Microcontroller vs FPGA-difference between microcontroller,FPGA
This page compares microcontroller vs FPGA and mentions difference between microcontroller and FPGA.
Microcontroller

The figure-1 depicts Microcontroller Architecture.
Refer 8051 Microcontroller Architecture➤.
FPGA-Field Programmable Gate Array

The figure-2 depicts FPGA Architecture.
Refer FPGA Architecture➤.
Following table-1 mentions difference between Microcontroller and FPGA.
Specifications | Microcontroller | FPGA |
---|---|---|
Principle of operation | Desired program is flashed in the microcontroller which executes instruction consecutively. It works based on software program. | Desired program to hardwire the logic circuit of FPGA is loaded. Based on this logic FPGA works as desired. |
Software Programming Language used | C, C++, C# etc. | VHDL, Verilog |
Application | Suitable to be used for serial execution of instruction. Here speed is proportional to execution time of the instruction. | It is used for parallel execution. |
Processing power | It is time limited. The execution depends on processor cycling power. | It is space limited. More is the work, more is the logic circuits required to be created on FPGA chip. |
Components needed | All the required components are sufficiently available on chip itself. No external components are needed unless for specific requirements. | It requires RAM, ROM and external storage. Almost most of the FPGA boards come up with these components in order to have rapid prototype developments. |
Useful Links
Refer our Page on what a microcontroller does.
Refer our Page on microcontroller programming using C language including example.
Refer our Page on microcontroller development kit manufacturers.
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