FPGA or DSP?

When should I use an FPGA
instead of a DSP microprocessor?

Designing DSP hardware is quite different than designing DSP for software based systems. In addition to the obvious considerations for hardware such as clocking, timing and so on, a hardware DSP designer also has to consider how an algorithm is going to map to hardware, as well as the availability of design talent and tools.

Among the things to consider, especially for software people considering an FPGA Design, is that FPGA is fundamentally Hardware Design. While the tools try to hide this fact, ignoring it will lead to poor designs that are bound to disappoint.

Generally speaking, if the task can be done using a single DSP microprocessor, go that route

Talent is cheaper and easier to find

The software design tools are more mature

Most of the algorithms in current use were developed for software implementation

Reasons to select an FPGA over a DSP microprocessor

Performance target not achievable with one-two microprocessors

Properly executed FPGA designs typically outperform a DSP microprocessor by a factor of 100:1, and by more than 1000:1 in special circumstances

Power dissipation

Power dissipation of an FPGA DSP design is typically about 20% of a microprocessor based design working at the same sample rate

Programmatic issues can tip the balance

Software validation costs are avoided by using hardware

Availability of talent/tools

Reliability Issues

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Last modified: March 16, 2007