Field-programmable gate array

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit whose logic elements and interconnections can be configured after manufacture to implement digital circuits.

Look-up table: A small programmable memory that implements a Boolean function by storing its output for every possible input combination. FPGAs commonly use look-up tables as their configurable logic elements.
Boolean algebra: A mathematical system for reasoning about variables and operations that take values of true or false. FPGA logic implements Boolean functions using configurable hardware.
Digital signal processing: The analysis and transformation of signals represented as discrete numerical data. FPGAs can execute many signal-processing operations in parallel with predictable latency.
Central processing unit: A general-purpose processor that executes instructions through a control unit, registers, and arithmetic logic units. A CPU runs software sequentially or across cores, unlike an FPGA’s configured hardware datapaths.
Programmable read-only memory: A memory device whose contents can be programmed after manufacture and retained without power. PROM provided an early way to implement arbitrary logic functions through stored truth tables.
Programmable interconnect: A configurable network of wires and switches that connects logic resources within an integrated circuit. It routes signals between FPGA logic elements to form the chosen circuit.
Combinational logic: Digital logic whose outputs depend only on current inputs, not on stored state. It forms the stateless portion of many FPGA circuits.
Software-defined radio: A radio system that uses software-configurable digital processing for functions traditionally implemented by dedicated hardware. FPGAs implement adaptable radio signal chains, including modulation and channel processing.
Graphics processing unit: A processor designed to execute many data-parallel operations across numerous computing units. A GPU offers fixed parallel execution resources, while an FPGA can customize its circuit structure.
Programmable array logic: A programmable logic device with a programmable AND array and a fixed OR array. PALs helped establish user-configurable digital logic before the rise of large FPGAs.

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