out of a specific resource type or the compiler cannot create the
required routes between components.
FPGA Design
• One challenge with an HDL approach is that configuring an FPGA
requires both coding skills and a detailed knowledge of the
underlying hardware, and the required expertise is not widely
available.
• As a result, vendors are offering software development kits (SDKs)
that allow designers to develop FPGA solutions in popular high-level
languages such as C/C++, Python and OpenCL. High-level synthesis
(HLS) design tools are also available; these run on a framework such
as National Instrument’s LabVIEW and feature graphical block
diagrams instead of lines of code.
FPGA Applications
Applications
Application: Smart home lighting systems allow users to control the brightness, color, and scheduling of lights
via mobile apps or voice commands.
FPGA Role:
1.Real-time Control: FPGAs process user input and adjust lighting parameters in real-time, ensuring
immediate response to commands without noticeable delays.
2.Parallel Processing: FPGAs can simultaneously manage multiple lighting zones, each with varying settings,
using parallel processing capabilities, maintaining seamless control.
3.Lighting Algorithms: FPGAs implement complex lighting algorithms, such as color mixing and gradual
dimming, providing smooth transitions and dynamic lighting effects.
4.Security and Encryption: FPGAs handle encryption and security protocols for communication between the
user's device and the lighting system, ensuring data privacy.
5.Customization: FPGAs enable customization of lighting effects and behaviors, allowing users to create
personalized scenes and moods according to their preferences.
6.Energy Efficiency: FPGAs optimize energy consumption by intelligently adjusting lighting levels based on
ambient light, occupancy, and user-defined schedules.
7.Integration with Sensors: FPGAs process data from sensors like motion detectors and ambient light sensors,
triggering automated lighting changes when needed.
8.Voice Control: FPGAs implement voice recognition algorithms, converting spoken commands into actions
for controlling lights, enhancing user convenience.
9.Firmware Updates: FPGAs allow over-the-air firmware updates, enabling manufacturers to enhance features
and security without requiring hardware changes.
10.Scalability: FPGAs accommodate future expansion and integration with other smart home devices, ensuring
compatibility and adaptability as the ecosystem grows.
Application: Medical imaging involves techniques like X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to visualize internal body
structures for accurate diagnosis.
FPGA Role:
1.Real-time Image Processing: FPGAs process raw image data in real-time, applying filters, noise reduction,
and enhancement techniques to improve image quality for better diagnosis.
2.Parallel Processing: FPGAs perform intricate image processing tasks using parallel processing, accelerating
computation and reducing the time required for image rendering.
3.Image Compression: FPGAs compress image data using efficient algorithms, allowing storage and
transmission of high-quality medical images without consuming excessive resources.
4.Denoising: FPGAs employ sophisticated denoising algorithms to remove unwanted artifacts, resulting in
clearer and more accurate images for medical professionals.
5.Feature Extraction: FPGAs extract key features from medical images, assisting radiologists in identifying
abnormalities and making accurate diagnoses.
6.3D Rendering: FPGAs facilitate rapid 3D rendering of volumetric medical data, enabling detailed
visualization of structures and aiding in surgical planning.
7.Real-time Monitoring: FPGAs enable real-time monitoring of medical procedures, providing immediate
feedback to surgeons and medical staff for precise interventions.
8.Customizable Algorithms: FPGAs allow the implementation of custom image processing algorithms,
tailoring the system to the specific requirements of different medical imaging modalities.
9.Security and Encryption: FPGAs handle data encryption and security protocols to ensure patient privacy
and compliance with healthcare regulations.
10.Integration with AI: FPGAs integrate with AI and machine learning models, assisting in automated
detection of anomalies and supporting radiologists in their assessments.
11.Reduced Latency: FPGAs significantly reduce processing latency, enabling clinicians to view high-
resolution images without noticeable delays, enhancing real-time decision-making.
12.Modularity and Upgradability: FPGAs offer modularity and flexibility, allowing medical imaging
systems to be upgraded with new algorithms and features without replacing hardware.
Application: Aerospace radar systems are essential for navigation, surveillance, and target tracking in aircraft,
spacecraft, and drones.
FPGA Role:
1.Real-time Signal Processing: FPGAs process radar signals in real-time, implementing algorithms for filtering,
pulse compression, and target detection without latency.
2.Parallel Processing: FPGAs leverage parallelism to handle multiple radar signals simultaneously, enabling
efficient processing of complex waveforms and maximizing system performance.
3.Adaptive Beamforming: FPGAs implement adaptive beamforming algorithms, focusing radar beams towards
specific targets and minimizing interference from unwanted signals.
4.Doppler Processing: FPGAs perform Doppler processing to analyze frequency shifts in radar returns, allowing
accurate velocity estimation of moving targets.
5.Range and Angle Estimation: FPGAs calculate target range and angle by processing radar echoes and using
triangulation techniques, enabling precise target positioning.
6.Moving Target Indication (MTI): FPGAs implement MTI algorithms to differentiate between stationary and
moving targets, enhancing detection accuracy in cluttered environments.
7.Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR): FPGAs enable SAR imaging by processing radar returns from multiple
antenna positions, generating high-resolution radar images of the Earth's surface.
8.Track Management: FPGAs support target tracking algorithms, maintaining consistent tracks of multiple
objects despite noise, clutter, and changing conditions.
9.Electronic Warfare (EW): FPGAs are used in radar-based electronic warfare systems for signal jamming,
deception, and identification of hostile radar sources.
10.Customizable Processing: FPGAs allow the implementation of custom radar processing algorithms, tailoring
the system to specific mission requirements and hardware constraints.
11.Redundancy and Reliability: FPGAs provide redundancy by implementing duplicate processing paths,
ensuring system reliability and fault tolerance in critical aerospace operations.
12.Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Efficiency: FPGAs offer high processing power within compact form
factors, contributing to SWaP-efficient radar systems suitable for aerospace platforms.
Here are a few notable FPGA case studies:

