The programmable logic array: implementation and methodology
David J. Kinniment · Institution of Engineering and Technology eBooks · 1983
There are a number of methods for implementation of a semi-custom design as an integrated circuit, but the main thrust of most methods is to choose a target structure on the silicon which is both flexible in use and permits a simple, correct compilation process from the description of the required behaviour to the mask layout. Programmable Logic Arrays substitute an overall floor plan, or architectural arrangement of the gates for the fixed array of primitives; the structure is therefore simple to connect because the signal flow is predefined by the architecture, and can be more efficient in silicon area because only the area actually required for the function is used rather than a fixed size of chip. The disadvantage of the PLA is that its fixed architecture narrows the range of applicability more than other semi-custom techniques.