Department of Electronics and

Communication Engineering, Faculty of

Engineering and Technology

Gurukul Kangri (Deemed to be University),

Haridwar-249408

A SEMINAR REPORT ON
FIELD PROGRAMMABLE GATE ARRAYS

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
IN
ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

Submitted By:
Adhiraj Singh (236320003)

Under the Guidance of

Dr. Atul Kumar Varshney
Assistant Professor, Department of ECE
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report titled

“Field Programmable Gate Arrays” is a record of the work

carried out by Adhiraj Singh in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of
Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication
Engineering.

I hereby declare that this report is my original work and has

not been submitted to any other institution for any degree
or diploma.

Supervisor:
Dr Atul Kumar Varshney
Designation: Assistant Professor
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported me
during the preparation of this report on "FPGA Technology: Empowering Digital
Innovation."

My heartfelt thanks go to my supervisor, Dr. Atul Kumar Varshney, for their

invaluable guidance, constructive feedback, and continuous support throughout
this project. I also extend my appreciation to the faculty members of the
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering for their
encouragement and insightful suggestions.

I am grateful to my peers and colleagues for their collaborative spirit and

assistance, which greatly enriched this work. Special thanks to my family for their
unwavering support and belief in my capabilities.

Lastly, I thank all the authors and researchers whose work and published
resources provided the foundation for this report.

Adhiraj Singh
BTech ECE, FET Gurukul Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
TABLE
CERTIFICATE
OF CONTENTS
Sno. Topic Page No.

1 Certificate 1

2 Acknowledgement 2

3 Table of Contents 3

4 Introduction to FPGA Technology 4

5 History and Evolution 5

6 Basic Architecture 6–7

7 Working Principle 8

8 Design Flow 9 - 11

9 FPGA vs ASIC vs Microcontroller 12

10 Advantages & Limitations 13 – 14

11 Applications 15

12 Conclusion 16

13 Bibliography 17
 INTRODUCTION TO FPGA
TECHNOLOGY

The evolution of digital systems has been profoundly influenced by

advancements in integrated circuit design. One of the most transformative
innovations is the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). An FPGA is an
integrated circuit that can be configured by the user after manufacturing. This
post-production programmability allows designers to tailor hardware functions
to specific applications without the need for costly and time-consuming
fabrication cycles required for Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs).

FPGA technology emerged in the mid-1980s as a solution to the need for flexible
and rapid prototyping platforms in digital electronics. Early FPGAs were relatively
simple, intended to replace fixed logic circuits, but they have evolved
significantly. Today’s FPGAs are highly sophisticated, offering thousands to
millions of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) and routing resources that can
perform complex computations and parallel processing. This reconfigurability not
only accelerates development cycles but also enables ongoing updates and
optimizations even after deployment.

In modern electronic design, FPGAs play a critical role. They provide a versatile
hardware solution that bridges the gap between general-purpose processors and
fixed-function ASICs. Engineers leverage FPGAs for applications that demand
high-speed parallel processing, real-time signal processing, and adaptability in
ever-changing technological environments. Their inherent ability to be
reprogrammed and updated makes them ideal for research, prototyping, and
even production environments where flexibility and performance are paramount.
 HISTORY AND EVOLUTION

The concept of programmable logic dates back

several decades, with early ideas emerging in
the 1960s and 1970s. However, the first
commercially viable FPGA was introduced in
the mid-1980s by Xilinx. These early devices
provided designers with a flexible alternative
to fixed logic circuits, paving the way for rapid
prototyping and custom hardware design.

During the 1990s, FPGA technology advanced significantly. Improved

manufacturing processes and design tools allowed for increased logic density
and functionality. FPGAs began to incorporate embedded components such as
memory blocks, multipliers, and even microprocessors. This integration
broadened their application base, making them essential in areas ranging from
telecommunications to automotive systems and consumer electronics.

In recent years, modern FPGAs have evolved to

include features like partial reconfiguration
and high-level programming support. These
innovations enable dynamic reprogramming
and real-time system adaptation, which are
crucial in cutting-edge fields such as artificial
intelligence, high-frequency trading, and data
centre acceleration. The ongoing evolution of
AMD Zynq UltraScale+ is an
example of the latest FPGA technology highlights its critical role in

innovations in FPGA technology. bridging hardware flexibility with high-

performance digital design
 BASIC ARCHITECTURE

FPGAs are built on a grid-based architecture designed to allow flexible,

reprogrammable logic implementations. The core structure includes
programmable logic blocks, interconnection networks, and input/output pads
that enable customized digital circuit design.
Core Structure and Logic Block Design
As seen in the top diagram, a typical FPGA layout includes:

• Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs): These house Look-Up Tables (LUTs), flip-
flops, and multiplexers. LUTs implement logic by storing truth table values
that define output for each input combination.
• Interconnect Grid: CLBs are linked by a programmable routing fabric,
consisting of horizontal and vertical wiring channels that carry signals
between blocks.
• Connection and Switch Blocks: Connection Blocks link logic blocks to
routing wires, while Switch Blocks at grid intersections provide
programmable paths for flexible signal flow.
• I/O Pads: Located along the outer edge of the FPGA, these pads facilitate
communication between the FPGA and external devices, making the chip a
dynamic part of larger systems.

