Programmable logic devices - application and configuration of FPGA

In the world of modern electronics, where the pace of technological changes demands increasing design flexibility, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) systems play a role that is not only revolutionary but also increasingly practical. These are programmable digital circuits that – unlike traditional integrated circuits – can be repeatedly configured after their production. Thanks to this, engineers can use hardware description code (HDL) to "assemble" digital logic like building blocks, creating dedicated functions from simple controllers to complex data processing systems. Such reconfigurability means that the same FPGA can today operate as a motor controller in an industrial robot and tomorrow – after reconfiguration – serve as a processor for image analysis in a medical tomograph.

• What are FPGA systems
• Advantages and limitations of FPGA systems
• Applications in modern electronics
• FPGA in practice
• The future of FPGA technology
• Summary

In this article, we will answer questions asked by many enthusiasts and specialists: Why are FPGAs gaining such popularity in various fields – from automotive and telecommunications to artificial intelligence and medicine? How do they work internally and what capabilities do they offer? What are their biggest strengths, and what challenges might their use pose? We will present practical examples of FPGA use in real applications and indicate situations where their use is worth considering – also at the prototyping stage, where time and flexibility matter. If you are looking for modern hardware solutions that can adapt to new ideas – FPGA is a technology definitely worth getting to know better.

If you already have basic knowledge about FPGA systems but want to learn more, check out the article Programmable digital FPGA systems and answers to frequently asked questions.

What are FPGA systems?

FPGA systems, or Field-Programmable Gate Arrays, are advanced, programmable digital circuits that users can freely configure after manufacture. Unlike classic integrated circuits with fixed functionality, FPGAs are like a blank canvas – allowing for the realization of almost any digital logic, creating "custom-tailored" solutions for application needs. Their structure allows multiple reprogramming, meaning the same device can be used in different projects or developed along with software evolution.

The core of an FPGA consists of configurable logic blocks (CLB), which include LUT arrays (Look-Up Tables) – programmable cells implementing logical functions, flip-flops (e.g., D-type), and simple arithmetic. These blocks are arranged in a grid and connected via a programmable interconnection network, enabling arbitrary combination into more complex circuits. On the edges of the matrix are I/O blocks that allow communication with the environment – for example, with data buses, sensors, or memory. Thanks to such architecture, FPGAs enable hardware realization of many operations executed simultaneously, offering enormous real-time data processing capabilities unavailable to traditional sequential processors.

All interested in practical use of this technology are encouraged to explore the range of FPGA systems and compatible modules and evaluation boards available at TME. The offer also includes design accessories and tools supporting the commissioning and testing of logic systems – useful both in laboratories and home workshops.

These differences – reconfigurability and parallelism of operations – distinguish FPGA from processors (CPU) and ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). While the CPU executes operations sequentially under one program and ASIC has a permanently designed function, FPGA allows creating a dedicated hardware architecture for a specific task, with the possibility of changing it later without physical intervention in the device.

Types of FPGA

Depending on the configuration storage technology, several main types of FPGA are distinguished:
SRAM
The most common FPGAs use SRAM memory, which stores configuration until power is off. At every startup, the device requires loading the bitstream from external memory, which slightly extends startup time. Their advantage is the ability for multiple configuration changes and wide market availability.
Flash
These devices store configuration in non-volatile flash memory, providing instant readiness upon power-up (instant-on). They are popular in applications demanding fast startup and where integration simplicity is essential.
Antifuse
Their greatest advantage is enhanced radiation resistance and high security level – thus often used in aviation, military, and space systems.

Understanding these differences allows choosing an appropriate type of FPGA for a specific application – whether in projects requiring flexibility and development or in critical systems where reliability and instant readiness are crucial.

Advantages and limitations of FPGA systems

FPGAs have earned a reputation as extremely versatile tools in digital electronics, and their popularity is no coincidence. Their unique architecture and post-production reconfiguration capability offer features rarely found in other hardware technologies. However, like any solution, they have limitations worth knowing before deciding to use them in a particular project.

Key advantages

One of FPGA’s key features is flexibility – once programmed, the device can be modified many times, allowing function updates, adaptation to new protocols, or rapid response to changing user needs. This is especially valuable in iteratively developed projects or those requiring long-term support after deployment.

FPGAs also stand out with high parallel performance. Unlike processors executing instructions sequentially, FPGA logic operates simultaneously on many data paths. This allows very low latency and high throughput, which are critical in real-time systems, such as image processing, motor control, or telecommunications.

Thanks to ready-made infrastructure and design tools, FPGAs enable rapid prototyping. An engineer can almost immediately test new ideas without creating dedicated integrated circuits. This significantly shortens time-to-market, which is strategically important in competitive industries.

Modern FPGAs also offer integration of multiple functions in one device, including the possibility to implement a fully functional ARM processor executing typical sequential programs within the FPGA fabric. This allows building a complete system on a chip (SoC), combining programmable logic with operating system support and communication interfaces.

