FPGA vs. Microcontroller: Which one is the best?

What is FPGA?

A microcontroller and a field-programmable gate or grid array (FPGA) are comparable but distinct devices. They are both essentially integrated circuits or "small computers," that are used in many products and gadgets. The title is where the primary distinction lies. FPGAs are "field-programmable" because users can modify their circuitry after they are manufactured, whereas microcontrollers only allow for minimal customization. FPGAs can also manage parallel inputs, whereas microcontrollers can only read a line of code at a time. FPGAs are more expensive and more challenging to program since they enable a higher level of customization. Microcontrollers, on the other hand, are less configurable but more affordable. Find out more about the parallelisms and disparities between FPGAs and microcontrollers.

 

 FPGA programming is the technique of creating computer solutions using an FPGA. The development operations comprise planning, developing, and executing the architecture of gates in order to produce a functioning circuit that complies with the designers' specifications. An FPGA can be programmed to create a hardware circuit design that, when powered, generates a certain output. For programming FPGAs, hardware description languages, or HDLs, are virtually always employed.  

How do FPGAs work?

FPGA emerged as a semi-customized circuit in the field of ASIC, that is, to solve the shortcomings of customized circuits, and overcome the shortcomings of the original programmable devices with limited gate circuits. As FPGA needs to be repeatedly burned, it realizes the basic structure of combinational logic is not possible to ASIC as through a fixed with and without the gate to complete, but can only use an easy to repeatedly configure the structure. Lookup tables can be very good to meet this requirement. The current mainstream FPGAs are based on the SRAM process lookup table structure, there are also some military and aerospace-grade FPGAs using Flash or fuse and anti-fuse process lookup table structure. Repeated configuration of the FPGA is realized by burning a file to change the content of the lookup table. The same principle applies to FPGAs, which burn a file to configure the contents of the look-up table, thus realizing different logic functions in the same circuit situation. Look-Up-Table (LUT) is abbreviated as LUT, which is essentially a RAM. 4-input LUTs are mostly used in FPGAs, so each LUT can be regarded as a RAM with a 4-bit address line. The PLD/FPGA development software will automatically calculate all the possible results of the logic circuit and write the truth table (i.e., the result) into the RAM beforehand so that every input signal for logic operation is equivalent to input an address to look up the table, find out what the address corresponds to, and then output it.

 

 

What is MCU?

In essence, a microcontroller (MCU) is a tiny computer. It has a central processing unit (CPU), some random-access memory (RAM), and input and output devices, just like conventional computers. A microcontroller is a specialized device that only executes one program, in contrast to a desktop computer, which can run thousands of different programs. It's designed to carry out a single task repeatedly, automatically, or on user command. It is integrated with another product of some sort, whether it be a consumer, manufacturing, medicinal, or other kind. It uses little energy; its milliamps of power consumption are quantifiable. As a result, microcontrollers are frequently inexpensive. However, the price of the integrated gadget can vary substantially.

 

 

Types of Microcontroller

AVR MCU

AVR stands for Alf and Vegard's RISC processor. It was a modified Harvard architecture machine with separate physical memory systems for data and programs that appear in different address spaces and the capacity to navigate information items from program memory using particular shortcuts. Neither a specific symbol nor a signifying of an associate degree can be found in the acronym AVR.  

MSP MCU

An acronym for this phrase is MSP. It's the family of Texas Instruments. The MSP is based on a 16-bit CPU and designed for low cost and thus low power dissipation embedded statements. The controller's appearance is directly related to its 16-bit data bus, seven addressing modes, and reduced instruction set, all of which permit shorter, denser programming codes for speedy performance. Programs are run on a microcontroller, an IC chip that controls other machines or devices. Microcontroller programming is the process of setting up a microdevice to control other machinery.  

PIC MCU

A type of microcontroller component known as PIC, or peripheral interface controller, has been used to build electronic devices, computer robotics, and related hardware. Although the PIC was developed by Microchip technology and is based on hardware computer architecture, the code and data are placed in separate registers here to increase input and output. Pic is equipped with a dedicated CPU, data bus, and internal data memory for preparing all I/O methods and purposes.  

ARM MCU

ARM stands for Advanced RISC Machine. It is the most popular microcontroller programming in the field of digital embedded systems, and the majority of businesses only use ARM microcontrollers because they have significant features that allow the creation of products with a higher level of aesthetic appeal. It is a high-performance, budget-conscious technology that has been used in numerous applications, including wireless networking and sensor systems, car body systems, and industrial instrument control systems.  

How do microcontrollers work?

