This document provides an overview of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). It discusses that FPGAs are programmable logic devices with a 2D array of logic blocks and flip-flops that can be configured by the user. The document outlines the core components of an FPGA including logic blocks, look-up tables, multiplexers, flip-flops, and programmable interconnections. It also describes different FPGA programming technologies such as SRAM, antifuse, EPROM, and EEPROM programming. The document concludes by discussing FPGA advantages such as rapid prototyping and reconfigurability compared to ASICs.
FPGA :- A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is a Programmable Logic Device(PLD) with higher densities and capable of implementing different functions in a short period of time. Topics covered:- • FPGA Overview • FPGA in detail • Programming Methodology
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FPGA overview 2-Darray of logic blocks and flip-flops with programmable interconnections. Compact design User can configure Intersections between the logic blocks The function of each block
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FPGA in detail: Logic blocks: has an undefined function at the time of manufacture. before use, it must be programmed (i. e. reconfigured). Contains- Look-Up-Table(LUT) Multiplexer Flip-flop Can be programmed to function as Transistor Microprocessor Any combination of combinational and sequential logic functions to be continue..
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INTER CONNECTIONS Are electrically programmable interconnection between the logic blocks. Also contains electrically programmable switches. A hierarchy of interconnect allows logic blocks to be interconnected as per system designer. Like one chip programmable breadboard.
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Programming Methodology Electricallyprogrammable switches are used to program FPGA Properties of programmable switch determine on- resistance, parasitic capacitance, volatility, reprogrammability, size etc. Desired properties: Minimum area consumption Low on resistance; High off resistance Low parasitic capacitance to the attached wire Reliability in volume production Various programming techniques are:- SRAM programming technology Antifuse programming technology EPROM /EEPROM programming technology
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SRAM Programming Technology EmploysSRAM (Static RAM) cells to control pass transistors and/or transmission gates SRAM cells control the configuration of logic block as well Volatile Needs an external storage Needs a power-on configuration mechanism In-circuit re-programmable Lesser configuration time Occupies relatively larger area
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Anti-fuse Programming Technology Thoughimplementation differ, all anti-fuse programming elements share common property Uses materials which normally resides in high impedance state But can be fused irreversibly into low impedance state by applying high voltage
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Very lowON Resistance (Faster implementation of circuits) Limited size of anti-fuse elements; Interconnects occupy relatively lesser area Offset : Larger transistors needed for programming One Time Programmable Cannot be re-programmed (Design changes are not possible) Retain configuration after power off
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EPROM Programming Technology EPROM Programming Technology Two gates: Floating and Select Normal mode: No charge on floating gate Transistor behaves as normal n-channel transistor Floating gate charged by applying high voltage Threshold of transistor (as seen by gate) increases Transistor turned off permanently Re-programmable by exposing to UV radiation
No externalstorage mechanism Re-programmable (Not all!) Not in-system re-programmable Re-programming is a time consuming task An EPROM cell is erased by discharging the electrons on that cell’s floating gate. The energy required to discharge the electrons is provided by a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
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EEPROM Programming Technology Twogates: Floating and Select Functionally equivalent to EPROM; Construction and structure differ Electrically Erasable: Re-programmable by applying high voltage (No UV radiation expose!) When un-programmed, the threshold (as seen by select gate) is negative!
Other FPGA Advantages Manufacturing cycle for ASIC is very costly, lengthy and engages lots of manpower Mistakes not detected at design time have large impact on development time and cost FPGAs are perfect for rapid prototyping of digital circuits Easy upgrades like in case of software Unique applications
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Why better ? FPGA programmed using electrically programmable switches Routing architectures are complex. Logic is implemented using multiple levels of lower fan-in gates. Shorter time to market Ability to re-program in the field to fix bugs FPGA DISADVANTAGE FPGAs are generally slower than their application- specific integrated circuit (ASIC) Can't handle as complex a design, and draw more power.
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Application Reconfigurable computing. Applications of FPGAs include DSP, software-defined radio. The inherent parallelism of the logic resources on the FPGA allows for considerable compute throughput.
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FPGA Design andProgramming To define the behavior of the FPGA the user provides a hardware description language (HDL) or a schematic design. Then, using an electronic design automation tool, a technology- mapped net list is generated. The netlist can then be fitted to the actual FPGA architecture using a process called place-and-route. The user will validate the map, place and route results via timing analysis, simulation, and other verification methodologies. Once the design and validation process is complete, the binary file generated used to configure the FPGA.