System On Chip(SoC) - A Helping Hand In FPGA
Basically, what is an FPGA?
Field programmable gate array, they are used for designing Application-specific integrated circuits.
Again what is ASIC?
Application-specific integrated circuits.
As the name indicates application-specific, operates for a specific application. For instance, a particular ASIC is designed to run a mobile phone, ASIC chips for satellite. The recent trends in FPGA architecture are in the direction which reduces the gap between the ASIC and FPGA. So, Field programmable in the sense that an FPGA can be reprogrammed until the ASIC or processor design is finalized and bug-free, at which point the final ASIC can be manufactured.
FPGA architecture consists of a programming logic block that is used to implement logic functions. Routing Interconnect is used to connect the programming logic blocks to the input-output block, which is then utilized to communicate with the FPGA's internal architecture and external peripherals.
How do we reconfigure(if required) this FPGA?
Various programming technologies can be used for reconfiguring such as SRAM-based programming technology, Flash-based programming technology, anti-fuse technology. But each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages but FPGA’s with the SRAM-based programming technology is very successful in the commercial and academic sector due to the CMOS technology and reprogrammable properties.
System on a Chip (SoC) FPGA devices is one of the most recent advancements in the FPGA market.
We already have FPGA, again why do we require this System on chip(SoC) FPGA?
On the same plate, an SoC FPGA integrates a hard processor core with programmable logic.
When compared to a stand-alone CPU and a stand-alone FPGA, an SoC FPGA solution is less expensive, consumes less power, and is easier to integrate into a design. Two circuits are replaced by one, resulting in a reduction in design time and PCB area. If both the processor and the FPGA use external RAM, these memory circuits can be merged into a single RAM chip, saving space, money, and complexity. With both components on the same chip, communication between the processor and the FPGA can be substantially faster. An SoC FPGA is, first and foremost, far less expensive and takes much less design time than an ASIC. You'll also have a lot more design flexibility because the firmware can be rewritten at any point.
An SoC FPGA will be more versatile than a stand-alone CPU since hardware structures can be introduced at any time during the design process. It also allows for parallel processing of data by dedicating computationally heavy processes to dedicated FPGA firmware.
A delayed memory controller with clever data handling might outperform a high-frequency memory controller with clumsy data handling. To achieve real-time needs, the memory controller must be able to offer the required throughput of mass data transfer with the lowest possible latency.
It's critical to evaluate the connectivity speed between significant building blocks inside the SoC FPGA, such as the hard CPU and data processing FPGA blocks, and make sure it provides the required data throughput between FPGA logic and processor.
Conclusion:
Our System-on-Chip Field-Programmable Gate Array (SoC FPGA) families, which include PolarFire, SmartFusion make highly integrated designs faster and easier while using up to 50% less power than alternative FPGAs. SoC FPGA circuits, when appropriately chosen, can outperform their conventional counterparts. As a result, they've emerged as a viable competitive option.
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