CODEWITHSUNDEEP
fpgamicroprocessors
user1284631
user1284631

Reputation: 4616

FPGA vs CPU: what operations are impossible on a processor

In this presentation here:

http://opensource.zylin.com/workshop/fpga.pdf

on slide 12, titled "How do I know I need an FPGA?", one of the specified reasons is:

"Some operations are impossible in a microprocessor"

Is this metaphorically speaking for something like "it would be very long to do those operations on a processor", or simply there are some operations with are really impossible for a processor, but feasible on a FPGA.

If there are such operations, what are those?

Upvotes: 0

Views: 2326

Answers (1)

Ben Voigt
Ben Voigt

Reputation: 283763

There exist quite complete software simulators for FPGA designs, so any logic which can be configured into an FPGA can be implemented on a microprocessor.

However, the timing is very different, especially in simulation.

So if timing requirements are part of the definition of "operation", then some operations cannot be performed by the F/D/X processor, which are feasible for an FPGA.

In addition to implementation of logic, FPGAs also contain some analog-ish blocks. For example, the I/O pads for differential digital signals can be used as analog comparators for implementation of ADC and DAC blocks. PLLs are also commonly found in FPGAs. As well as large numbers of I/O pins. Microprocessors generally have none of these features (although microcontrollers may), so FPGA designs using them can't be duplicated on a processor.

Upvotes: 3

Related Questions