Modular Topology and Routing Overview

The second diagram gives a simplified representation of how routing and logic
elements are organized in modular topologies:

• Modular Arrangement (Topology 1 & 2): The FPGA can be divided into
repetitive grid topologies, each containing logic (L) and connection (C)
units. These modules make the architecture highly scalable and support
partial reconfiguration.
• Routing and Communication: Interconnection between these topologies is
handled by programmable switches, allowing local and global signal
paths. Though less visually detailed, this abstraction helps highlight the
scalable and reusable nature of FPGA design.

This modular structure supports both fine-grain logic control and efficient
communication, which is essential for real-time processing and high-
performance applications.
 WORKING PRINCIPLE
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are integrated circuits designed to be
configured by the user after manufacturing, allowing for the implementation of
customized digital circuits. The fundamental operation of an FPGA revolves
around its ability to be programmed and reprogrammed to perform a wide array
of tasks, from simple logic operations to complex computational functions.

Configuration Process
An FPGA's functionality is defined through configuration, where a design written
in HDLs like VHDL or Verilog is loaded onto the chip. This data sets up the
internal connections and behaviour of the circuit.
Upon power-up, the FPGA loads this configuration data from an external memory
source or a dedicated configuration device. This flexibility allows designers to
update or modify the FPGA's functionality without altering the physical hardware,
providing a significant advantage in adaptable system designs.

Parallel Processing Capability

Unlike traditional processors that execute instructions sequentially, FPGAs excel
in parallel processing. Each independent processing task can be assigned to a
dedicated section of the FPGA, enabling multiple operations to occur
simultaneously. This inherent parallelism allows FPGAs to achieve high
performance in applications requiring concurrent data processing, such as digital
signal processing, real-time data analysis, and complex computational
algorithms.

Reconfigurability
FPGAs can be reprogrammed anytime, enabling fast iterations in prototyping and
optimization. This flexibility also allows tasks to be offloaded from CPUs,
improving system efficiency.
 DESIGN FLOW
The FPGA design flow encompasses a series of methodical steps that transform a
conceptual digital design into a functional FPGA implementation. This structured
process ensures that the design meets specified requirements and operates
correctly within the FPGA architecture.
Design Entry

The initial phase, known as Design Entry, involves capturing the desired
functionality of the digital system. This is typically achieved using Hardware
Description Languages (HDLs) such as VHDL or Verilog, which describe the
behaviour and structure of electronic circuits. Alternatively, schematic-based
entry can be used, where graphical symbols represent circuit components and
their interconnections.

Design Synthesis
In the Synthesis phase, the HDL code is translated into a gate-level netlist. This
netlist represents the logical elements and their interconnections required to
implement the design. Synthesis tools optimize this representation to meet
design constraints such as area, speed, and power consumption.

Implementation
The Implementation phase consists of three key steps:

• Translation: Combines all netlists and constraints into a single design

database.
• Mapping: Assigns the logic elements from the netlist to the specific
resources available on the target FPGA device.
• Place and Route: Determines the physical placement of logic elements
and establishes routing paths for interconnections, ensuring optimal
performance and adherence to timing constraints.

Design Verification
Post-implementation, Design Verification is crucial to ensure the synthesized
design behaves as intended. This involves Functional Simulation, which tests the
logical correctness, and Static Timing Analysis, which verifies that timing
requirements are met.
Device Programming
Once verification is successful, the design is converted into a configuration file,
often referred to as a bitstream. This file is used in the Device Programming
phase to configure the FPGA, effectively programming it to perform the specified
functions.

In-System Testing
The final step is In-System Testing, where the programmed FPGA is tested
within the actual hardware environment. This ensures that the design
operates correctly in real-world conditions and interfaces properly with other
system components.
FPGA vs ASIC vs MICROCONTROLLER

Feature FPGA ASIC Microcontroller

Integrated CPU with
Reconfigurable Custom-designed
Definition memory and
hardware device silicon chip
peripherals

Highly flexible, Fixed functionality Limited flexibility via

Flexibility
reprogrammable after fabrication firmware

Very high
High (due to
Performance (optimized Moderate to low
parallelism)
hardware)

Power Very low

Moderate to high Very low
Consumption (optimized)

Very high
Development
Moderate (expensive to Low
Cost design & fabricate)

Time to Market Fast Long Very fast

Reusability Yes No Yes (via code)

Signal processing, Mass production,

Common Use IoT devices, sensors,
AI, prototyping, performance-
Cases consumer electronics
comms critical hardware

Summary

• FPGAs are ideal for applications needing parallel processing and

reconfigurability.

• ASICs offer maximum performance and efficiency but at a high

development cost.

