PLD

Short for programmable logic device, a generic term for an integrated circuit that can be programmed in a laboratory to perform complex functions. A PLD consists of arrays of AND and OR gates. A system designer implements a logic design with a device programmer that blows fuses on the PLD to control gate operation.

System designers can use development software that converts basic code into instructions a device programmer needs to implement a design.

PLD types can classified into the following groups

PROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory) – offer high speed and low cost for relatively small designs

PLAs (Programmable Logic Array) – offer flexible features for more complex designs

PAL/GALs (Programmable Array Logic/Generic Array Logic) – offer good flexibility and are faster and less expensive than PLAs