Abstract :
Since their introduction in 1985, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have emerged as a leading Application Specific IC (ASIC) technology. By combining the density of gate arrays with the convenience, ease-of-use, and time-to-market benefits of user-programmable devices, FPGAs have quickly gained the acceptance of system designers worldwide. Recent technology advances continue to expand the range of applications that can be effectively addressed by FPGAs. Different applications have differing requirements. To better meet these varying needs and further expand the range of applications that can be addressed by FPGA technology, Xilinx has recently introduced several new SRAM-based FPGA products. These new product offerings reflect the goal of every electronics design: leverage advancing technology to best match users´ needs. In some cases, this takes the form of evolutionary improvements to current products, such as performance improvements for the XC3100A FPGA family and enhancements to the XC4000 FPGA architecture to create the XC4000E family. In other cases, it involves new product development to take full advantage of new technologies and emerging applications, as with the new XC5000 and XC6200 FPGA families. FPGAs are rapidly becoming a critical strategic technology for leading electronic systems companies. A broad product line supported by a unified suite of development software gives the user the choice of the most-appropriate PLD architecture, without reinvesting in purchasing and learning a new set of design tools
