FPGA, which works just like a processor but provides significant advantages to its users because it is programmable over and over again, is the most frequently used circuit form in the computer world in recent years. Let’s get to know this hardware a little more closely through questions such as what FPGA is, what it does, where it is used.
Most computers come with standard hardware, and users purchase new hardware or replace existing hardware to suit their needs. Of course, this situation causes big problems when it happens frequently. This is where the FPGA system comes into play. FPGA works like a processor but It provides many important advantages as it can be programmed repeatedly by the user.
The biggest advantage of FPGA circuits being programmable by the user is, of course, monetary. In addition, it is extremely long-lasting because it can be used repeatedly for different purposes. In other words, you can buy an FPGA circuit and use it for many years without sacrificing its performance. Bride What is FPGA, what is it for, where is it used Let’s get to know this hardware a little more closely through questions such as:
What is FPGA?
Field Programmable Gate Array, shortly FPGA, in Turkish, Field Programmable Gate Arrays; In its simplest definition, reprogrammable integrated circuits. It consists of certain logic blocks and interconnections that connect these logic blocks. Its usage area is extremely wide.
What does FPGA do?
The main purpose of the FPGA circuit is to perform the logic functions needed by the user. Each logic block in the FPGA circuit, It can be reprogrammed according to the function needed. Thanks to the FPGA, which can be programmed exactly according to the required function, other circuit elements with a much more complex structure work much more functionally.
FPGA basically works on the principle of data input and output. The entered data is processed and outputs in the required structure. For example, your FPGA circuit if you only want 20 bit data processing You can reprogram through this order. As a result, circuitry that only works for as long as you want will perform much more powerfully. Thanks to this performance, the work of other hardware becomes easier.
Where is FPGA used?
- Defense technologies
- Cryptocurrency mining
- space technologies
- digital signal processing systems
- Medical imaging technologies
- automotive technologies
These are the areas where FPGA circuits are most commonly used, but they are not the only ones. Thanks to its functional usage features FPGA circuits are generally used in all technologies and systems where parallel operations are performed. Moreover, thanks to its low cost and flexible usage structure, it finds its place in every field.
How to program an FPGA?
Of course, we cannot explain how to program a complex circuit system such as an FPGA in a few simple steps. This process done by software and computer engineers extremely precise regulations requires. During these arrangements, reprogramming is done with languages suitable for the FPGA circuit.
Most commonly used languages during FPGA programming VHDL is the programming language and Verilog is the hardware description language. Verilog is similar to C language and VHDL is similar to Pascal language. The VHDL programming language is used to organize the basic structure of FPGA circuits. Verilog, on the other hand, allows even people who do not know programming to edit FPGA circuits. Still, it is a rather complex system for non-experts.
FPGA advantages:
- The usage time is long.
- It can be updated by users.
- The development process is fast.
- It allows systems to operate much faster and more efficiently.
- It speeds up the software process.
- It is ideal for real-time applications as it provides the lowest latency.
- Ideal for parallel data processing.
- It is much more advantageous than ASIC as it can be reprogrammed.
- It provides energy efficiency as it requires a smaller panel area.
- It is much more flexible than CPLD.
- The development cost is much lower than ASIC.
Based on user reviews and expert opinions Here are some of the prominent advantages of FPGA circuits. It is possible to add different items to the list of advantages because such positive and negative comments vary according to user habits.
FPGA disadvantages:
- When reprogrammed frequently, energy efficiency and performance decrease.
- It has a complex and difficult structure.
- The latency increases as you add new interconnects.
- It uses external device for boot configuration.
- The initial cost is higher than CPLD and ASIC.
Based on user reviews and expert opinions Here are some of the prominent disadvantages of FPGA circuits. It is possible to add different items to the list of disadvantages because such positive and negative comments vary according to user habits.
Circuit system that facilitates the work of users by being programmed repeatedly What is FPGA, what is it for, where is it used We answered curious questions such as and talked about the details you need to know about this hardware. If you are using FPGA, you can share your experience in the comments.