Limitations and challenges

Despite many advantages, FPGA systems also have some limitations. One is the higher power consumption compared to specialized ASICs. The structure based on programmable interconnections and LUT arrays makes such devices less energy-efficient, which matters in mobile or battery-powered applications.

For SRAM-based devices, a typical limitation is the need to load configuration after startup, extending system boot time. This requires non-volatile memory and secure bitstream transmission mechanisms.

FPGA design can be complex and requires specialized knowledge. Engineers must know hardware description languages, such as VHDL or Verilog, and be capable of timing analysis and project logical structure management. For those accustomed to software programming, this may represent a significant entry barrier.

For very large-scale projects, FPGAs may face resource limitations – both regarding the number of available logic blocks and memory capacity or number of I/O lines. In such applications, a specialized ASIC is often a better choice, offering higher performance at lower per-unit cost in mass production.

Understanding both strengths and weaknesses of FPGAs allows conscious use of their potential where they truly make a difference – in applications requiring flexibility, fast response, and hardware adaptation to changing conditions.

FPGA applications in modern electronics

The ability to reconfigure, process data in real time, and implement complex algorithms makes FPGA systems find applications in many sectors of modern electronics. From autonomous vehicles to cloud computing – where speed, reliability, and flexibility matter, FPGAs prove invaluable.

Automotive industry

In automotive, FPGAs support the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), requiring parallel data processing from many sensors. By integrating vision, sensory, and decision logic in one device, FPGAs contribute to increased driving safety. They are used, among others, in:

• automatic emergency braking systems, analyzing camera images and detecting obstacles,
• adaptive headlight systems that respond to environmental conditions,
• blind spot detection and lane keeping systems.

Their advantage in these applications is low processing latency and the capability to update without hardware replacement.

Telecommunications and networks

In telecommunications, FPGAs enable high-throughput and low-latency data processing, critical for modern mobile and wired networks. Thanks to the ability to implement complex physical layer protocols, FPGAs are used in 5G base stations, network switches, and software-defined radio (SDR) devices.

They are also found in:

• routers and edge devices, as network function accelerators,
• SmartNIC cards that offload server CPUs by hardware filtering of packets and protocol acceleration.

Their adaptability allows them to accommodate changing transmission standards without device replacement.

Industrial automation and embedded

In embedded systems and automation, FPGAs excel where deterministic operation and full control over signal flow are required. PLC controllers, motion controllers, data acquisition devices – all these solutions can use FPGA capabilities for real-time handling.

Examples include:

• motor control and generation of precise PWM signals,
• communication using real-time industrial protocols like EtherCAT or PROFINET,
• quality inspection systems with real-time image analysis.

FPGAs’ advantage in this field includes reliability and the ability to operate without an operating system, minimizing latency and increasing predictability.

Medicine

In medical devices, FPGAs are responsible for fast diagnostic data processing and reliable operation of monitoring systems. Thanks to high throughput and parallel operation, they enable algorithms that must operate instantly and continuously.

They are used, among others, in:

• processing MRI or CT images,
• real-time monitoring of patients’ vital signals like ECG or EEG,
• hardware security systems where quick reaction to irregularities is crucial.

Their reconfigurability allows medical devices to adapt to new diagnostic methods without designing new circuits.

Cloud and AI

In data centers, FPGAs act as hardware accelerators supporting tasks requiring high computational power. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon deploy FPGAs in servers to speed up search, data analysis, and machine learning calculations.

In particular, FPGAs are used for:

• AI model inference, where low latency and deterministic operation are key,
• real-time natural language processing and image analysis,
• special tasks such as financial signal analysis or bioinformatics.

Solutions like Microsoft Project Catapult or Amazon EC2 F1 instances demonstrate how well FPGAs fit modern cloud service needs.

Special systems and defense

In military, space, and aerospace applications, FPGAs are valued for radiation resistance, the ability to implement secret algorithms, and deterministic operation without operating systems. They enable building systems resistant to interference and capable of operating under extreme conditions.

Applications include:

• onboard radar and communication systems,
• data encryption and secure information processing,
• satellite and spacecraft controllers, often using antifuse FPGAs.

Full control over hardware logic lets engineers create highly reliable systems whose functions cannot be easily changed or read by unauthorized persons.

FPGA in practice

FPGA applications are impressive, but knowing how to program and implement them in practical projects is equally important. To fully exploit their potential, mastering hardware description languages and design tools enabling precise and efficient creation and testing of hardware solutions is essential.

Languages and design tools

The basis for working with FPGAs are HDL languages – hardware description languages. The most common are VHDL and Verilog. VHDL features strong typing and a structure resembling the Ada language, favoring large, organized projects. Verilog, on the other hand, resembles C syntax, making it more accessible to those with programming experience. Both languages allow designing parallel digital circuits, crucial for effective FPGA resource use.

