What does FPGA stand for?

FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. This term describes a type of integrated circuit that can be configured by the user after manufacturing, allowing for flexibility in hardware design. They are made up of an array of programmable logic blocks and a hierarchy of reconfigurable interconnects, which enables users to configure the hardware to execute specific logical functions and algorithms.

The key aspect of an FPGA is that it is "field programmable," meaning that the programming can occur in the field as opposed to being fixed during manufacturing. This adaptability makes FPGAs exceptionally useful in a variety of applications, from telecommunications and automotive systems to video processing and beyond. The broad adoption of FPGAs owes itself to their reconfigurability, which allows engineers to design, implement, and modify hardware functionality without the need for expensive and time-consuming hardware redesigns.