Posted by PLD EVOLUTION ARCHIVE
PLD Evolution Archive: Trace the history of programmable logic from PROM, PLA, PAL, GAL to EPLD, CPLD, FPGA & ASIC. Timeline, architecture & key milestones.
PLD EVOLUTION ARCHIVE :: PAL → GAL → EPLD → CPLD → FPGA :: NOVICE EDITION
📱 Mobile Optimized • Interactive Code Snippet👆 Swipe tabs to explore. Diagrams scroll sideways on phone.
WHY DID WE NEED PLDs?
In 1970s, every logic function needed a separate TTL chip (7400 series). A board had 50-100 chips. PAL (1978) changed everything: One chip replaced 20 TTL chips. Then GAL (reprogrammable), EPLD (bigger), CPLD (many EPLDs together), and finally FPGA (sea of tiny logic tables).
This simulator shows HOW and WHY we evolved from PAL to modern FPGA. No prior knowledge needed.
HISTORICAL FLOW - Tap Timeline Tab to explore details
KEY CONCEPTS FOR NOVICES
1. PAL/GAL = Sum of Products (AND-OR). Good for decoders, simple state machines. Timing FIXED.
2. CPLD = Collection of PAL-like blocks. Still fixed timing, instant-on, non-volatile. Best for board control.
3. FPGA = Look-Up Table (LUT) based. A 4-input LUT can do ANY 4-input logic. Timing VARIES after place & route. Needs external boot flash.
4. Evolution driver: Need for MORE logic + REPROGRAMMABILITY + LOWER power + FASTER time-to-market.
2. CPLD = Collection of PAL-like blocks. Still fixed timing, instant-on, non-volatile. Best for board control.
3. FPGA = Look-Up Table (LUT) based. A 4-input LUT can do ANY 4-input logic. Timing VARIES after place & route. Needs external boot flash.
4. Evolution driver: Need for MORE logic + REPROGRAMMABILITY + LOWER power + FASTER time-to-market.
DRAG OR TAP YEAR NODE - SEE DETAILS BELOW
1978 PAL
↔️ Scroll timeline sideways • Tap a colored circle to see details
📜 Scroll down to see all 5 family cards • Tap to expand
SELECT ARCHITECTURE:
PAL
↔️ Scroll diagram sideways on phone
PAL vs GAL vs EPLD vs CPLD vs FPGA - SIDE BY SIDE MATRIX
↔️ Scroll table sideways on mobile
On Android: Tap Save TXT → Downloads folder
STATUS: Timeline Engine Ready - Mobile OptimizedEra: PAL (1978)