Redefining the FPGA for the Next Generation

Abstract

Summary form only given. Over the past twenty years, FPGAs evolved from simple glue-logic chips to complex systems-on-a-chip. This change can be viewed having distinct phases, each with different architecture, tools and methodology requirements. Are we now facing another phase change? Will FPGAs continue to evolve incrementally or are we about to see a radical change in field programmable logic? This talk traces the evolution of programmable logic based on the technological opportunities and pressures. Those pressures are changing, and the change will affect not only device architecture, but also design tools, methodology and even our business models. This talk discusses today's technological opportunities and pressures, and how those pressures will define tomorrow's FPGAs.