FPGAs 101

1.1. Introduction

This chapter is a primer that provides beginners with some background information that will help in understanding the field programmable gate array (FPGA) development process described in this book. The FPGA process can be confusing and frustrating, making it more difficult to learn or understand, especially if you do not have at least a basic understanding of some background concepts. So, it is my hope this primer will fill in some, if not all, of the gaps. I am a firm believer that we can always learn something new; so for experienced engineers, I believe this book will be both a good refresher and an opportunity to learn something new. The chapter also provides some helpful hints and tips that I found to be useful over ...