Mastering the FPGA Market: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering the FPGA Market: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP
   1. Comparison of FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP
   2. FPGA: The Whiteboard Analogy
   3. Pros and Cons of FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP
3. Why Choose an FPGA
   1. Reprogrammability and Flexibility
   2. Future-Proofing
   3. Reduced Time to Market
   4. Market Size Optimization
4. FPGA Market and Customers
   1. Industries and Applications
   2. Support and Documentation
5. Benefits of FPGAs
   1. Extended Lifespan
   2. Prototyping and testing
   3. Value in Emerging Markets
   4. Crossover Point with ASICs
6. Intel's Role in the FPGA Market
   1. EASIC Acquisition
   2. Software Tools and Quartus
   3. Complete Intel Solution
7. Conclusion
8. Additional Resources

🚀 Introduction

Welcome to the online training on FPGA business fundamentals. My name is Justine, and I will be your instructor for this Course. In this training, we will provide an overview of the FPGA market and discuss the business aspects of the FPGA industry. By the end of this training, you will have a better understanding of why companies choose FPGA, the advantages and disadvantages of FPGA versus ASIC and ASSP, and Intel's role in the FPGA market.

🤔 FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP

Comparison of FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP

FPGAs, ASICs, and ASSPs are different types of hardware devices that serve specific functions. To understand the differences between them, let's use an analogy. Think of them as different types of signs.

• ASICs are like custom logos created for a specific company or brand. They are custom-made and require a significant investment of time and money. Once created, only one company can use it.

• ASSPs, on the other HAND, are like generic signs such as "Help Wanted" or "For Sale." They serve a specific function but can be bought off the shelf. Many companies across an industry use ASSPs.

• FPGAs are like whiteboards. They are extremely flexible and customizable. Users can write, draw, and erase anything on a whiteboard. Similarly, FPGAs can be reconfigured even after installation in the field.

Pros and Cons of FPGA, ASIC, and ASSP

Each type of hardware device has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• ASICs have a low per-unit cost, low power consumption, high performance, and a small unit size. However, they have a high upfront cost and a complex design flow. Once manufactured, ASICs cannot be upgraded or repurposed.

• ASSPs offer a specific function that is common across an industry. They are less costly than ASICs and have a simpler design flow. However, they lack the flexibility of FPGAs and cannot be easily repurposed or modified for different functions.

• FPGAs are reprogrammable and flexible, allowing for hardware reconfiguration. They offer future-proofing, reduced time to market, and are market size optimized. However, FPGAs have a higher per-unit cost compared to ASICs and ASSPs.

🎯 Why Choose an FPGA

Reprogrammability and Flexibility

The primary advantage of FPGAs is their reprogrammability and flexibility. Unlike ASICs and ASSPs, FPGAs can be reconfigured even after installation in the field. This allows for hardware updates, bug fixes, and the addition of new features throughout the entire lifespan of a product.

Future-Proofing

FPGAs ensure product longevity. Companies can upgrade their products and make changes without physically replacing the hardware. This reduces design risk and total cost of ownership. FPGAs are particularly well-suited for industrial and military products that have long lifecycles.

Reduced Time to Market

FPGAs offer a reduced time to market compared to ASICs. They have little to no non-recurring engineering (NRE) cost and a less complex design flow. This means that companies can get their products out the door faster, especially in emerging markets where standards are still being defined.

Market Size Optimization

FPGAs are optimized for specific market sizes or volume ranges. In certain applications falling within this range, FPGAs can be more cost-effective than ASICs. However, as volume increases, ASICs become the more cost-effective choice. The exact crossover point varies depending on factors such as application, process node, and price sensitivity.

🔍 FPGA Market and Customers

FPGAs have a broad customer base across various growing industries such as data centers, wireless communications, military, Healthcare, finance, retail, and automotive. While FPGAs can be used in high-volume applications, they are particularly targeted towards mid to low-volume opportunities. Intel PSG serves a wide range of customers across different industries, offering support, training, and documentation tailored to their needs.

🔥 Benefits of FPGAs

Extended Lifespan

FPGAs have an extended lifespan, lasting over a decade. This aligns well with the longevity of industrial and military products. Companies can send hardware updates, add new features, and change the functionality throughout the entire lifespan of their products. This helps mitigate design risk and reduces the total cost of ownership.

Prototyping and Testing

The reprogrammable nature of FPGAs makes them ideal for prototyping and testing. They allow for quick adaptation to changing standards and easy modification of product architecture. Companies often prototype and develop on FPGAs to accelerate their time to market and gain a competitive advantage.

Value in Emerging Markets

FPGAs provide value in emerging markets where standards have not yet been defined. Their flexibility allows developers to quickly adjust to market demands and evolving technologies. As the standards solidify, companies may transition to ASICs for better performance and energy efficiency.

Crossover Point with ASICs

The crossover point is the volume at which ASICs become more cost-effective than FPGAs. It varies depending on application, process node, and price sensitivity. At volumes below the crossover point, FPGAs provide cost advantages due to their lower upfront costs. However, as volume increases, ASICs become more cost-effective.

🏢 Intel's Role in the FPGA Market

Intel's presence in the FPGA market extends beyond providing FPGAs as a component. Intel PSG offers a complete solution, combining FPGAs with their vast product portfolio. The acquisition of EASIC allows for an easier transition from FPGA to ASIC, reducing design risk and offering increased flexibility. Intel also invests heavily in software tools like Quartus, which are crucial for FPGA development. This integrated approach enables Intel to provide customers with one complete solution.

👍 Conclusion

In this training, we discussed the fundamentals of the FPGA industry. We compared FPGAs with ASICs and ASSPs, highlighting their differences and advantages. We explored why companies choose FPGAs, including their reprogrammability, future-proofing, reduced time to market, and market size optimization. We also examined Intel's role in the FPGA market, emphasizing their comprehensive solution, software tools, and acquisitions. For further information, you can download PSG's free eBook "FPGAs for Dummies" and explore the provided resources.

🔗 Additional Resources

• PSG's Free eBook: FPGAs for Dummies
• Intel FPGA Products on intel.com
• Intel FPGA YouTube Channel
• Virtual and In-person Instructor-led Classes

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between an FPGA and an ASIC?

A: An FPGA is a reprogrammable hardware device that allows for flexibility and hardware updates, whereas an ASIC is a custom-made integrated circuit designed for a specific purpose with high performance and low per-unit cost.

Q: Why would someone choose an FPGA over an ASIC?

A: FPGAs offer reprogrammability, future-proofing, reduced time to market, and market size optimization compared to ASICs. They provide the flexibility to modify and upgrade hardware even after installation, making them ideal for prototyping, testing, and adapting to changing standards in emerging markets.

Q: How does Intel differentiate itself in the FPGA market?

A: Intel PSG offers an integrated solution with FPGAs, software tools like Quartus, and a wide product portfolio. The acquisition of EASIC further strengthens Intel's position by providing a pathway from FPGA to ASIC. Intel's strong support and documentation resources cater to a broad customer base across various industries.