1.Image and Video Processing:

1. Medical Imaging: FPGAs are used in medical imaging devices like X-ray, MRI, and
ultrasound machines for real-time image processing and analysis, enhancing the quality and
speed of diagnostics.
2. Broadcasting: FPGAs are employed in video broadcasting equipment for tasks such as video
compression, format conversion, and real-time graphics rendering.
2.Communication and Networking:
1. 5G Base Stations: FPGAs are used in 5G base stations to handle the high data rates and low
latency requirements, enabling efficient processing of wireless signals and advanced
beamforming.
2. Network Packet Processing: FPGAs are utilized in routers and switches for packet processing
tasks, allowing for high-speed data forwarding, encryption, and deep packet inspection.
3.Aerospace and Defense:
1. Radar Systems: FPGAs are integrated into radar systems for signal processing, target
detection, and tracking in real time, aiding in military and aviation applications.
2. Avionics: FPGAs are used in aircraft systems for functions such as flight control, data
communication, and safety critical tasks due to their reliability and deterministic behavior.
4.Automotive:
1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): FPGAs are used to accelerate sensor fusion,
image processing, and object detection in ADAS, enabling features like lane departure
warnings and adaptive cruise control.
2. In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI): FPGAs are employed in IVI systems for processing
multimedia content, managing touchscreens, and providing connectivity options.
Here are a few notable FPGA case studies:

5. Industrial Automation:
1. Factory Automation: FPGAs play a crucial role in industrial control systems, providing real-
time control and monitoring of machinery, process automation, and PLC (Programmable Logic
Controller) functionality.
2. Robotics: FPGAs are used in robotics for motor control, sensor integration, and motion
planning, contributing to the efficiency and precision of robotic systems.
6. High-Performance Computing:
1. Accelerated Computing: FPGAs are employed as accelerators alongside traditional CPUs in
high-performance computing clusters, speeding up tasks such as scientific simulations,
cryptography, and machine learning inference.
7. Financial Services:
1. Algorithmic Trading: FPGAs are used in algorithmic trading platforms to execute complex
financial calculations and transactions with low latency, providing a competitive advantage in
high-frequency trading.
8. Research and Development:
1. Prototyping: FPGAs are widely used in research and development to quickly prototype and test
digital logic designs before committing to ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)
production.
Granularity of function and wiring resources

• The granularity of the reconfigurable logic is defined as the size of

the smallest functional unit (CLB).

