Product/Service

Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

Source: Narda Microwave-East - An L-3 Communications Company
Essentially an array of configurable logic blocks, FPGAs can be designed to do anything that an ASIC can. But because each block can be programmed to handle many possible functions – from simple-state machines to complete microprocessors – FPGAs are the very definition of SWaP-friendly versatility.

The FPGA: Analog, meet digital.

It's been a long time coming, but digital and microwave technologies have finally come together. And to a great degree, we have the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) to thank.

Essentially an array of configurable logic blocks, FPGAs can be designed to do anything that an ASIC can. But because each block can be programmed to handle many possible functions – from simple-state machines to complete microprocessors – FPGAs are the very definition of SWaP-friendly versatility. They can perform computing, digital signal processing and high-speed communication functions. Receive, process and transmit massive amounts of data with millisecond response times. And true to its name, an FPGA's circuits are reprogrammable. Which means you can change its functions as your needs change.

Combine them with microwave circuit functions in Integrated Microwave Assemblies (IMAs), and your open a world of possible capabilities. Putting digital signal processing together with microwave hybrid technology, you can produce dense, highly functional modules with a smaller footprint and lower power consumption than ever before.

These new IMAs are consistent with the Department of Defense's goal to extend system lifetimes by making them upgradeable – while meeting the ever-present (and ever-increasing) SWaP demands on military systems. When you consider how elegantly the FPGA does all of this, it's no wonder they've become the "Swiss Army Knife," not only for embedded systems, but for microwave subsystems as well.

Take Narda's Model 10512, for example. It's a programmable signal source that digitally creates frequency-modulated noise waveforms and applies them to a carrier whose center frequency can be varied +/-50 MHz in less than 100 ns. It can be used as a fast-hopping signal generator, programmable noise source, or arbitrary signal generator. And you can program waveform characteristics (such as a video or dispersion bandwidth and level) either locally or remotely. Many of Model 10512's functions are implemented with a single FPGA – so it's only 4" x 4" x 0.6", weighs less than an ounce, and consumes just 11 W. while meeting military requirements for shock and vibration. How's that for SWaP?

IMAs using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays might just be the solution you've been looking for. To learn more, e-mail: nardaeast@L-3.com. or visit www.nardamicrowave.com.