::F P G A for System on a Chip (SOC)::

What is FPGA ?
FPGA is a large array of cells containing configurable logic and memory elements. Cells can be connected to each other using a large number of programmable switches in a variety of ways to build virtually any digital system. Logic and switch matrix can be configured externally via a bit stream representing the intended digital function or system. Development systems provided by the FPGA vendor generate the required bit stream using a schematic or high level description of digital system in Verilog or VHDL language. The design can be simulated before FPGA configuration. Most FPGA’s are re-programmable and hence can be modified very easily. This provides great flexibility and reduced risk as compared to ASIC’s which are not re-programmable. Traditionally FPGA’s have been used to implement glue logic but more and more applications are now employing FPGA’s for a variety of reasons. High performance, faster turnaround and lower cost are few of them. FPGA’s are now very complex and employ many schemes to enhance performance, reduce parts count and cost. For example, most FPGA’s provide many different IO standards as well as eliminate the need for termination resistors on board. There are many more useful features on FPGA’s and vendors are continuously working to improve them.

FPGA Applications
· ASIC and random logic emulation in an FPGA for full functional and timing verification before an ASIC is fabricated. This could save major expense and time if ASIC is found to have a bug .

· An old obsolete ASIC can be implemented in a new FPGA to extend the product life and to enhance performance at lower cost.

· Replacement of complete microcontroller and software system by an FPGA or substituting slow software functions by FPGA for much higher performance.

· Implementation of DSP, mathematical, communications, complex algorithms and other digital functions in an FPGA for higher performance.

· Most FPGA’s can be reprogrammed many times over. This allows the implementation of Re-configurable Machines. FPGA is configured for one function and then reconfigured on the fly for a different function thus saving hardware which consequently results in cost saving.

· Traditional application such as implementation of random logic chips or other logic function chips into an FPGA to reduce cost, reduce board size and improve performance at lower cost.

· Possibilities are virtually unlimited and almost any digital system can be implemented in FPGA’s for better performance, shorter time to market and lower cost.

What Can We Do ?
Our specialty is FPGA design and our Principal has twenty years of experience in VLSI and digital design. Ten of those years are specific to state of the art FPGA design including simulation, synthesis, place & route, implementation and validation. We have completed many projects in a variety of application areas. We can develop prototypes based on FPGA’s at a reasonable cost in a short time. We can evaluate current or future designs for possible full or partial implementation in a state of the art FPGA for higher performance, shorter time to market and lower cost. If you have never used FPGA’s before, it is very likely that you may benefit from implementing your design in an FPGA. Contact us for a full, confidential evaluation of your design.