Why PLDs Displaced Many Fixed-Function ICs — Key advantages What explains the broad market adoption of PLDs relative to piles of fixed 74xx logic and discrete glue ICs?

Introduction / Context:
Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), including SPLDs, CPLDs, and FPGAs, became popular because they consolidate functionality, accelerate design cycles, and reduce bill-of-materials. Understanding these benefits clarifies why programmable solutions displaced many fixed-function ICs in modern designs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A single PLD can replace numerous SSI/MSI gates, counters, decoders, and glue logic.
• When considering total system cost (components, PCB area, assembly), PLDs can be cheaper.
• Lower quiescent power and reduced I/O toggling across many chips can decrease overall power.

Concept / Approach:
Evaluate each proposed advantage at the system level. While a PLD may be more expensive than one small IC, it often replaces many, shrinking the PCB, reducing routing complexity, and lowering inventory. Power savings can result from fewer I/O drivers and shorter interconnects, especially in CPLDs/modern FPGAs with low-power modes.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Function consolidation → fewer packages, simpler routing.Cost comparison → total BOM + assembly + engineering time can favor PLDs.Power analysis → fewer chip-to-chip transitions and modern low-power silicon reduce consumption.Thus, all listed advantages are valid in many real designs.

Verification / Alternative check:
Case studies and app notes show PLD-based designs meeting cost, power, and schedule goals more effectively than equivalent boards stuffed with numerous SSI/MSI devices.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Picking only a single benefit ignores the multi-dimensional advantages driving PLD adoption.

Common Pitfalls:
Comparing a PLD to just one small IC on unit price without considering the full system trade space (board area, time-to-market, reprogrammability).

Final Answer:
All of the above