Depending on the granularity, reconfigurable devices can be of following

types.
1. Fine Grained – A universal gate like NAND or AND-OR-NOT, are
basic block.
2. Middle Grained – CLBs are either Multiplexer based or ROM/RAM
based.
3. Coarse Grained – FFT or a processor work as a basic unit.

Tradeoffs: Fine grain FPGA involves more interconnection overhead

whereas coarse grain reconfigurable devices are application specific.
Two type of CLBs are shown below which implements the function
op = x (xor) y (xor) z

An LUT Based CLB Programmed by SRAM

A MUX Based CLB
• CLBs consist of Look-up Tables (LUT) which implements the entries
of a logic function’s truth table.
• Some FPGAs can use LUTs to implement small Random Access
Memory (RAM). CLBs has Carry and Control Logic which
Implements fast arithmetic operations (adders/ subtractors).
• CLBs can be also configured for additional operations (Built-in-Self
Test iterative-OR chain) and have configurable Flip Flops (FFs)/
Latches (Programmable clock edges, set/reset, and clock enable).
• These memory elements usually can be configured as shift-registers
• Each CLB of Spartan 3E (xc3s500e) FPGA comprises four interconnected slices, as shown in
Fig. These slices are grouped in pairs and each pair is organized as a column with an
independent carry chain. The left pair supports both logic and memory functions and its slices
are called SLICEM. The right pair supports logic only and its slices are called SLICEL.
Therefore half the LUTs support both logic and memory (including both RAM16 and SRL16
shift registers) while half support logic only, and the two types alternate throughout the array
columns. The SLICEL reduces the size of the CLB and lowers the cost of the device, and can
also provide a performance advantage over the SLICEM.
• Slice Overview: A slice includes two 4 input LUT function generators and two programmable
storage elements along with additional logic circuitry.
• Logic Cells: The combination of a LUT and a storage element is known as a “Logic Cell”. The
additional features in a slice, such as the wide multiplexers, carry logic and arithmetic gates
enhances the capacity of a slice. Benchmarks have shown that the overall slice is equivalent to
2.25 simple logic cells.

