Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)

Definition :
An Integrated Circuit(IC) that contains large numbers of gates, flip-flops, etc. that can be
configured by the user to perform different functions is called a Programmable Logic
Deice (PLD).
What are they?
!hey are an integrated circuit that can be programmed using a hard"are description
language such as #$DL or #erilog. %ith the correct tools a schematic can be generated
that is used to build the file that "ill be used to program the deice. PLDs are chips that
can be programmed, and often re-programmed, to implement different logic functions.
An e&ample of a PLD design is sho"n aboe.
Inside each PLD is a set of fully connected macrocells. !hese macrocells are typically
comprised of some amount of combinatorial logic (A'D and () gates, for e&ample) and
a flip-flop. In other "ords, a small *oolean logic e+uation can be built "ithin each
macrocell. !his e+uation "ill combine the state of some number of binary inputs into a
binary output and, if necessary, store that output in the flip-flop until the ne&t cloc, edge.
(f course, the particulars of the aailable logic gates and flip-flops are specific to each
manufacturer and product family.
Types of PLDs:
- P)(. - Programmable )ead (nly .emory, A'D inputs fi&ed, () inputs
programmable.
- PAL - Programmable Array Logic, A'D inputs programmable, () inputs fi&ed
- PLA - Programmable Logic Arrays, both A'D and () gates programmable
- /AL - /ate Array Logic
- 0PLA - 0ield Programmable Logic Array, the fuses can be blo"n by the user instead of
being blo"n at time of manufacture.
Advantages:
- (ne important adantage is that design "ith PLDs is faster and this reduces the time
re+uired to bring a product to mar,et.
- Programmable deices also reduce the ris,s associated "ith product deelopment since
they allo" last minute changes, often "ithout haing to redesign the circuit boards.
- PLDs often replace seeral other special purpose deices and the design usually has
fe"er components. !his reduces PC*, assembly, test and repair costs.
- 1ince more of the logic is integrated into each chip the number of interconnections is
decreased and this increases the reliability of the product.
Disadvantages:
- Design "ith PLDs re+uire additional deelopment soft"are and hard"are "hich if
often ery e&pensie.
- Design staff often need to be trained to use ne" design tools.
- Parts must be programmed before they can be assembled into a final product.
Applications:
Prototyping
- .any times a CPLD or 0P/A "ill be used in a prototype system. A small deice may
be present to allo" the designers to change a board2s glue logic more easily during
product deelopment and testing.
Hybrid chips
$ybrid chips hae part fi&ed logic and part programmable logic. !he fi&ed logic
contains a fully functional processor and perhaps een some on-chip memory. !his
part of the chip also interfaces to dedicated address and data bus pins on the
outside of the chip. Application-specific peripherals can be inserted into the
programmable logic portion of the chip, either from a library of IP cores or the
customer2s o"n designs.
!H"#$A%TH & H
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