Chip inputs and outputs use special I/O logic cells A programmable interconnect scheme forms the wiring between the two types of logic cells Designers use custom software, tailored for each programming technology and FPGA architecture to design and implement interconnections Types of programming technology permanent programming (OTP One Time Programmable) Reprogrammable or erasable FPGA Internal Structure Top FPGA vendors in 2002 are Xilinx, Inc. 1 Outline CPE 528: Session #10 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Alabama in Huntsville Programmable ASICs Introduction Antifuse Static RAM EPROM, EEPROM Technology UAH-CPE528 2 Introduction Programmable ASICs PLDs Programmable Logic Devices started as small devices (to replace a handful of TTLs) FPGAs Field Programmable Gate Arrays FPGA a chip you can program yourself an IC foundry produces FPGAs with some connections missing after design and simulation, special software is used to produce a string of bits describing the extra connections required to make the design the configuration file program the chip make the necessary connections according to the configuration file Introduction (cont d) No customization of any mask level FPGA are manufactured as standard part in high volumes Ideal for prototyping or for low -volume production FPGA vendors do not need IC fabrication facility Contract IC foundries to produce their parts fabs cost hundreds of millions of dollars Put their effort in architecture and software much easier to make a profit by selling design software UAH-CPE /02/2003 UAH-CPEĢ FPGA Characteristics All have regular array of basic logic cells that are configured using a programming tech.

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