What Does Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Mean?

A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit that can be programmed or reprogrammed to the required functionality or application after manufacturing. Important characteristics of field-programmable gate arrays include lower complexity, higher speed, volume designs and programmable functions. With more technological advances, field-programmable gate arrays are a convenient proposition for most designs and markets.

Techopedia Explains Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

A field-programmable gate array consists of logic blocks which are programmable, reconfigurable interconnects and input/output pads.The logic blocks used in a field-programmable gate array could consist of memory elements such as flip-flops or memory blocks. The logic blocks are capable of performing simple to complex computational functions. Field-programmable gate arrays are in many ways similar to programmable read-only memory chips. However, unlike programmable read-only memory chips, which are limited to hundreds of gates, a field-programmable gate array can support several thousand gates. Another salient feature of field-programmable gate arrays is the ability to be reprogrammed, unlike application-specific integrated circuits which are manufactured for specific tasks.