FPGA/CPLD Design
FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array
CPLD = Complex Programmable Logic Device
The rapid evolution and cost reduction of FPGA/CPLD families has resulted in widespread use but only where those in the industry are able to adapt to the technology and make use of it.
Your project may be self-evident in its requirement for such devices. In several designs we have found that the most cost effective route removed some types of processing from a "regular" micro-processor and transferred them to FPGA instead. The nature and structure of FPGA/CPLD design allows incredible flexibility and future proofing, as well as the ability to carry out complex calculations in real-time environments.
It is fortunate that our preferred design environment (Altium) richly supports FPGA development whilst others still see it as an emerging technology.
Algorithms
Love it or hate it, maths is one of those core subjects that does not hide away in some projects. The problem comes when the real-world signal is not at all in the condition that you need for your product to perform.
The mastery in these cases starts from an understanding of the mathematic manipulations that could be applied to the problem. These are extended either by complexity of the first algorithm or by secondary calculations. The secondary or ancillary calculations are derived in the design process to provide constant values that when used give an optimum result.
The creation of an algorithm and its constants is a major step to provide you with a precise or even just workable solution from a signal that may appear to be "a mess".
The next stage of this type of design work involves moving from the “pure” maths to an implementation that is manageable in the FPGA world.
Signal processing
Some signals measured or sensed from the real-world are more commonly understood and the maths (algorithms) more clearly defined. The world of FPGA development has progressed for many years but it application at affordable prices has been hampered. In part there is the inevitable time delay from new-technology to cost reduction.
FPGAs and their associated facilities open a world of new possibilities. The greatest challenge is finding the designers who can:
- understand FPGA/CPLD benefits and challenges
- manage the maths and signal processing
- implement them in reliable, workable projects
We are those designers. Having several successful implementations of FPGA already greatly enhances our position as future technology roll outs occur. Contact us today to see how we can fulfil your FPGA and CPLD design needs.
Listen to this
Turn up your speakers and click on the image of the chip below to hear the difference our FPGA signal processing has made.
The first section has a poor quality ADC, poor quality compression and poor quality DAC. The second section has an improved ADC, improved compression and improved DAC.