Digital circuit design using FPGAS

Field Programmable Gate Arrays are generic devices that contain a vast number of basic digital components. The interconnections between these components are defined by the user. By specifying these interconnections different digital circuits may be realized. FPGAS are reprogrammable devices, making the change from one digital circuit to another as simple as downloading a new interconnection file. Furthermore the definition of the interconnection file may be carried out at high level machine languages, making the design and debugging of complex digital circuits rather simple. This publication discusses the use of FPGA as an alternate solution to ASICs. A review of the FPGA technology and its impact on the use of ASICs is carried out. This is followed by a projection of the impact of FPGA on digital technology. Finally methods on introducing FPGA technology to in the classroom and its impact on the quality of future engineers in considered. A case study of the FPGA impact on the Computer Engineering Technology Department of the University of Southern Mississippi will be considered.