Programmable Logic Device Questions

• System composition reality: Complete the statement — “Most complex digital designs include ________.”
• Gated array classification: Complete the sentence — “Gated arrays are ________ integrated circuits that offer hundreds of thousands of gates.”
• CPLD vs. FPGA distinctions in practice: In modern digital design, how clear is the dividing line between Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), considering architecture, capacity, timing, and use cases?
• GAL16V8 OLMC flip-flop behavior: In a GAL16V8 device, the D flip-flops contained inside the Output Logic Macrocell (OLMC) provide which combination of control features?
• MAX7000S EPM7128S package pin count: An Altera EPM7128S device packaged in a PQFP with the stated I/O breakout (12 I/O per LAB plus 4 additional input-only pins) results in a total of how many package pins?
• ASIC cost comparison: How do design costs for standard-cell ASICs compare with those for MPGA (masked gate array) implementations when targeting the same functionality?
• FPGA programming technologies: Among SRAM, flash, and antifuse configuration technologies used in FPGAs, which is the most commonly encountered in mainstream devices?
• Device class of FLEX10K: FLEX10K devices (from Altera) are generally classified as which type of programmable logic?
• What is a macrocell? Choose the best description that matches the term “macrocell” as used in PAL/GAL/CPLD-style programmable logic.
• MAX7000S interconnect capacity into a LAB: In an Altera MAX7000S device, up to how many signals can feed a single Logic Array Block (LAB) from the Programmable Interconnect Array (PIA)?
• Understanding GAL22V10 capabilities: Which statement correctly characterizes the GAL22V10 programmable logic device?
• Automated PCB test method terminology: What is the common name for an automated fixture that uses an array of spring-loaded probes to contact many test points on a printed circuit board simultaneously?
• PLD array notation refresher In a typical programmable logic device (PLD) circuit (PROM, PAL, GAL), the interconnections to the fixed OR plane are shown using a simple graphical convention. In such PLD array diagrams, the inputs (product terms) feeding each OR gate are designated by which symbol or mark?
• GAL16V8 macrocell control signals Within a GAL16V8 output macrocell, which internal multiplexer controls the enable input of the tri-state output buffer (i.e., determines when the output pin is driven versus placed in high impedance)?
• FLEX10K fast arithmetic path In an Altera FLEX10K FPGA, the dedicated carry chain provides a fast carry-forward function between which elements within the device fabric?
• MAX7000S interconnect fabric In Altera’s MAX7000S CPLD family, all device inputs and all macrocell outputs feed which on-chip resource that distributes signals for logic implementation?
• Design flow terminology In a typical PLD/FPGA design flow—after design entry and functional/timing simulation—the final step in which the compiled design is implemented onto the target device is commonly called what?
• GAL16V8 feedback selection path In the GAL16V8 output macrocell, which internal multiplexer selects the signal that is fed back into the device’s input matrix for further logic use?
• Where does the GAL16V8 get most of its flexibility? Considering the common operating modes (registered/combinational), polarity control, tri-state control, and feedback options, the principal source of flexibility in a GAL16V8 is found in its ________.
• Hardware vs. software solutions in digital systems Complete the statement: “Using a hardware solution for a digital system is always ________ than a software solution.” Choose the most accurate engineering perspective.