Embedded FPGAs with Microcontrollers are specialized electronic components that combine the flexibility of Field Programmable Gate Arrays with the control capabilities of microcontrollers. This integrated solution allows for the creation of highly customizable and programmable logic circuits that can be tailored to a wide range of applications, while also providing the dedicated processing power and control functions typically offered by microcontrollers. They are commonly used for complex, real-time processing tasks in applications such as industrial control systems, automotive electronics, communication infrastructures, and consumer electronics. Their main characteristics include a reconfigurable hardware architecture, which allows designers to update the circuitry even after deployment, and an on-chip microcontroller, which can manage tasks such as data handling, interfacing, and system monitoring.
In practical settings, these products excel in situations that demand rapid prototyping, product evolution, and adaptability to changing standards or requirements. They are ideally suited for smart connected devices, where they can handle intricate signal processing algorithms while also overseeing system functions. This versatility and integration of capabilities reduce the need for multiple discrete components on a circuit board, leading to more compact and cost-effective designs. Renowned manufacturers of Embedded - FPGAs with Microcontrollers include Xilinx, Altera (now part of Intel), Microsemi, and Lattice Semiconductor.