Field programmable gate arrays get enough speed and density for computer applications

At the time of their introduction in 1985, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) offered limited speed and logic density. Subsequent advances in architecture and process have resulted in major improvements in speed and logic density. Projections for further improvements in speed, density, and cost can be developed on the basis of anticipated improvements in architectures and process. These advances will result in a narrowing of the differences between conventional custom gate arrays and FPGAs. The topics covered are evolution of FPGA architectures, process advances for FPGAs, speed, density, cost, software, markets, and applications.<>