Getting level with FPGAs
M. Hauff · Electronic Systems and Software · 2006
Rapid prototyping systems based around field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) look as though they could provide a way of giving electronics engineers much quicker results than traditional methods. Using an FPGA as the platform for embedded design gave freedom to alter both hardware and software during development that couldn't have achieved using discrete fixed hardware. Using the tools, the author was able to work at a system level within the FPGA, providing a high level of interaction with the design hardware and software during development. This allowed developing and testing the design 'live', without the overhead involved in hardware simulation.