Programmable Logic Device Questions

• GAL vs PAL — reprogrammable logic: Is it correct to describe a GAL (Generic Array Logic) device as a programmable and reprogrammable successor to a PAL (Programmable Array Logic)?
• PAL internal structure — AND/OR array roles: Is the following statement correct? “A PAL consists of an array of fixed AND gates connected to a programmable OR array.”
• PLD design flow context In programmable logic device (PLD) development environments, “schematic capture” refers to creating a gate-level or block-level circuit diagram on screen and then using vendor tools to synthesize, map, and route that design onto the target device. Evaluate the statement: Schematic capture is a process performed by PLD software.
• Cost and capability perspective on PLD families Evaluate the claim: “An expensive form of programmable logic is SPLD.” (SPLD stands for Simple Programmable Logic Device, compared with CPLD and FPGA classes.)
• Pinout knowledge check: GAL16V8 Consider the classic GAL16V8 programmable logic device in a 20-pin package. Evaluate the statement: “The GAL16V8 has eight dedicated input pins.”
• Historical note on PLD adoption and PAL devices Evaluate the statement: “PLDs did not gain widespread acceptance until the mid-1980s, when a device called a PAL was introduced.”
• FLEX10K logic element (LE) connectivity Evaluate the claim: “In the FLEX10K device, the logic element can produce two outputs to drive local (LAB) and global (fast-track) interconnects on the chip.”
• Xilinx schematic symbols for I/O intent Evaluate the statement: “Xilinx software uses triangular buffer symbols (e.g., IBUF, OBUF) to define and indicate pins as inputs or outputs in a schematic entry flow.”
• PROM vs. PAL architecture comparison Evaluate the statement: “The architecture of a PAL differs slightly from that of a PROM.” Consider the core array structures and which planes are programmable.
• FLEX10K logic element type Evaluate the statement: “The Altera FLEX10K family uses a look-up table (LUT) architecture within its logic elements.”
• High-level classification of programmable logic devices Evaluate the statement: “Generally, PLDs can be described as being one of four different types.” Consider common textbook taxonomies.
• Industry leaders in programmable logic Evaluate the statement: “Altera Corporation and Xilinx Corporation are the two leading PLD manufacturers.” Consider the historical and widely used market view.
• Programmable logic hardware fact-check The Altera UPIX educational development board is stated to contain an EP10K60 (from the FLEX 10K FPGA family) in a 280-pin package. Assess the statement as a technical claim.
• GAL architecture knowledge check The GAL16V8 programmable logic device is claimed to have 32 input variables available to its logic. Judge this statement with respect to actual GAL16V8 capabilities.
• Terminology accuracy for modern programmable logic CPLDs and FPGAs are sometimes labeled “high-capacity programmable logic devices (HCPLDs).” Evaluate this terminology.
• MAX7000S dedicated input pins Devices in the MAX7000S family feature four input-only pins that can be configured either as high-speed control signals (such as global clear/clock) or as general user inputs. Rate this statement.
• Device classification accuracy FLEX 10K (e.g., EP10K) devices are generally classified as “high-capacity PLDs (HCPLDs)” due to their logic-cell density. Evaluate this classification.
• CPLD vs. PLD relationship “A CPLD is basically a simplified PLD.” Decide whether this statement accurately describes how CPLDs relate to simple PLDs.
• FPGA configuration technologies FPGA families use various programming technologies such as SRAM, flash, and antifuse. The claim here is that flash is the most common across FPGAs. Evaluate this claim.
• Antifuse device behavior State whether the following is accurate: “Antifuse-based programmable logic devices are volatile.”