The first explorers came with Karnaugh maps and truth tables. Complex combinational functions could be concentrated in programmable logic devices more efficiently than with random logic parts or large, sparse ROMs. As these early PAL pioneers blazed trails into a new frontier of logic design, a culture of design methodology grew around them, and the process refined itself with design automation tools and techniques tailored to their needs.

Over time, programming PALs became less and less exclusive. The problems and pitfalls faced by early designers were known and solved, and automation techniques relegated programmable logic design to the newer, less experienced members of the design team. Grouping random and glue logic together and burning a programmable device moved closer and closer to the purview of interns and summer students.

Programmable logic companies then threw a wrench into the gears. As newer, more complex PLDs and CPLDs became available, the role of programmable logic in the design became more important, and the task of programming it became more demanding. Lead engineers and tool developers were once again pulled into the fray. A second generation of designers began implementing more complex functions using PLDs. Sequential design, state diagrams, and clocks became elements of concern in PLD design. Designers began to look for more abstract descriptions such as schematic diagrams and equations to express design specifications. [more]

FPGA-PCB Co-Design
More Than Just Data Transfer
by Rob Irwin, Manager, Brand Strategy, Altium

The issues associated with integrating the design of large-scale FPGA devices and the PCBs they sit on have been brought into the spotlight with recent tool announcements from EDA companies Altium Limited and Mentor Graphics. This article looks at the issues and examines the tool support needed to make FPGA-PCB co-design a reality.

It’s been hard to miss the mounting flurry of industry reports touting the potential & broad use of programmable devices lately. More than any other single factor, the emergence of low-cost, high-capacity FPGAs is having a huge impact on the business of designing electronic products. Already it is claimed that more than 60% of board design turns include at least one CPLD or FPGA, and this figure is escalating. [more]