Digital Electronics – Term Paper

Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)

and their Types
Arundhati Puri | Akankshi Gautam | Sukriti Mahajan | Anushka Puri
Shraddha Kapoor | Yajas Lakhanpal | Harsh Bansal
Submitted to – Dr. Neetu Bansal

Introduction to PLDs
Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are a type of integrated circuit that can be programmed to
perform a variety of logic functions. The PLDs are programmed by writing code using a Hardware
Programming / Description language. The PLD provides flexibility to implement many different
designs of varying complexities for many different applications, including digital signal processing,
video processing, and telecommunications.

PLDs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, from small chips that fit in a pocket to large boards
that fill a room. The two main types of PLDs are field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and
complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). FPGAs are made up of an array of configurable
logic blocks (CLBs) that can be connected to create a custom logic circuit. CPLDs consist of a
fixed array of logic gates that can be interconnected to form a variety of logic circuits.
 Types of PLDs

How PLDs are programmed?

PLDs are programmed using a hardware description language (HDL), such as Verilog or VHDL.
HDL is used to describe the logic circuit that the PLD will implement. The HDL code is then
synthesized using a software tool, which creates a bitstream that can be downloaded to the PLD.

Once the PLD is programmed, it can be used like any other logic circuit. PLDs can be used to
implement simple logic functions, such as AND and OR gates, or complex functions, such as
state machines and controllers. PLDs can also be used to create custom integrated circuits (ICs).

The interconnections between the logic gates are made using programmable fuses. Fuses are
programmable elements that can be blown, or programmed, to open or close a circuit. When a
fuse is blown, it cannot be unblown; it is permanently programmed.

Programmable Logic Array (PLA)

Programmable Logic Array, or PLA, is a type of integrated circuit used to implement combinational
logic circuits. PLAs consist of a programmable AND array along with a programmable OR
array. Thus, the AND array is used to generate the Product Terms of the given expression, and
the OR Array is used to generate the Sum Terms. The output is obtained in the Sum-of-Product
Form. This flexibility makes PLAs well-suited for use in a variety of applications, such as logic
controllers, address decoders, and other digital logic circuits.

Programmable Array Logic (PAL)

Programmable Array Logic, or PAL, is another type of integrated circuit used to implement
combinational logic circuits. The difference from PLA here is that only the AND array is
programmable. Thus, PALs have a fixed OR Array. Just like PLA, the AND array is used to
generate the Product Terms of the given expression, and the OR Array is used to generate the
Sum Terms. PALs are easier to implement than PLAs, less expensive, more widely used, and
less complex.

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Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
An FPGA, or field programmable gate array, is an integrated circuit (IC) that can be programmed
by the user to perform a specific set of tasks. FPGAs are made up of a grid of logic cells called
Configurable Logic Blocks (CLB), which can be configured to perform a variety of functions. They
can be used to implement digital circuits, analog circuits, and even mixed-signal circuits. FPGAs
can be reconfigured to change their function, which makes them ideal for prototyping and testing
new designs. FPGAs may include up to 100,000 small logic blocks.

Although one-time programmable FPGAs are available, the dominant types are SRAM based
which can be reprogrammed as the design evolves. This makes them incredibly versatile and
means that they can be used for a wide range of applications.

FPGA Diagram

Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs)

CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices) are a type of FPGA (Field Programmable Gate
Array) that are used to implement digital logic circuits. CPLDs are like FPGAs in that they can be
programmed to perform a variety of tasks, but tend to be smaller than FPGAs, making them more
suitable for applications where space is limited. Also, CPLDs consume less power than FPGAs,
making them more suitable for portable applications. Finally, CPLDs typically have shorter
programming times than FPGAs.

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CPLDs are used in a variety of applications, including automotive electronics, industrial control,
and consumer electronics. In automotive electronics, CPLDs are used to control engine timing,
airbags, and ABS systems. In industrial control applications, CPLDs are used to implement PLCs
(Programmable Logic Controllers) and PACs (Programmable Automation Controllers). In
consumer electronics, CPLDs are used in digital cameras, DVD players, and MP3 players.

CPLD Diagram

Advantages of PLDs
PLDs have several advantages over other logic devices. First, PLDs can be reprogrammed to
implement different logic functions. This makes PLDs very flexible and allows them to be used in
a wide range of applications, unlike fixed-function logic circuits. Moreover, PLDs can be
programmed using a high-level HDL, which makes them easier to design as per the needs of the
user and debug than other logic devices. Finally, PLDs can cascade to create very large and
complex logic circuits. PLDs are an essential part of modern electronics and are used in a wide
range of devices, from cell phones to supercomputers.

Conclusion
PLDs are an important part of today's society. They are used in many ways and have many
different applications as discussed in various parts of this paper. PLDs can be used to control and
monitor electronic devices, create, and store data, and communicate with other devices. It is very
evident from the amount of research done on PLDs, that this technology has come a long way
since its inception in the early 1970s. Today, PLDs are an essential part of many digital systems,
from simple logic gates to complex microprocessors. Their versatility, reliability, and low cost
make them ideal for a wide range of applications. As digital systems continue to evolve, PLDs will
no doubt play an even more important role in the future.

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References
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https://www.csun.edu/edaasic/roosta/ECE595_Chap4.pdf

https://www.csun.edu/~edaasic/roosta/Lgc_dsn3.pdf

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/digital_circuits/digital_circuits_programmable_logic_devices.htm

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