Comparing and Contrasting FPGA and Microprocessor System Design and Development
Karen Parnell, Roger Bryner · 2004
Programmable Logic Devices offer a cost effective alternative to custom microprocessors due to their generic nature with the added benefits of short time-to-market, no NRE costs, off-theshelf availability, ability to control inventory in peak and trough times, and ability to reduce total cost of ownership over the lifetime of an end product. Microprocessor obsolescence is a major concern for many companies. Programmable logic can provide a viable solution to this problem. By using soft core microprocessors embedded within a programmable logic device, not only can you own the processor core for use in any future devices and platforms, but the design can be both flexible and scalable to suit different platforms. This paper compares and contrasts FPGA and microprocessor system design and development flows with the aim of helping the designer and definer of state-of-the-art electronics systems to make a considered and well-informed architecture decision. The first part of the paper introduces Xilinx and PLDs to people new to programmable logic. Next, the paper describes the benefits PLDs can bring to total cost management, technical advantages of PLDs, and microprocessor design flows and methodologies. The paper then discusses future trends, the use of soft core microprocessors, and how these can be used to mitigate against processor obsolescence.