• Microcontrollers are simple, cost-effective, and great for control-oriented

tasks.
 ADVANTAGES & LIMITATIONS
FPGAs offer powerful capabilities in hardware design but also come with certain
limitations. Understanding both sides is key to evaluating their suitability for
specific applications.

Advantages

• Reconfigurability: FPGAs can be reprogrammed multiple times, making

them ideal for prototyping, iterative development, and adaptive systems.

• Parallel Processing: Their architecture allows multiple tasks to be executed

simultaneously, offering significant speed advantages for certain
applications like signal processing or AI.

• Faster Time-to-Market: Compared to ASICs, FPGAs don’t require long

fabrication cycles, allowing developers to deploy hardware quickly.

• Lower Initial Cost: Since they don’t need custom fabrication like ASICs,
they are more cost-effective for low to mid-volume production.

• Hardware-Level Customization: FPGAs provide more control over timing,

logic, and memory access compared to microcontrollers or general-
purpose processors.
Limitations

• Higher Power Consumption: FPGAs are generally less power-efficient than

ASICs due to their programmable nature.

• Complex Design Process: Requires familiarity with HDLs, timing analysis,

and hardware constraints — making the learning curve steeper.

• Limited Speed Compared to ASICs: While FPGAs are fast, they usually can’t
match the raw performance of application-specific chips optimized for
one task.

• Cost Inefficiency at Scale: For large-scale production, the per-unit cost of

FPGAs is higher than that of ASICs.

• Resource Constraints: Depending on the FPGA model, there may be limits

in logic elements, memory, or IO that restrict the size or complexity of your
design.
 APPLICATIONS
FPGAs are widely used across various industries due to their flexibility,
parallelism, and high-speed performance. Below are some of the key application
areas:

• Telecommunications: Used in baseband processing, signal

modulation/demodulation, and network switching due to their ability to
handle high-speed data streams.

• Aerospace and Defence: Employed in radar systems, avionics, and secure

communication due to their re-programmability and reliability in mission-
critical systems.

• Automotive Systems: Power autonomous driving features, vision

processing, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

• Industrial Automation: Support real-time control, robotics, and machine

vision systems in factory environments.

• Consumer Electronics: Enable high-performance functions in products like

smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming systems.

• Medical Devices: Used in real-time imaging systems (like ultrasound and

MRI) due to their high throughput and low latency.

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: Accelerate AI inference tasks

with parallel computation, especially in edge computing scenarios.

• Cryptography & Security: Offer customizable, hardware-based encryption

engines with tamper resistance and secure boot capabilities.
 CONCLUSION
FPGAs have emerged as a versatile and powerful solution in modern digital
design. Their reconfigurability, parallel processing capabilities, and performance
make them invaluable in applications ranging from aerospace to AI.

As technology evolves, FPGAs are expected to play an even more prominent role,
particularly in domains demanding flexibility and real-time processing.
Integration of AI/ML accelerators, partial reconfiguration, and heterogeneous
computing are reshaping what FPGAs can offer.

In the future, trends indicate:

• Tighter integration with CPUs and GPUs (e.g., Xilinx Zynq SoCs) will become
standard for high-performance embedded systems.
• Cloud providers are increasingly adopting FPGA instances (e.g., AWS F1,
Microsoft Azure), opening new possibilities in scalable computing.
• Lower-cost, low-power FPGAs are entering IoT markets, making real-time
edge inference feasible.
• High-Level Synthesis (HLS) tools are reducing the barrier to entry, allowing
developers to work in C/C++ instead of HDL.

In conclusion, FPGAs offer the best of both worlds — the flexibility of software
and the performance of hardware — and will continue to evolve as a cornerstone
of digital innovation.
 Bibliography

• Xilinx, “Overview of FPGA Technology,” Xilinx, [Online]. Available:

https://www.xilinx.com/
• IEEE, “The Evolution and Impact of FPGA Technology,” IEEE, [Online]. Available:
https://www.ieee.org/.
• SparkFun, “How Does an FPGA Work?,” SparkFun, [Online]. Available:
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/how-does-an-fpga-work/
• National Instruments, “FPGA Fundamentals: Basics of Field-Programmable
Gate Arrays,” National Instruments, [Online], Available:
https://www.ni.com/en-us/innovations/white-papers/
• Electronic Design, “The Principles of FPGAs,” Electronic Design, [Online].
Available:
https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/embedded/digital-
ics/fpga/article/21801527/the-principles-of-fpgas
• ResearchGate, “A Brief History of FPGA Technology,” ResearchGate, [Online].
Available: https://www.researchgate.net/.
• Microchip Developer Help, “FPGA Design Flow,” Microchip, [Online]. Available:
https://www.microchip.com/.
• HardwareBee, “The Ultimate Guide to FPGA Design Flow,” HardwareBee,
[Online]. Available: https://hardwarebee.com/.
• Doulos, “Design Flow Using Verilog,” Doulos, [Online]. Available:
https://www.doulos.com/.
• Wikipedia, “Place and Route,” Wikipedia, [Online]. Available:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Place_and_route.