The FPGA stands for field-programmable gate array. The FPGA and microprocessors are used in computer hardware. FPGA with microcontrollers is a microprocessor IP, whereas a microprocessor is a central processing unit.
FPGA vs Microprocessor
The difference between FPGA and microprocessors is their performance. The performance of multiple instructions at once is called FPGA, whereas the performance of single instruction at once is called a microprocessor. The FPGA has parallel execution, whereas the microprocessor has sequential execution. When compared to FPGA, a microprocessor has more advantages in serial communications.
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The FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. It is an integrated circuit.
The Hardware description language(HDL) is used in FPGA. The Hardware description language is similar to the application-specific integrated circuit.
Due to the advent of design tools that work on electronics will lack circuit diagrams. The programmable logic blocks are present in the field-programmable gate array.
To perform combinational functions, logic blocks are used. The logic blocks act as logic gates like AND and OR.
A combination of the integrated circuit is called a microprocessor. It may be a single integrated circuit or several combined circuits.
To perform the computer functions, the microprocessor needs arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry. A microprocessor will do interpret and executing functions.
It also performs arithmetic functions. A process like a clock-driven, register-based, digital integrated circuit is done by a microprocessor.
It is called a multi-purpose processor.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | FPGA | Microprocessor |
|---|---|---|
| Development period | The development period for FPGA is high. | The development period for the microprocessor is low. |
| Execution | The FPGA executes in parallel. | The microprocessor executes in sequential. |
| Power consumption | The power consumption in FPGA is high. | The power consumption in the microprocessor is low. |
| Data processing throughput | The data processing throughput is high in FPGA. | The data processing throughput is low in the microprocessor. |
| Frequency Range | The frequency range in FGPA is low | The frequency range in a microprocessor is high |
What is FPGA?
The FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. It is an integrated circuit.
The Hardware description language(HDL) is used in FPGA. The Hardware description language is similar to the application-specific integrated circuit.
Due to the advent of design tools that work on electronics will lack circuit diagrams. The programmable logic blocks are present in the field-programmable gate array.
To perform combinational functions, logic blocks are used. The logic blocks act as logic gates like AND and OR.
Along with logic gates, memory elements are also present in the field memory gate array. To implement different functions, the field programmable array can be reprogrammed.
It allows for reconfigurable computing in hardware. In an embedded system, Field programmable gate array has a significant role. It has a greater capability in the development of embedded systems.
The FPGA can help to develop in the early phase. A large number of logic gates and RAM blocks are available in contemporary field-programmable gate arrays.
Any logical function can be implemented by Field programmable gate array in ASIC. The ASIC can provide many offers to the applications.
FPGA comes with analog features which allow you to set low rates in the light-loaded pins and high rates in heavily loaded pins. If it is not set correctly then the pin will ring or couple unexpectedly.
Only a few mixed signals are used in FPGA for integrated peripherals.
What is Microprocessor?
A combination of the integrated circuit is called a microprocessor. It may be a single integrated circuit or several combined circuits.
To perform the computer functions, the microprocessor needs arithmetic, logic, and control circuitry. A microprocessor will do interpret and executing functions.
It also performs arithmetic functions. A process like a clock-driven, register-based, digital integrated circuit is done by a microprocessor.
It is called a multi-purpose processor.
Both the combinational and sequential logic is present in the microprocessors. The microprocessors will work on the binary number system.
The cost of processing power is greatly reduced by the Very-Large-Scale-Integration. It consists of a few integrated circuits.
Using the method metal oxide semiconductor fabrication process, the microprocessors are produced. A 4-bit Intel 4004 is the first commercial microprocessor, and then it is replaced by 8-bit microprocessors.
Due to reliability, single-chip processors could fail in the connections. By Rock’s law the price of the chip will be the same even there are slight changes in the design.
The microprocessor will make a great impact on the design of the computer hardware. It may reduce the size and cost of the entire computer.
It is used in embedded systems, mainframes, supercomputers, and handheld devices. A processor with an arithmetic logic unit and control logic section is called a microprocessor.
Using the AND or OR, it performs the logic functions.
Main Differences Between FPGA and Microprocessor
- The frequency range in FGPA is low, the frequency range in a microprocessor is high.
- The data processing throughput is high in FPGA, the data processing throughput is low in the microprocessor.
- The power consumption in FPGA is high, the power consumption in the microprocessor is low.
- The FPGA executes in parallel, the microprocessor executes in sequential.
- The development period for FPGA is high, the development period for the microprocessor is low.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/590366/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5272406/
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
