FPGA is a buzz word in the electronics industry. It is used in a range of applications. What is FPGA? Xilinx Inc, a renown FPGA manufacturer, defines Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) as semiconductor devices that are based around a matrix of configurable logic blocks (CLBs) connected via programmable interconnects. FPGAs can be reprogrammed to desired application or functionality requirements after manufacturing. According to Renee's article (Advantages of FPGAs), increasingly sophisticated tools are enabling embedded control system designers to more quickly create and more easily adapt FPGA-based applications. In manufacturing and automation contexts, FPGAs are well-suited for use in robotics and machine tool applications, as well as for fan, pump, compressor and conveyor control. FPGAs are often used to reconfigure I/O module functionality.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/index.php/blog/show/build-your-first-fpga-based-robot