What is a Field Programmable Gate Array
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are user-configurable integrated circuit products used for performing logical operations and information processing, and which commonly feature a very high level of integrated functionality. They are often used in place of general-purpose microprocessors where known operations are to be executed at extremely high speed, such as in receiving and processing information from high-speed data converters. They typically require an external memory device to store the user’s desired configuration and reload it upon startup.
Introduction to DigiKey’s Product Selection Guide
This page is one of many in DigiKey’s Product Selection Guide (PSG). This particular page is focused on FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array). It provides a description of the individual parameters used to characterize the part. This information will allow you to better understand and navigate DigiKey’s parametric search engine. Click here for a case study showing how to use the search tools.
How are FPGAs categorized?
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DigiKey Programmable: For verified products, DigiKey can program/flash your compiled code or configuration variables prior to shipping. For unverified products, please inquire with ProgCent.Techs@digikey.com.
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Number of LABs/CLBs: The quantity of Logic Array Blocks/ Configurable Logic blocks available on the device; a measure of device size or complexity.
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Number of Logic Elements/Cells: A measure of device size, complexity, or functional potential. (Not specified for all products)
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Total RAM Bits: Indicates the amount of Random Access Memory with which a device is equipped given as bits.
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Number of I/O: Indicates the number of device pins that are capable of being used for general purpose digital input/output functions.
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Number of Gates: The number of logic gates contained within a device; a measure of device size, complexity, or functional potential. (Not specified for all products)
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Voltage - Supply: Typically represented by a range, this indicates the low and high voltage limits that one can expect during standard operation. Voltages outside this range may damage the device and other system components.
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Mounting Type: Indicates how the device is attached.
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Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
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Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
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Supplier Device Package: This is what the manufacturer calls the package of this device. They are manufacturer specific. It is typically best to use the actual dimensions from the datasheets rather than to go by this terminology when designing your circuit.
Examples of FPGAs
- The Lattice Semiconductor Corporation MachX02 LCMXO2-256HC-4SG32I FPGA is one of the smaller FPGA DigiKey offers. It features 256 LUTs with 21 I/O. Datasheet
- The AMD Kintex UltraScale XCKU060-2FFVA1156I is a larger FPGA featuring 72,760 DSP slices and 520 I/O. Datasheet
- The Intel (Altera) Cyclone IV EP4CE22F17C6N is popular FPGA featured on the Terasic Inc. DE0-NANO evaluation board. Datasheet
Related media links
Videos
- Introduction to FPGA Part 1 - What is an FPGA? | DigiKey
- FPGA Programming Part 1: Drawing a Schematic of your Circuit in Quartus II
Articles
Product Training Modules
Blogs
DigiKey Tech Forum articles
Follow up
If you have any general questions on the specifications for FPGA, please reply using the button below. If you have questions on a specific FPGA, please post your questions in the forum’s FPGA category.
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