High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools are gaining popularity, enabling FPGA logic design in higher-level languages like C, C++, or OpenCL. HLS automatically converts algorithm descriptions into hardware, significantly lowering the entry barrier and shortening project realization time – especially in fields such as machine learning, DSP, or signal analysis.

FPGA design is supported by dedicated toolchains from manufacturers:

• Xilinx Vivado – a comprehensive environment for Xilinx FPGA design (e.g., Spartan, Artix, Kintex, Versal), including HDL editor, synthesis, implementation, timing analysis, and IP integration tools.
• Intel Quartus Prime – software for Intel (formerly Altera) FPGA families like Cyclone, Arria, and Stratix supporting design, analysis, and testing of digital systems.
• Lattice Radiant and Lattice Diamond – environments for low-power and compact devices (e.g., iCE40, MachXO, ECP5), often used in consumer electronics and IoT.
• Microchip Libero SoC – tool for flash FPGA devices (e.g., PolarFire, SmartFusion), integrated with ModelSim simulator and IP configuration environment.

Thanks to these tools, designers can create and test digital systems within a single integrated environment – from HDL code to bitstream ready for device loading.

Example projects

FPGAs are used not only in advanced industrial systems but also in hobbyist and educational projects. One interesting example is the MiSTer platform, which enables hardware emulation of classic computers and consoles. Using FPGA, faithful reproduction of original devices cycle by cycle is possible – beyond typical software emulation capabilities. The MiSTer project is based on Intel Cyclone V devices and has gained recognition among retro enthusiasts worldwide.

Equally inspiring are embedded system projects where FPGAs serve as industrial device controllers, signal analyzers, or motor controllers. In such applications, FPGAs ensure fast reaction, deterministic operation, and full hardware function customization. For example, an engineer might implement a custom communication protocol or digital filter precisely tailored to device requirements – impossible or difficult with classic microcontrollers.

Such practical applications show that FPGA technology is not only for large corporations but also for enthusiasts, students, and startups. Thanks to affordable development boards and increasingly simple tools, starting with FPGA is easier than ever.

The future of FPGA technology

Rapid development of FPGA devices means the technology not only maintains its position among engineering tools but increasingly enters new application areas. Growing requirements for electronic systems – especially regarding AI, edge computing, and miniaturization – drive innovations and open new development directions for programmable devices.

Trends and innovations

One of the key trends is AI integration with FPGA. Modern devices like AMD Versal ACAP combine programmable logic, ARM processors, and specialized AI acceleration units in one structure. This enables real-time neural network processing with low latency and high energy efficiency. Such solutions prove effective in autonomous vehicles, industry, and intelligent vision systems.

High hopes are also placed on dynamic reconfiguration during operation, allowing partial FPGA reprogramming without interrupting the entire system. This enables devices adapting to current operating conditions, for example, changing processing algorithms depending on the received signal type. This approach is particularly attractive in mobile and IoT systems where every byte and millisecond matters.

Another important development direction is introducing embedded FPGA (eFPGA) – programmable logic blocks as parts of larger SoCs. This approach allows microcontroller and ASIC manufacturers to embed configurable FPGA resources directly into the chip, combining flexibility and low power consumption. eFPGAs are used in edge computing devices and specialized AI solutions.

Market and development

Market changes among manufacturers also shape the technology’s future. The acquisition of Xilinx by AMD and earlier Intel’s acquisition of Altera demonstrate the strategic importance of FPGA devices in computing’s future. FPGA integration with CPU and GPU platforms allows building heterogeneous solutions combining programming flexibility with dedicated accelerator performance.

Interest in FPGAs steadily grows, especially in the context of artificial intelligence, edge data processing, and the Internet of Things. These applications require low latency, energy efficiency, and architecture tailoring to specific algorithms – traits that fit FPGA capabilities perfectly. As devices become more intelligent and autonomous, the role of programmable devices will only increase.

Everything indicates that FPGA future includes not only more complex and efficient devices but also deeper integration with other digital technologies. Designers gain new possibilities to create systems that are flexible, intelligent, and optimized for specific applications simultaneously. FPGAs cease to be niche solutions – they become a key element of modern engineering.

Summary

FPGAs today are among the most versatile tools in a modern engineer’s arsenal – combining software flexibility with hardware performance, enabling solutions perfectly tailored to project specifics. They excel where low latency, parallel data processing, rapid prototyping, or later hardware function updates without device replacement matter. This explains their use in diverse fields such as automotive, medicine, industry, or AI.

If you design a real-time system, need to process many signals simultaneously, or want to integrate unusual functions on one chip – FPGAs are an excellent choice. On the other hand, for simple, energy-efficient applications or mass production, alternatives like microcontrollers, CPLDs, or specialized ASICs may be worth considering. The key is selecting the right tool for the specific purpose.

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