Meaning
Integrated circuit designed to be configured by a customer or designer after manufacturing through hardware description languages allows for custom logic implementation. Use of a field programmable gate array provides a middle ground between the flexibility of software and the speed of dedicated hardware. These devices contain an array of programmable logic blocks and reconfigurable interconnects.
Logic Configuration
Bitstream files loaded into the device define the specific connections and functions of the internal gates. Unlike a traditional processor, a field programmable gate array executes operations in parallel, which makes it ideal for high-speed signal processing or cryptography. The ability to reconfigure the hardware allows for updates to be deployed even after the product is in the field.
Hardware Latency
Direct execution of logic at the circuit level results in predictable and extremely low response times. Applications requiring real-time control often utilize a field programmable gate array to handle sensor data with minimal delay. This capability is critical in industrial automation where millisecond variances can cause mechanical failure.
Resource Demand
Performance of the system is limited by the number of available logic cells and the routing resources within the chip. Designing for a field programmable gate array requires a careful balance between the complexity of the algorithm and the physical size of the silicon. High power consumption is a common trade off for the high processing speed these chips provide.