FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Arrays)

FPGA was developed from PROM and PLD. These devices have the ability of only being programmed in batch either in the field or factory between hard wired logic gates. Although Ross freeman and Bernard Vanderschmitt of the Xilinx invented the first commercial viable FPGA in 1985, casselman in 1980 layered the foundation for the FPGA after successfully completing the development of a computer that would implement 600,000 reprogrammable gates for the naval surface warfare department.

However FPGA’s are programmable semiconductor devices based around CLB matrix connected through interconnects that are programmable. According to ASIC (application Specific Integrated Circuits) FPGA can be programmed to desired functionality where the device is customised for a particular design.

http://www.origin.xilinx.com/fpga/

A detailed guide for FPGA could be found through the link below is basically a step by step guide on how to program using FPGA.

http://embedded.olin.edu/xilinx_docs/startprogramming.php

Blog#4 Majed Alharbi