FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), that is, field programmable gate array, is the product of further development on the basis of programmable devices such as PAL, GAL and CPLD. As a semi-custom circuit in the field of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), it not only solves the shortcomings of custom circuits, but also overcomes the shortcomings of limited gates of the original programmable devices.

ASIC have the advantages of high performance and low power consumption, but any algorithm they contain-except the algorithm executed in the processor core inside the software-is "frozen". So at this time we need Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The architecture of early FPGA devices was relatively simple-just a series of programmable modules interconnected by programmable devices.

FPGA(XilinxKintex7Ultrascle) for deep learning accelerator

The most powerful thing about FPGA is that we can configure its programmable architecture to realize any combination of digital functions we need. In addition, we can implement the algorithm in a massively parallel way, which means that we can process big data very quickly and effectively.

2. Application specific integrated circuit

At present, in the field of integrated circuits, ASIC is considered as an integrated circuit designed for special purposes. Refers to the integrated circuit designed and manufactured according to the requirements of specific users and the needs of specific electronic systems. The characteristic of ASIC is to meet the needs of specific users. Compared with general integrated circuits, ASIC has the advantages of smaller size, lower power consumption, higher reliability, better performance, stronger confidentiality and lower mass production cost.

ASIC(MovidiusMyriad) for deep learning accelerator

Let's start with an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As the name implies, this is a device created for a specific purpose. Once the design and manufacture are completed, the circuit is fixed and cannot be changed. When most people hear the word ASIC, their "subconscious" reaction is to assume that it is a digital device. In fact, any customized chip, whether analog, digital or a mixture of the two, is an ASIC. However, for the purpose of these discussions, we should assume that this chip is completely or mainly digital, and any analog and mixed signal functions are along the physical interface line (physical layer) or phase locked loop (PLL).

Advantages of FPGA design

ASIC design advantages