FPGA and Programmable Logic Development
Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and other programmable logic devices provide a flexible platform for implementing custom digital logic without the time and expense of custom ASIC fabrication. These reconfigurable devices enable rapid prototyping, algorithm acceleration, and deployment of specialized hardware solutions across diverse applications from signal processing to machine learning inference.
This category covers the tools, techniques, and development environments used to design, simulate, and deploy programmable logic systems. From hardware description languages and synthesis tools to development boards and debugging methodologies, these resources support the complete FPGA development workflow.
Topics
CPLD Development Platforms
Complex programmable logic device development resources and platforms. Coverage encompasses Xilinx CoolRunner development, Intel MAX series boards, low-power CPLD platforms, glue logic development, legacy system interfacing, simple state machine implementation, and educational CPLD kits.
Entry-Level FPGA Boards
Affordable FPGA development boards for learning and experimentation. Covers beginner-friendly platforms including Lattice iCE40 boards, Digilent educational kits, Terasic DE-series boards, open-source hardware projects, and starter kits from major FPGA vendors designed for students and hobbyists.
HDL Development Tools and Simulators
Hardware description language environments including Vivado Design Suite, Quartus Prime, ModelSim, QuestaSim, open-source tools like Yosys and IceStorm, SystemVerilog and VHDL development environments, waveform viewers, and debugging tools.
High-Level Synthesis Platforms
Abstract hardware development using high-level synthesis tools that convert C, C++, Python, and other high-level languages to hardware description languages. Covers Vitis HLS, Intel HLS Compiler, OpenCL for FPGAs, MATLAB/Simulink HDL Coder, Python-to-hardware tools, and algorithm acceleration frameworks.
Professional FPGA Development Systems
Advanced programmable logic platforms for professional hardware development. Covers Xilinx evaluation boards (Kintex, Virtex), Intel (Altera) development kits, high-speed transceiver development, DSP development on FPGAs, hardware acceleration platforms, partial reconfiguration development, and system-on-chip prototyping.
About FPGA Development
FPGA development combines hardware design thinking with software-like iterative workflows. Unlike traditional software development, FPGA designs must consider timing constraints, resource utilization, and the parallel nature of hardware execution. Modern development tools have significantly reduced the learning curve while enabling increasingly sophisticated designs.
The programmable logic ecosystem continues to evolve with high-level synthesis tools that compile C/C++ code to hardware, standardized interfaces for hardware-software co-design, and integration with cloud-based FPGA instances for development and deployment.