Move Over, von Neumann

Programmable logic devices performing many operations in parallel are replacing microprocessors by providing much higher performance at far lower cost. Here’s one example.

Extraordiinary advances in programmable logic technologies are making it possible for FPGAs to offer unique new ways to build advanced designs that were previously impossible. In fact, many traditional design components are becoming obsolete as FPGAs become faster and less expensive. The standard microprocessor is no longer the only way – or the best way – to develop high-performance, low-cost computers.

Programmable logic devices are dramatically changing the way computers are designed. Instead of using a single CPU that executes instructions serially (the von Neumann approach), with programmable logic you can easily run multiple tasks in parallel and achieve an impressive increase in performance while drastically reducing costs. The benefits are too overwhelming to ignore, and programmable logic is the key. The von Neumann architecture is already 50 years old – it’s clearly time for a change.

A Xilinx customer, Wincom Systems, will soon introduce a new Web server that can handle the work of 50 to 300 conventional microprocessor-based servers each costing $5,000 or more – and it costs approximately $2,500. It does all this without relying on microprocessors, and the server fits in a box the size of a DVD player. This remarkable improvement in cost and performance is being realized in a variety of other new designs that will soon come to market.

Because FPGAs can easily handle massive numbers of calculations in parallel, they are far faster than conventional DSPs or microprocessors in many applications. Programmable logic has always been far less expensive to develop than ASICs. Now the device costs have been dramatically reduced as well. For example, an FPGA that cost $1,000 in 1996 costs less than $10 today – and today’s device offers far more features at a much higher speed. In addition, the introduction of 90 nm technology will position our costs to be low-ered once again. Next year, our largest FPGA will have approximately 20 million gates, compared to 20,000 in 1993.

Conclusion

Programmable logic devices can do much more than just replace conventional components. You can create designs that are far more profitable and far more powerful than alternative solutions. Your business depends on getting new designs to market ahead of your competition – designs that provide maximum value, at minimal costs. Programmable logic delivers what you need, today. And it just keeps getting better.

Printable PDF version of this article.  (05/02/03) 70 KB