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Finite State Machines (FSMs)

Stop Having So Many States in Your Finite State Machines! – A Guide to Using FSMs

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What starts as a simple task can quickly spiral into something far more complex—whether it's home repairs, birthday parties, or, unfortunately, Finite State Machines (FSMs). In Hardware Description Language (HDL), it’s easy to keep adding states—“wait” states, nested states, and so on. While these states are meant to simplify logic and improve maintainability, they often … Continued

What Is VHDL? An Intro to VHDL

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What is VHDL?  VHDL is a Hardware Description Language (HDL) codified in IEEE Standard 1076 and is used for designing logic to be implemented in FPGA and ASIC devices.   So, what is VHDL? VHDL allows the behavior of a system to be described/modeled for simulation, as well as describing circuits that can be synthesized into … Continued

Intel’s Programmable Logic Group Returns to the Name Altera

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Last week, Intel unveiled a strategic move that will reshape the landscape of programmable logic. The Programmable Logic Group within Intel, which BLT partners with, is returning to the name Altera and spinning off as an independent company. This decision comes at a time when the demand for versatile, high-performance solutions is more critical than … Continued

What is AXI? 

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Wondering what is AXI and how to use it in your designs? The task of moving data from place to place is not new. As designs get larger, transferring data reliably to between HDL modules cannot be underemphasized. The AXI interface aims to unify several use-cases of data transfers. Below is a general overview of … Continued
Configurable Logic Block (CLB)

The Configurable Logic Block – A Quick Look

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In this post, we will quickly review the Configurable Logic Block (CLB) and how it has changed over the years.  In 1984, Xilinx introduced the first FPGA to the world, the XC2064. This FPGA formed the backbone of later device families and the design flow leveraged the Xilinx XACT tool.  Nearly 40 years later, FPGAs … Continued
Cross Triggering

Unlocking the Power of Cross Triggering on FPGAs

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Understanding Cross Triggering (and why it's your friend) Cross triggering is a useful technique to help with debugging FPGAs. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are extremely versatile hardware platforms known for their ability to implement custom digital logic in the matter of seconds through the uploading of a bitstream. The applications of FPGAs range through many … Continued
UltraFast Design Methodology

What Is the AMD Xilinx UltraFast Design Methodology?

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In FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) development and design, speed, efficiency, and reliability are paramount. Engineers and developers are constantly seeking innovative methodologies to streamline the design process and deliver optimized solutions. AMD (formerly Xilinx), a prominent player in the FPGA industry, offers a cutting-edge approach known as the "UltraFast Design Methodology" to address these challenges. … Continued

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