FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array)

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 powers AI infrastructure. 

An FPGA works by loading a configuration file called a bitstream that defines how its logic blocks, routing resources, and I/O connections operate.

1. Create the FPGA Design 
   Define the hardware logic using VHDL, Verilog, high-level programming tools, or agentic AI.
2. Compile the Design 
   Synthesis, placement, and routing to convert the design into a bitstream configuration file.
3. Configure the FPGA 
   Download the bitstream file from the computer to the device, wich configures the FPGA's logic blocks, interconnects, and I/O resources.
4. Reprogram as Needed 
   A new bitstream can be loaded at any time, enabling hardware updates without replacing the device.