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.
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.
Conclusion
FPGA and microprocessor both have unique characteristics. FGPA is advanced when compared to a microprocessor. It works more efficiently than a microprocessor. FGPA works on high frequency, whereas microprocessors do not work on a high frequency. The main difference between FPGA and microprocessors is their execution. The FPGA executes in parallel, and the microprocessors execute in sequential. The FPGA consumes high power, whereas the microprocessor consumes low power. The development period for FPGA is high, and the development period for the microprocessor is low. The microprocessor is a simple central processing unit, while FGPA is an advanced version.
References
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/590366/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/5272406/