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Is A FPGA A CPU
Is A FPGA A CPU
Is A FPGA a CPU?
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Central Processing Units (CPUs) are two fundamental
components used in many digital systems. But there are some key differences between their architectures
and applications. This article will examine if an FPGA can be considered a type of CPU or if they are
distinct technologies.
Table of Contents
CPU Overview
A Central Processing Unit, or processor, is a digital circuit that executes instructions contained in software
programs. CPUs implement fundamental computing operations like:
Modern CPUs utilize architectures like x86, ARM, RISC-V etc. They are fabricated as complex integrated
circuits containing billions of transistors. CPUs are optimized for executing sequential instruction streams
at high speed.
FPGA Overview
A Field Programmable Gate Array is an integrated circuit containing configurable logic blocks and
programmable interconnects. Users can customize the FPGA to implement digital logic functions
by programming it after manufacturing.
Key characteristics:
So in summary, the CPU is optimized for software programmability while the FPGA is optimized for
hardware flexibility and customizability.
Even though they have different architectures, FPGAs can be configured to implement functionality quite
similar to CPUs. This is achieved by programming the FPGA fabric using HDL code to realize components
like:
Using these CPU-like blocks, FPGAs can execute software binary code loaded into their internal memory
and access external memories and peripherals.
While possible, such soft CPU architectures on FPGAs have lower performance compared to hard CPUs
built as ASICs. They consume more power and area when implemented in programmable logic. Hence
FPGAs are not a replacement for CPUs in running software.
Modern CPUs also have some capabilities to improve flexibility and customizability typically associated
with FPGAs:
RISC-V, ARM and other latest CPU architectures have configurable instruction sets that can be extended
with custom logic and accelerators.
Partial Reconfiguration
Features like Intel Management Engine allow parts of a CPU to be reconfigured without affecting the entire
device.
FPGA Co-Processors
Intel and AMD CPUs integrate FPGA fabric as co-processors to enable application specific acceleration.
Programmable matrix multiply units in CPUs like Intel DL Boost provide an FPGA-like configurability.
However, these capabilities are quite limited compared to full-fledged FPGAs. The CPU flexible logic is
tightly coupled to fixed cores and cannot be repurposed independently. CPUs are still firmly in the software
programmability domain versus FPGAs designed for custom hardware flexibility.
While FPGAs can implement soft CPU cores, they differ from true CPUs in several fundamental aspects:
The Von Neumann architecture used in CPUs is optimized for sequential fetch-decode-execute. FPGAs
employ a parallel architecture executing custom hardware blocks concurrently.
Fixed vs Configurable
CPUs have standardized fixed blocks like ALUs, caches, etc. In contrast, FPGAs are fully customizable at
the logic and routing level.
CPUs execute software instructions. FPGAs are programmed using hardware description languages (HDLs)
defining digital logic.
CPUs are generalized computing engines. FPGAs are designed and optimized for a specific application.
Standard CPUs are manufactured as standalone chips. FPGAs are on-chip accelerators integrated with CPUs.
Due to these architectural differences, even though both implement digital logic, FPGAs cannot be classified
as general-purpose CPUs. They complement CPUs with application-specific acceleration.
While CPUs are gaining more configurable logic, they are fundamentally not equivalent to FPGAs due to the
following:
CPUs are constrained to an instruction set architecture. FPGAs allow designers to implement arbitrary
digital logic unconstrained by instructions.
CPU configurable logic is minimal compared to the highly programmable FPGA fabric with millions of
logic cells and robust routing.
The CPU datapath is fixed. FPGAs can implement any custom datapath.
CPUs utilize rich full-stack software ecosystems. FPGA design relies on hardware description languages.
CPUs cores are generalized processors. FPGAs integrate application-specific accelerators and interfaces.
Due to these inherent differences, CPUs cannot match the custom hardware flexibility and parallelism
offered by FPGAs.
While they have distinct architectures and applications, FPGAs and CPUs have some high-level similarities:
Both implement digital logic functions ultimately consisting of logic gates and flip flops at their
foundation.
They utilize similar semiconductor fabrication techniques like CMOS on silicon wafers.
Standard CAD tools are used for designing and verifying both FPGA and CPU chips.
They employ common interfaces like PCIe, DDRx memory, USB, etc. to communicate with
peripherals.
Higher level system integration happens over standard buses like AXI, OCP, Avalon, etc.
They are combined together frequently as FPGA accelerated CPUs or SoC designs.
So while distinct internally, from an external perspective FPGAs and CPUs enable complementary benefits
for digital systems designers.
Generalized architecture
Mature software ecosystem
Easy integration and abstraction
Quick to develop and modify
Scalable through multicore
Broad availability of standard CPUs
In summary, both technologies have pros and cons depending on the use case requirements, so they
complement each other in building high performance digital systems.
Conclusion
While FPGAs and CPUs both provide digital logic capabilities, they have fundamentally different
architectures optimized for their specific applications. CPUs are designed to efficiently execute software
instruction streams. In contrast, FPGAs offer flexible digital logic that can be customized to accelerate
specific workloads. FPGAs do not have a fixed instruction set or run software operating systems and are
programmed using hardware description languages rather than a software toolchain. While FPGAs can
implement soft CPU cores, they lack the full software programmability of a microprocessor. Similarly,
CPUs are gaining more configurable logic but cannot match the hardware customizability of FPGAs. Both
technologies have complementary strengths ideal for heterogeneous computing systems.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the relationship between FPGAs and CPUs:
A: Not usually, because FPGAs lack native software programmability. FPGAs excel at accelerating fixed
hardware functions but CPUs are still needed to run software programs controlling the overall system.
A: No, FPGAs consist of configurable logic/routing while CPUs have fixed functional blocks like ALUs,
caches, pipelines. The internal architecture is fundamentally different.
A: To a limited degree, but CPUs have very constrained configurable logic compared to the massive
programmable fabric in FPGAs. CPUs cannot match FPGA customizability.
Q4: Why can’t FPGAs fully replace CPUs if they can also execute software?
A: Soft processor cores in FPGAs have much lower performance than hard CPU cores. FPGAs lack native
software programmability and OS support required in most systems.
A: Unlikely, since CPUs excel at generalized software execution which is easier to develop for. FPGAs and
CPUs will continue to complement each other in heterogeneous compute systems.
In summary, while FPGAs and CPUs overlap in some capabilities, they are optimized for different
applications and provide complementary strengths that make them both indispensable for modern digital
designs.
Related Posts:
1. Understanding XC7K70T-1FBG484 FPGA: How it sets itself Apart from Other FPGA
https://www.raypcb.com/fpga-cpu/