Microcontrollers are "embedded" in some other device (usually a consumer product) so that they can control the function or operation of the product. Therefore, another name for microcontrollers is "embedded controllers". A microcontroller is dedicated to one task and runs a specific program. The program is stored in ROM (read-only memory) and is generally not changed. Microcontrollers are usually low-power devices. Desktop computers are almost always plugged into a wall outlet and may consume 50 watts of power. Battery-powered microcontrollers may consume 50 milliwatts. Microcontrollers have dedicated input devices and often, but not always, have small LED or LCD displays for output. The microcontroller also takes inputs from the device it controls and controls the device by sending signals to different components in the device. For example, the microcontroller inside a TV takes inputs from the remote control and displays the outputs on the TV screen. The controller controls channel selectors, the speaker system, and certain adjustments to the screen, such as hue and brightness. An engine controller in an automobile takes inputs from sensors such as oxygen and knock sensors and controls things like fuel mixing and spark plug timing. A microwave oven controller takes inputs from a keypad, displays outputs on an LCD display, and controls relays to turn the microwave generator on and off.

 

 

Video related to FPGA vs. Microcontrollers

 

 

FPGA Board vs. MCU Applications

FPGA Applications

• Aerospace & Defense
• High-Performance Computing and Data Storage
• Video & Image Processing
• Wired Communications
• Wireless Communications

 

Microcontroller Applications

• Keyboards
• Monitors
• Printers
• Copiers
• Fax machines
• Telephones
• Television remote controls
• Microwaves
• Washers and dryers
• Lawn sprinklers

 

The pros and cons of FPGA chips

• To program an FPGA, you'll need more than just a fundamental understanding of coding. You'll need to have proficiency with a coding language in addition to the ability to keep track of a large number of variables. Additionally, you must comprehend hardware description language. Hardware design and redesign is not a task for novices.
• Thousands of logic blocks make up an FPGA, and each one may be programmed. Because processes may be made independent of one another, bottlenecking is less likely than with microcontrollers.
• Simply put, you can accomplish far more with an FPGA than a microcontroller if you know what you're doing. A microcontroller doesn't offer the kind of customization you'll need to create sophisticated programs.
• FPGAs' tendency to be more expensive than microcontrollers is one of its disadvantages. For sectors that might need to make retroactive modifications, they can save money despite having greater upfront expenses; consider the rear-view camera example.
• You can incorporate more inputs with an FPGA than with a microcontroller without experiencing a bottlenecking problem because FPGAs support parallel processes. They are therefore perfect for more intricate processes.
• An FPGA's ability to modify the hardware itself after initial programming is one of its main advantages. This enables you to modify a device's functionality without having to entirely overhaul its hardware. Long-term cost-effectiveness favors this, especially for industries that produce goods in large quantities.

 

The pros and cons of MCU

• A microcontroller can be programmed by anyone with a basic understanding of coding. Through online courses, you can learn how to program a microcontroller using an assembly language like Javascript or Python.
• A microcontroller is less expensive upfront than an FPGA since they are easier to mass-produce.
• A microcontroller's dedicated CPU controls all inputs and outputs. Because of the need to wait for other processes to finish, bottlenecks can develop. Microcontrollers are suitable for simpler applications because they do not support simultaneous functions.
• Consider your washing machine. After putting on your clothes, you adjust two or three settings before pressing the start button. Similarly, your computer mouse only needs to know how to interpret a few inputs — scroll up, scroll down, left click, and right click. For simple, unchanging applications like these, a microcontroller is ideal.

 

MPU vs. MCU Characteristics

MPU	MCU
It has a lot of instructions to process, is costly, and complex.	It is easy to use, cheap, and requires fewer instructions to process.
The technology behind microprocessor-based systems allows them to operate at very high speeds.	Depending on the architecture, microcontroller-based devices can operate at 200MHz or even higher.
To connect to RAM, ROM, and other peripherals, it makes use of an external bus.	It uses an internal controlling bus.
On the chip, there are no timers, timer units, input-output units, RAM, ROM, or other peripherals.	On a single chip, it has a CPU, RAM, ROM, and other peripherals.
It is an integrated silicon-based central processing unit chip.	It is a result of the advancement of microprocessors, which have a CPU and additional peripherals.
Because there are fewer registers on a microprocessor, more operations rely on memory.	The register on a microcontroller is larger. Consequently, writing the programs is simpler.
The majority of microprocessors lack power-saving features.	Most microcontrollers have a power-saving mode available.
The overall power consumption is considerable as a result of the external components. For devices using batteries or other forms of stored energy, it is therefore not suitable.	Total power consumption is lower because there are fewer external components. So it can be utilized with electronics that utilize batteries or other forms of stored energy.
The circuit grows in size because external connections for memory and I/O are required.	The internal circuit is modest and there is already a memory and I/O.
Since it simply has a processor, external connections are required for the memory and I/O components.	A microcontroller includes an internal memory and I/O system in addition to a processor.

