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FPGAs have come a long way in terms of their applications, processing capability and architectures. So what are some of its future challenges and what is next for FPGAs? What role will FPGAs play in system design in Asia? How are you dealing with all these possible scenarios? Discuss your views, design challenges and solutions related to FPGA design in this forum.
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Message:  FPGAs as DSPs deliver efficiency and generality Post time:  Mar 26, 2008 2:00 PM
 

Author:EEquester

Level:  Deputy Engineer

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"They were convinced that FPGAs couldn't be more efficient than DSPs. After all, they said, to provide reconfigurability, FPGAs spend transistors extravagantly. Implementing a simple logic function (like a two-input NAND) on an FPGA requires a lot more transistors than are used to provide the same function in a processor's arithmetic logic unit.
They have a point, but efficiency comes in many flavors.
An FPGA, in contrast, can use much more of its silicon area for computations. Now, if you run a demanding, highly parallel DSP algorithm on a typical DSP, you'll see that only small portions of the silicon are consistently active. On the other hand, an FPGA running the same application will use lots of its resources, most of the time. So which is more efficient? "http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800497803_499485_NT_1385d541.HTM
What do you think? Share your thoughts with us.
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(2) Reply:FPGAs as DSPs deliver efficiency and generality Post time:  Jul 7, 2008 9:19 AM
 

Author:Maynard Delfin

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Depending on the application, both FPGA's and DSP's efficiency can be maximized. In apps where an FPGA may be well-suited, then we can exploit these areas. This also holds true to DSP.This issue is a matter of considering where each can be used more efficiently.   
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(3) Reply:FPGAs as DSPs deliver efficiency and generality Post time:  Jul 14, 2008 5:39 PM
 

Author:ATPV

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According to some industry executives, the current trend toward multicore can significantly benefit from the parallel processing powers of FPGAs as opposed to DSPs. For designers, which of the two are better implemented in designs? Please share your thought.
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(4) Reply:FPGAs as DSPs deliver efficiency and generality Post time:  Aug 12, 2008 2:34 AM
 

Author:null

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It totally depends...
If you have a simple datapump/codec demand with high throuput - and you somehow want to have more supplier independancy - an fpga is the choice - if you can afford more hrm cost and have the right people.
On a more flexible design with more demand for fast memory (and this is what the dsp die size may offer) a dsp might be the right (and only) solution.
Both DSP and FPGA companys offer somewhat hybrid concepts - thats more optimized for fast developement cycles.
A DaVinci from TI targets a classic FPGA market - but lacks the huge amount  of fast internal ram. A virtex with ppc is somewhat crippled ppc system with configurable i/o.
If it comes to classic "old" dsp applications - the fpga´s have taken over already. Thats why those companies offer dsp controllers with rich i/o to offer extra value for money.
If you have a complex dsp system - it might be really difficult to get the same with fpga - think about clock distribution and integration.
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