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.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Different FPGA families store configuration in different ways. Knowing which technology dominates affects boot process, non-volatility, and security choices in a design.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Common configuration types: SRAM (volatile), flash (non-volatile), antifuse (one-time programmable, non-volatile).
  • Claim: flash is the most common overall.
  • We judge prevalence across mainstream FPGA families.


Concept / Approach:
Historically and presently, most high-volume FPGA families from major vendors use SRAM configuration (volatile). They load a bitstream from external flash or other sources at power-up. Flash-based FPGAs (with on-chip non-volatile storage) exist from some vendors, and antifuse FPGAs target niche applications (e.g., rad-hard). However, SRAM remains the dominant configuration technology in the broader market.


Step-by-Step Solution:
List technologies: SRAM, flash, antifuse.Compare market share and ubiquity across vendors and product lines.Conclude that SRAM is most common; therefore the statement “flash is most common” is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:
Review vendor portfolios: most flagship FPGAs (spanning multiple process nodes) rely on SRAM configuration with external non-volatile memory for boot.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” contradicts observed market prevalence. The space-grade or “before power-on” qualifiers are unrelated to overall commonality.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing external flash boot for SRAM configuration as “flash FPGA”; overlooking that SRAM FPGAs are volatile even if they boot from flash.


Final Answer:
Incorrect

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