What Are FPGAs and How Do They Work

Explore the world of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) in this comprehensive conference talk from code::dive 2018. Delve into how FPGAs differ from traditional processors and their growing importance as alternative accelerators in server and desktop environments. Learn about FPGA programming languages, translation tools, binary production, and code execution processes. Gain insights into universal compute concepts, microprocessor approaches, and instruction execution. Examine memory accesses, connectivity, and universal gates. Discover the intricacies of FPGA architecture, including Logic Cells, Logic Blocks, and interconnects, using the iCE40 FPGA as an example. Understand bitstream configuration, synchronous vs asynchronous designs, and the potential applications of FPGAs in modern computing environments.

Syllabus

Intro
Universal Compute
One Approach: Microprocessors
Instruction Execution: LDA MI/T3
Architecture Today
Memory Accesses
Connectivity
Universal Gates
Another Universal Gate
LUT Implementation
ICE40 Logic Cell
1-Bit Adder
iCE40 Logic Block (PLB)
iCE40 LP/HXIK Block Diagram
Interconnects per PLB
Logic Cell Configuration
Logic Block Configuration
Bitstream
Synchronous vs Asynchronous
Synchronous Sequential