1. Programmable Logic- How do they do that?
Class 1: An Introduction to Programmable Logic
1/12/2015
Warren Miller

2. This Week’s Agenda
1/12/15 An Introduction to Programmable Logic 1/13/15 Switches and Logic 1/14/15 Specialized Functions 1/15/15 Adding Processors 1/16/15 Software Tools

3. Course Description
Often we don't think about the details of how a particular device or technology are implemented- we just use them in our designs. However sometimes you can’t help but wonder- “What did they do that?” This course will dig into the details of how programmable logic devices and the associated tools are implemented so you can better understand some of the ‘How’ behind common trade-offs you are faced with in your designs.
Programmable logic starts first with the technology used to implement the configurable logic that makes up a programmable logic device. This class will review the primary technology use to implement the configurable elements common to all programmable logic devices.

4. Today’s Topics Goals and Objectives
A Review of Common Programmable Logic Elements and Technologies
Configurable Fabric (Logic, Interconnect and I/O)
SRAM, Flash, Anti-fuse
A Short History of Programmable Devices
Gate Arrays, PLAs, FPLAs, PALs, FPGAs, etc
Implementation Technology
Fuse, Anti-Fuse, Flash, SRAM
Software Tools
Place and Route, Synthesis, Simulation and Debug
Programmable logic starts first with the technology used to implement the configurable logic that makes up a programmable logic device. This class will review the primary technology use to implement the configurable elements common to all programmable logic devices.

5. Goals and Objectives
Understand, at the overview level, key concepts we will use in the rest of the class
Programmable Logic Devices
Technology and Architecture
History and Evolution of Common Elements
Software
Key Development Steps
Why These Steps?

6. Before Programmable Logic
Gate Array:
Fixed Gates
Interconnect Matrix
Very High Capacity
Low Cost
Changes require new mask
Programmable Logic Array (PLA):
Array of AND and OR gates
Interconnect using ‘vias’
Low Cost
High Capacity
Changes require new mask

7. Programmable Logic Begins
PROMs:
Programmable Read Only Memory
Full Address Decode
Programmable OR
Implements ANY Function of Inputs
High Cost
Software Easy
Costly to Extend
Registered PROMs:
Added an Output Register
Used for Microcode Storage in Bit-Sliced processors
Could also be used for implementing state machines!
Register

8. FPLAs FPLAs: Field Programmable Logic Array Full Interconnect
One Time Programmable
Low Capacity
Low Cost
Software Easy
Architecture Difficult to Extend

9. PALs PLDs: Programmable Array Full Interconnect One Time Programmable
Low Capacity
Low Cost
Software Easy
Architecture Difficult to Extend

10. And Evolves CPLDs: CMOS Technology Blocks of PLA/PAL
Programmable Interconnect
Low Capacity
Low Cost
Software More Difficult
Architecture Extendable
Note: Logic Tied to I/Os

11. FPGAs FPGAs: Look-up Tables for Logic Switched Interconnect
High Capacity
High Cost
Software Very Difficult
Architecture Very Extendable
Easy to add Fixed Blocks

12. Implementation Technology 1
Fuse
Anti-Fuse

13. Implementation Technology 2
SRAM
Flash

14. Programmable Logic Software Begins
Define Hardware Determine Connections Program the Device Debug

15. Programmable Logic Software Now
Define Hardware
Hardware Description Language
Determine Connections
Synthesis
Place and Route
Simulation
Test out the design
Test bench
Program the Device
Generate configuration file
Program configuration device
Debug
On-chip debug facility

16. Conclusion
Technology Implementation History Software

17. Additional Resources
Max Maxfield: Bebop to the Boolean Boogie What is Programmable Logic? Programmable Logic Wikibook (Work in progress- want to help?) Altera, Lattice, Microsemi, Xilinx web sites for data sheets, users manuals and software downloads

18. This Week’s Agenda
1/12/15 An Introduction to Programmable Logic 1/13/15 Switches and Logic 1/14/15 Specialized Functions 1/15/15 Adding Processors 1/16/15 Software Tools