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.)

Introduction / Context: Programmable logic spans several families, from small, low-cost devices to very large, high-performance architectures. Understanding where SPLDs fit on the cost/capability spectrum helps with appropriate device selection in real designs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• SPLD = Simple Programmable Logic Device (e.g., PAL, GAL, small CPLDs of SPLD-like scale).
• Larger classes include CPLDs (Complex PLDs) and FPGAs (fine-grained logic fabrics).
• Cost generally rises with logic capacity, I/O count, speed grades, and feature sets.

Concept / Approach: SPLDs are historically the entry-level, lowest-density, and typically least expensive programmable logic option. At the opposite end, high-capacity CPLDs and FPGAs command higher prices due to their abundant logic resources, clock networks, embedded memory, DSP blocks, and advanced I/O standards.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check: Check distributor price ladders: basic GAL/PAL replacements or tiny CPLDs are usually cheaper than mid/large CPLDs and almost always far cheaper than modern FPGAs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong: Marking “Correct” would invert the standard economic reality; SPLDs are used precisely because they are inexpensive and simple for small logic tasks.

Common Pitfalls: Confusing per-unit price with total solution cost. While tool licenses and boards can add cost, the device class itself (SPLD) is not the expensive tier.

Final Answer: Incorrect