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Field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) enables custom digital circuits for parallel computing, real-time control and signal processing.
What is an FPGA?
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is a reprogrammable integrated circuit built from configurable logic blocks, programmable interconnects, memory, and input/output resources. Unlike a processor that executes software instructions or a fixed-function chip whose circuitry is determined during manufacturing, an FPGA allows engineers to create application-specific digital hardware and reconfigure it after deployment as requirements change. This flexible hardware architecture enables massive parallelism, deterministic low-latency performance, real-time control, signal processing, protocol bridging, hardware acceleration, and AI inference.
How does an FPGA work?
An FPGA works by loading a configuration file called a bitstream that defines how its logic blocks, routing resources, and I/O connections operate.
- Create the FPGA Design
Define the hardware logic using VHDL, Verilog, or high-level programming tools. - Compile the Design
Synthesis, placement, and routing to convert the design into a bitstream configuration file. - Configure the FPGA
The bitstream configures the FPGA's logic blocks, interconnects, and I/O resources. - Reprogram as Needed
A new bitstream can be loaded at any time, enabling hardware updates without replacing the device.
FPGA Applications
Altera FPGAs are deployed in applications that require both deterministic performance and field reprogram ability, including:
Physical AI
Sensor fusion, real-time decision-making, and low-latency control for robotics and autonomous systems.
Data Centers
AI inference and workload acceleration with greater flexibility than fixed-function ASICs.
Aerospace & Defense
Secure, field-updatable systems that support long lifecycles, predictable performance, and reduced obsolescence risk.
Industrial
Real-time control, edge AI, and functional safety for industrial automation, robotics, machine vision, and smart manufacturing.
FPGA Products
High Performance |
Mid-Range |
Power & Cost Optimized |
|---|---|---|
Common Questions
FPGAs can be reconfigured after deployment, allowing hardware functionality to evolve as standards, algorithms, and system requirements change. Learn more: Why FPGAs Matter.
CPUs excel software execution; GPUs accelerate highly parallel workloads, and FPGAs provide customizable hardware optimized for deterministic, low-latency processing. Compare Architectures: FPGA vs. CPU, GPU, ASIC, and ASSP.
FPGAs are often preferred when design flexibility, faster development cycles, or post-deployment updates are important. Compare Architectures: FPGA vs. CPU, GPU, ASIC, and ASSP.
FPGAs are commonly used for AI inference, networking, signal processing, industrial automation, and other applications requiring real-time performance. Learn more: Why FPGAs Matter.
Altera combines programmable-logic expertise, Agilex FPGA families, software tools, IP, and ecosystem support to help accelerate development. Learn more: Why Choose Altera FPGAs.