A semiconductor device built around a matrix of configurable logic blocks connected via programmable interconnects. Unlike application-specific integrated circuits which are hard-wired at the foundry, these arrays can be reprogrammed to perform different logic functions or entire system architectures on the bench. They are heavily used in prototyping, low-volume production, and applications requiring hardware-level parallel processing.
We can implement the DSP algorithm directly on the field-programmable gate array to save processing time.
Because the full name is a mouthful, insiders almost exclusively say FPGA on the job.
Related terms
FPGA
A field-programmable gate array is an integrated circuit whose internal logic can be configured by the user.
ASIC
An application-specific integrated circuit designed for one dedicated task rather than general-purpose use.
CPLD
A Complex Programmable Logic Device is an integrated circuit used to implement custom digital logic.