Reprogrammability of GAL devices Approximately how many erase/reprogram cycles can typical GAL devices withstand over their lifetime?

Introduction / Context:
GALs (Generic Array Logic) are electrically erasable and reprogrammable, making them convenient for iterative development and field updates. Understanding endurance helps plan maintenance and ensures reliability in manufacturing where devices may be reprogrammed multiple times during testing and updates.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We refer to typical commercial GAL16V8/20V8/22V10 devices.
• Endurance is specified in datasheets as a minimum guaranteed number of erase/write cycles.
• Actual endurance may exceed the guaranteed minimum in many parts.

Concept / Approach:
GALs use EEPROM/Flash-like technologies for configuration storage. Vendors commonly rate endurance at or above 10,000 cycles. While earlier technologies (for example, UV-erasable EPROM) required exposure to UV light and had different constraints, GALs can be electrically erased and rewritten many times, supporting robust iterative workflows.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer specifications for popular GALs list endurance around 10,000 program/erase cycles minimum, confirming the selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 0: Contradicts reprogrammable nature.
• At least 100 / At least 1000: Understate modern device endurance by orders of magnitude.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing GALs with one-time programmable PALs; not accounting for data retention limits (for example, 10+ years) which are separate from cycle endurance.

Final Answer:
Over 10,000