• Programmable Interconnect
Interconnect is the programmable network of signal pathways between the inputs and
outputs of functional elements within the FPGA, such as IOBs, CLBs, DCMs, and block
RAM. Interconnect, also called routing, is segmented for optimal connectivity. There are
four kinds of interconnect: long lines, hex lines, double lines, and direct lines.
• Programmable Switch Matrix (PSM): The switch matrix connects to the different kinds
of interconnects across the device. An interconnect tile is defined as a single switch matrix
connected to a functional element, such as a CLB, IOB, or Digital Clock Manager (DCM).
If a functional element spans across multiple switch matrices such as the block RAM or
multipliers, then an interconnect tile is defined by the number of switch matrices connected
to that functional element. The four types of interconnect lines are described below.
• Long Lines: Each set of 24 long line signals spans the die both horizontally and
vertically and connects to one out of every six interconnect tiles. At any tile, four
of the long lines drive or receive signals from a switch matrix. Because of their
low capacitance, these lines are well-suited for carrying high frequency signals
with minimal loading effects (e.g. skew). If all global clock lines are already
committed and additional clock signals remain to be assigned, long lines serve as
a good alternative.
• Hex Lines: Each set of eight hex lines are connected to one out of every three
tiles, both horizontally and vertically. Thirty-two hex lines are available between
any given interconnect tile. Hex lines are only driven from one end of the route.
• Double Lines: Each set of eight double lines are connected to every other tile,
both horizontally and vertically in all four directions. Thirty-two double lines
available between any given interconnect tile. Double lines are more do
connections and of more flexibility, compared to long line and hex lines.
• Direct Connections: Direct connect lines route signals to neighboring tiles:
vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. These lines most often drive a signal
from a “source” tile to a double, hex, or long line and conversely from the longer
interconnect back to a direct line accessing a “destination” tile.
Fine-grained and Coarse-grained
Coarse-grained vs fine-grained
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) come in various architectures and configurations, which can be
broadly categorized as coarse-grained and fine-grained FPGAs.
1.Logic Density:
1. Coarse-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs have larger logic blocks, resulting in lower logic density. Each
logic block can perform more complex functions.
2. Fine-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs have smaller logic cells, leading to higher logic density. Each logic
cell is more basic and simple.
2.Functionality:
1. Coarse-Grained FPGA: Logic blocks in coarse-grained FPGAs are capable of implementing more
complex functions, often involving multiple operations.
2. Fine-Grained FPGA: Logic cells in fine-grained FPGAs typically implement simpler functions and are
more suitable for basic arithmetic and logic operations.
3.Flexibility:
1. Coarse-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs offer relatively lower flexibility in terms of reconfigurability due
to their larger block sizes.
2. Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs are highly flexible and allow for more intricate and granular
reconfigurations.
4.Resource Utilization:
1. Coarse-Grained FPGA: Resource utilization tends to be lower in coarse-grained FPGAs because larger
blocks might not be fully utilized for all designs.
2. Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs have better resource utilization as smaller logic cells can be
more efficiently mapped to various design elements.
5. Area Efficiency:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs might be less area-efficient for designs that require fine-grained control
over logic placement.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs are more area-efficient for designs with intricate logic
interconnections.
6. Performance:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: In some cases, coarse-grained FPGAs can offer better performance for designs that can
exploit the capabilities of larger logic blocks.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs might be better suited for designs that require high levels of
parallelism and small logic operations.
7. Complexity of Designs:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs are better suited for complex designs that involve large-scale operations
and interconnections.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs are suitable for simpler designs that rely on basic logic operations and
limited interconnectivity.
8. Power Consumption:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: Power consumption might be higher in coarse-grained FPGAs due to larger blocks and
potentially unused resources.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs tend to have lower power consumption due to smaller logic cells and
better resource utilization.
9. Ease of Learning:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: Programming and utilizing larger blocks might have a steeper learning curve.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs are often more approachable for beginners due to their basic logic cell
structure.
10. Application Focus:
•Coarse-Grained FPGA: These FPGAs are well-suited for applications requiring substantial computation and
complex control structures.
•Fine-Grained FPGA: Fine-grained FPGAs excel in applications demanding parallel processing, rapid
prototyping, and simpler logic operations.
FPGA are classified based on how their configuration data is stored. This configuration
data decides what functionality gets implemented inside FPGA.
•There are 3 types of configuration .
1.Antifuse based
2.Flash based
3.SRAM based

The difference is in the cell used to store the configuration data.

•In Antifuse FPGA the configuration is controlled by an element called ANTIFUSE.
This is one time programmable . Once programmed it can not be changed.
•Flash based FPGA use flash memory to store the configuration. They can be
reprogrammed by changing the content of FLASH. They have the advantage of
retaining the configuration data even after switching off.
•SRAM FPGA use SRAM cells to store the configuration data. These are volatile and
reprogrammable. At every power up their content have to be programmed from a non
volatile memory.
• SRAM-based FPGA
SRAM-based FPGAs are volatile and need to be re-programmed at each power-up. This eases
prototyping and allows devices to be completely re-configured in-orbit. SRAM
configuration memory can be sensitive to radiation effects which can potentially corrupt a design
and alter the intended operation. Some space-grade devices use the standard, un-hardened, six-
transistor, storage cell in the functional logic blocks, while more SEU-robust parts exploit the
radiation tolerance advantages of a 12-transistor design at the expense of increased area and power
consumption. Continued CMOS scaling has helped to alleviate these disadvantages somewhat.

• Flash-based FPGA
Flash-based FPGAs are non-volatile, live at power-up, and can be re-programmed in-orbit. A
floating-gate transistor is used within each cell which is immune to firm errors as exposure to
radiation cannot generate sufficient charge to change its configuration state. Flash memory cells
typically require two transistors resulting in increased logic density, shorter routing, smaller
interconnect delays and lower power consumption compared to SRAM devices.

