A Complex Programmable Logic Device contains multiple programmable logic blocks interconnected by a programmable routing matrix. It bridges the gap between simple logic gates and high-density FPGAs. Because they retain their configuration when powered down and boot up instantly, they are widely used for board-level control, power sequencing, and simple state machines.
Heard on the job
The CPLD handles the power-up sequence for the main processors before the operating system even loads.
Do not mix it up with
- FPGA: FPGAs are larger, volatile, and handle heavy processing, while CPLDs are smaller, non-volatile, and handle instant-on control logic.