Architecture of FPGAs and CPLDs: A Tutorial field-programmable devices (FPDs). We first define the relevant terminology in the field and then describe the recent evolution of FPDs. The three main categories of FPDs are delineated: Simple PLDs (SPLDs), Complex PLDs (CPLDs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). We
Another name for FPDs is programmable logic devices (PLDs); although PLDs encompass the same types of chips as FPDs, we prefer the term FPD because historically the word PLD has referred to rela- tively simple types of devices.
Thus, FPGA performance often depends more upon how CAD tools map circuits into the chip than is the case for CPLDs. ketplace. This paper has not focussed on the equally important issue of CAD tools for FPDs. design and implementation. Their ease of access, principally through the low cost of the devices,
The three main categories of FPDs are delineated: Simple PLDs (SPLDs), Complex PLDs (CPLDs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). We and give examples of applications of each type of device. the process of designing digital hardware has changed dramatically over the past few years. of high-density devices.