For Custom IC designs, ASICs are used... But then others like PGA's or FPGAs too are used for the same purpose... Then whats the primary difference between an ASIC, PGA, FPGA, PLDs, CPLDs and BGAs...

Thanks,
Rahul

 

I broke these into two categories. The first four terms refer to the type of circuit and the last two refer to the form factor (packaging). There are many other terms, but this will answer your questions. There is a good gloassary of terms here: http://www.latticesemi.com/support/glossary/index.cfm

* ASIC = Application-Specific Integrated Circuit - a custom designed chip that performs a single or group of specific functions. Typically fewer transistors than generic IC, lower power use, and higher reliability. Trade-off is very high development costs.

* FPGA = Field Programmable Gate Array - An integrated circuit that has programmable circuits. Programmed *after* manufacturing using chip specific development tools, they are typically much lower in cost than ASICs.

* PLD = Programmable Logic Device - A type of circuit that allows the user to customize the functionality. FPGA's are a type of PLD.

* CPLD = Complex Programmable Logic Device - A higher density PLD.

* BGA = Ball Grid Array - A style of integrated circuit with solder dots on the underside for mounting. Advantage is smaller package size, better heat dissipation, rugged, and higher mounting densities than a PGA. Drawback is that chips must be X-rayed to verify proper mounting and are very difficult to remove.

* PGA = Pin Grid Array - A style of integrated circuit with the pins arranged in a grid pattern. Typically installed in a socket, they allow for very high pin count. Many Intel and AMD processors are PGA chips.

Sealevel Systems (http://www.sealevel.com) designs and manufactures serial and digital I/O products that incorporate many of the above integrated circuits and packaging.