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FPGA

FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) are digital logic chips that offer unique programmability features similar to how microcontrollers can be programmed with firmware. However, there are significant differences between them:

1. Programming Paradigm: In microcontrollers, a program consists of a sequence of instructions executed one at a time by the CPU. These instructions consume time, program memory, and RAM access. In contrast, FPGAs are designed using digital logic circuits, defining connections, RAM, ROM, and other elements. Each element of the design consumes physical FPGA resources.
2. Parallelism: Microcontrollers execute instructions sequentially, whereas FPGAs can have multiple elements of their design active simultaneously. This inherent parallelism makes FPGAs highly powerful, capable of executing complex operations in parallel.
3. Flexibility: FPGAs are known for their flexibility. They can be programmed to implement not only custom logic but also microcontroller functionality, making them versatile for various applications.

FPGAs are extensively used in fields like electronics, telecommunications, and embedded systems due to their adaptability and parallel processing capabilities.

Hardware Infrastructure

Related Projects of open source FPGA foundation to setup User Programmable FPGA environments. 

1. Virtual FPGA Lab 
   This project builds on all the power and ease-of-use of Makerchip IDE and adds convenience for FPGA development. In particular, we take advantage of Makerchip's Visual Debug feature to provide visualizations of FPGAs and their peripherals, thereby mimicking the physical lab experience.
   
   
   
   • Zedboard Zynq-7000 ARM/FPGA SoC Development Board
   • EDGE Artix 7 FPGA Development Board
   • Basys 3 Artix-7 FPGA Trainer Board
   • Icebreaker FPGA
   • Nexys A7
      
2. OpenFPGA
   The award-winning OpenFPGA framework is the first open-source FPGA IP generator with silicon proofs supporting highly-customizable FPGA architectures

FPGA Platform board

"FPGA platform boards: refer to development boards and platforms designed for working with Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs). These boards serve as a hardware environment for FPGA-based projects, enabling developers to prototype, test

1. Arduino MKR Vidor 4000
2. Arrow MAX1000
3. Alchitry Cu
4. iCEBreaker Bitsy

Arduino MKR Vidor 4000

iCEBreaker Bitsy

Alchitry Cu