 

Difference between MPU and MCU

Microprocessors are integrated circuits (ICs) that contain a CPU or computer and have processing capacity. Pentium 3, 4, i5, core 2 duos, and other processors found in PCs are examples. On the chip, there are no peripherals like RAM or ROM. To accomplish functionality, the designer incorporates peripherals within the chip. A computer having RAM, ROM, timers, I/O ports, and other peripherals is a microcontroller. They are also referred to as mini-computers or computers on a single chip for this reason. Today, a wide variety of microcontrollers with varied features and versions are readily available. Microcontrollers are smaller than microprocessors, which are bulkier because of the external peripherals. Microcontrollers power embedded systems, while microprocessors are the brains of computing systems.

 Microcontrollers are designed to perform specified jobs with predetermined input and output. Depending on the application, some processing is done, and work is produced. The tasks' specialization can be made to fit on a single chip and calls for substantially less use of RAM, ROM, and I/O ports.  

CPU vs. FPGA

FPGA-based systems can optimize conventional system architectures in addition to CPU-based systems by choosing the best hardware for a task. While an FPGA-based system can execute thousands of threads simultaneously, a CPU-based system might not be able to support many threads of concurrent code.

The two types of hardware differ in how they handle data processing, which causes a variation in latency. While a CPU requires a network card to receive data, the FPGA can process data packets quickly without one. The CPU must process the data and transmit it to the network card after processing it. Even though the latter is quicker, there is still a noticeable wait. As a result, for GPUs to remain useful, innovation is necessary.  

FPGA vs. MCU Characteristics

	MCU	FPGA
Adaptation Curve	The learning curve with some tool crossover (such as common languages, the increasingly used Eclipse IDE).	Increasing learning curve
Available fixed-point and floating-point operations	There are many resources for both fixed and floating points.	Fixed point mostly. Compatibility with floating points is challenging.
Processing that is urgent	Depending on the needs, the MCU may be able to accommodate. restricted range.	Ability to interpret complex signals in a timely manner while adhering to rigorous throughput and latency standards.
Portable style	C/C++ language makes it simpler to port designs between MCUs.	No universal design method that is portable.
Complete Versatility	software reprogramming only.	Superior customizable freedom in hardware and software. It is possible to reconfigure dynamically.
Development Angst	For a simple development process, code changes can frequently be introduced after compilation like a patch, without recompiling.	With FPGAs needing to be moved around and rerouted during development, iterations take longer.
Tools	The portability of the development process between platforms is increased through open-source technologies.	No transferability between tools. There are no universal design methodologies.

 

Differences between the FPGA and Microcontroller

The design of a microcontroller can be compared to that of a computer, which contains all the peripherals required, including memory, input-output ports, and timers. An FPGA is an integrated circuit having millions of logic gates that may be programmed to do tasks. For use, FPGAs require external peripherals like RAM and ROM. The microcontroller employs a software program, such as C or C++, to carry out commands sequentially. The FPGA's link for programming is located on the logic circuit and employs programming languages like VHDL and Verilog. Microcontroller processing power is time-limited and dependent on processor cycle power. FPGAs are space-limited; you need to create more logic circuits to achieve your desired coding scale. FPGAs are more versatile and flexible due to their nature. They are 'field-programmable- you can reprogram the FPGA to perform any logic task that can be accommodated within the available logic gates.   Microcontrollers are capable of running programs and doing routine activities. Modifying the silicon IC's layout is required if you wish to change the board's instruction set. FPGAs offer a great degree of customizability and are excellent for processing parallel data at fast speeds. However, they also have the disadvantages of difficult configuration and prototype operation.  Making an FPGA function takes time since you have to start from scratch and compile all the programs into machine language.

You can discover pre-made packages for microcontrollers that are designed to carry out particular tasks and modify them to your specifications. Microcontrollers can handle high-speed sequential data and are easy to use and modify. They do not, however, have all of the FPGA's features. Microcontrollers can be programmed with greater flexibility, but their hardware cannot be precisely modified. A severe learning curve will also be present when working with FPGA programming. By modifying the trial-and-error approach, you can use microcontrollers to test your inventions. You must take power consumption into consideration when comparing microcontrollers with FPGA. The subject will be covered in the following chapter.  

Conclusion of FPGA vs. MCU

Microcontrollers are frequently used in embedded devices by embedded engineers because they are simpler to program, easier to debug and design, and frequently less expensive to implement. They fall short, nevertheless, in terms of adaptability. Microcontrollers only allow for the reprogramming of the firmware, which severely restricts their choices for any modifications, in contrast to FPGAs which can allow for the reprogramming of hardware/firmware. The capacity of FPGAs to do identical processes in parallel is another advantage of these devices. Applications like image processing or artificial intelligence are more practical due to the hundreds or thousands of CLBs processing simultaneously. Microcontrollers may also conduct sequential processing, which reads and processes each line of the program one at a time but is less efficient. While each can serve as the only processor, it is also conceivable to use an FPGA and a microcontroller in the same architecture at the same time. For instance, the FPGA can do the functions and heavy lifting while the microcontroller handles complicated controllers. Together, these two allow programmers to make the most of the processors' advantages and produce solid architectures that are capable of performing complex functions.