FPGA Programming

FPGA programming is the method of designing and planning an application program that works with a particular hardware circuit. It is a hardware-programmable technology that uses the combination of logic gates and memory blocks to undertake computing tasks. The primary goal is to develop an apparatus that can generate the desired output when powered on.

Implementing an FPGA solution requires many steps of planning to ensure that all the features required are included and that they function effectively. Making a requirements field programmable gate arrays document which includes all specifications and details will aid in reducing the chances of problems with the implementation process. It is also a good idea to simulate the design at different stages of development using tools like Mentor Graphics Questa and Cadence Vivado along with Simulink.

Two programming languages have traditionally contributed to the majority of work involved in FPGA programming, VHDL and Verilog. VHDL has a syntax similar to C which makes it simpler to write programs. Verilog is more V-like and some find it easier to use.

Typically the FPGA design is implemented as a logic block known as a logic cell (LC) or a logic block (LB). It contains standard logic functions like subtraction, multiplication, and addition, as well as basic error checks like the sign or negation for a numeric value. It also includes lookup tables (LUTs) which store predefined lists of logic outputs that can be used for any combination of inputs.