• Antifuse-based FPGA
Antifuse-based FPGAs are non-volatile, live at power-up, but one-time programmable, which can
present prototyping challenges. The antifuses which configure the interconnect are grown between
the upper two layers of metal eliminating the routing channels and switching resources between
logic modules. This results in increased logic density, shorter routing and smaller delays. Antifuse
FPGAs also consume less static and dynamic power than equivalent SRAM devices.
Selecting an FPGA
When selecting an FPGA for a particular application, one should consider:

• Size—This is a tricky question to ask and answer. FPGA vendors measure density or
size in different ways. Nonetheless, a designer will need a ballpark understanding of
what type of FPGA product they require.
• I/O pins—A designer needs to know how many pins they must share with the circuit
outside of the FPGA. For example, serialization and de-serialization of signals can
use up many pins.
• Unit price—A large FPGA may be able to squeeze in all of your required IP, but the
resultant cost might break the project's budget. It may make more sense to only
incorporate certain IP into the FPGA and use off-the-shelf components for the rest of
the design.
• Performance—If fast computations are essential, then higher-performance FPGAs
would, of course, become mandatory—and a tradeoff to cost.
• Power consumption—This is critical for applications particularly sensitive to heat
dissipation, and for those that require batteries.
 FPGA Manufacturers
• With their increasing complexity and decreasing per-piece price, FPGAs are finding their way into more designs than
ever. Below is a short list of the FPGA manufacturers and the products they offer.
• Xilinx (www.xilinx.com) is arguably the most well known FPGA manufacturer. Xilinx offers SRAM-based FPGAs that
vary from tens of thousands of gates to millions upon millions of gates. Xilinx FPGAs come in two different product
families: Virtex 4 and Spartan 3E. Virtex 4 devices are the highly complex, larger-density devices, while Spartan 3E
devices are geared more toward the lower-power, lower-cost consumer and industrial applications. As with all SRAM-
based FPGAs, external memory is needed to program the FPGA.
• Altera (www.altera.com) is another well known SRAM-based FPGA manufacturer. Constantly in competition with
Xilinx, they offer products similar to those of Xilinx. Its Stratix family is a high-density, high-performance solution.
For low-cost applications, they offer the Cyclone II family. Altera also embraces the idea of structured ASICs, which is
shunned by some FPGA manufacturers. The company presents a path to convert from a Stratix FPGA into a Hardcopy
Structured ASIC, which will reduce cost when the FPGA design becomes fixed.
• Lattice Semiconductor (www. latticesemi.com) enters the fray with SRAMbased,-flash, and SRAM hybrid FPGAs. Its
latest product, Lattice ECP, targets the high-performance, low-cost market. One benefit is that it uses low-cost serial
flash as the program loader, instead of high-cost, proprietary memories.
• Actel (www.actel.com) got its start in the anti-fuse FPGA space. Today, the company is a large player in the
radiationhardened, anti-fuse FPGA business, which ties in directly with the aerospace market. Actel is now focusing on
its family of ProASIC flash-based FPGAs, which range from tens of thousands of gates to up to three million gates. The
company is the only FPGA manufacturer to sign an agreement with ARM to offer their cores for use in the ProASIC
family. The most interesting product may be the Fusion FPGA—it's the first mixed-signal FPGA. The block diagram in
shows what can go into the Fusion product.
• QuickLogic (www.quicklogic.com), which develops anti-fuse-based FPGAs, is gearing its next-generation products
toward the compact, low-power space. Because anti-fuse technology is inherently low power, QuickLogic offers
Eclipse and now Polar Pro for batteryoperated applications. In addition, QuickLogic features low-power bridging
products that can provide standard interfaces (e.g., PCI) and allow for customizable interface and glue-logic design.
Also, the company signed an agreement with Aeroflex Microelectronics (www.ams.aeroflex.com). Aeroflex will now
offer a radiation-hardened version of the Quicklogic Eclipse device.
FPGA vendor specific issues
• FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) devices are manufactured and sold by several
vendors, each with its own set of tools, technologies, and features. Consequently, there can
be vendor-specific issues or considerations when working with FPGA devices from
different manufacturers. Here are some common FPGA vendor-specific issues that
engineers and developers may encounter:
1. Toolchain Differences: Each FPGA vendor provides its own development tools and
software for designing, programming, and configuring FPGAs. These tools can vary
significantly in terms of user interface, features, and performance. Learning and adapting to
different toolchains can be a challenge when switching between vendors.
2. Device Architecture: FPGA vendors offer various families and series of FPGA devices, each
with its unique architecture, resources (such as logic cells, DSP slices, and memory blocks),
and capabilities. Developers need to understand the specific architecture of the FPGA they
are using to optimize their designs.
3. IP Cores and Libraries: FPGA vendors often provide proprietary intellectual property (IP)
cores and libraries that are optimized for their devices. Integrating third-party IP cores or
migrating designs between vendors may require modifications and can be complex.
4. Licensing and Costs: FPGA development tools and IP cores can have associated licensing
fees, and these costs can vary between vendors. Developers must consider licensing when
choosing a vendor and managing project budgets.
FPGA vendor specific issues
5. Device Availability and Lead Times: Some FPGA devices may have limited availability,
long lead times, or supply chain issues, which can affect project timelines and availability of
hardware for testing and production.
6. Technical Support and Documentation: The quality and availability of technical support,
documentation, and community resources can vary between FPGA vendors. Engineers may
encounter difficulties in finding solutions to specific problems if resources are limited.
7. Ecosystem and EDA Tool Integration: Integration with third-party Electronic Design
Automation (EDA) tools, such as simulation, synthesis, and PCB design tools, can vary
between vendors. Compatibility issues may arise when trying to use these tools with FPGA
solutions from different vendors.
8. Security Features: Some FPGA vendors offer specific security features, such as encryption,
secure boot, and anti-tamper mechanisms. Understanding and utilizing these features
effectively may be vendor-specific.
• To address vendor-specific issues, engineers often choose an FPGA vendor based on
project requirements, budget, and familiarity with the vendor's tools and ecosystem. It's
essential to thoroughly research and evaluate the options, considering both technical and
non-technical factors, before selecting an FPGA vendor for a particular project.
• There are numerous FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) development boards available on the market
from various manufacturers. Keep in mind that the availability and popularity of specific boards may change
over time, and new boards may have been introduced since then. Here's a list of some commonly known
FPGA development boards from major vendors:
1. Xilinx Boards:
1. Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC ZCU102/ZCU104
2. Xilinx Artix-7 Arty A7
3. Xilinx Virtex-7 VC707
4. Xilinx Spartan-7 Arty S7
5. Xilinx Kintex-7 Nexys 4 DDR
6. Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+ VCU118
2. Intel (formerly Altera) Boards:
1. Intel Cyclone V SoC DE1-SoC
2. Intel Arria 10 GX DE10-Nano
3. Intel Stratix 10 GX/SX Stratix 10 GX/SX Development Kit
4. Intel MAX 10 MAX1000
3. Lattice Semiconductor Boards:
1. Lattice ECP5 ECP5 Evaluation Board
2. Lattice iCE40 iCEstick Evaluation Kit
3. Lattice MachXO2 MachXO2 Pico Development Kit
4. Microchip (formerly Microsemi) Boards:
1. Microchip PolarFire SoC Icicle Kit
2. Microchip PolarFire FPGA Evaluation Kit
5. Terasic Boards:
1. Terasic DE10-Standard
2. Terasic DE0-Nano
3. Terasic DE5-Net
4. Terasic DE2-115
6. Digilent Boards:
1. Digilent Arty S7
2. Digilent Basys 3
3. Digilent Nexys Video
4. Digilent Zybo Z7
7. Avnet Boards:
1. Avnet Ultra96-V2
2. Avnet PicoZed SDR
3. Avnet SmartEdge Agile
8. Arrow Boards:
1. Arrow BeMicro Max 10
2. Arrow MAX1000
9. Digilent Boards:
1. Digilent Arty Z7
2. Digilent Basys 3
3. Digilent Nexys Video
4. Digilent Zybo Z7
10. Aldec Boards:
1. Aldec TySOM-3A
2. Aldec HES-US-440 Prototyping Platform