Actually, I think I was modbombed. Otherwise it is unexplainable. Granted, perhaps my posting did not warrant the "+5, Insightful" it had originally been awarded. I'll be the first to admit that. However, if that is the case then why does an obvious piece of flamebait [Walmart is evil and full of controversy (Score:5, Insightful)] several posts below me get modded up? Plus this piece of insipid crap [Censorship (Score:5, Insightful)] gets modded "5, Insightful". It's just that sometimes the moderation system here bothers me. I however feel that with a site with this much traffic and users, perhaps the current moderation system is the best available. Unfortunately, I see the moderation system abused quite often and find it to be somewhat frustrating. But hey, I like the content here at Slashdot so what can I do?

It's refreshing to see people go out on a limb sometimes and express an unpopular opinion even if they have to burn a little karma. The groupthink that permeates this site is sometimes overwhelming and I enjoy coming here for discussion. These discussions, of course, include opposing opinions. Unfortunately, the groupthink-bots here often seem to think that a differing opinion is simply flamebait. Admittedly, I usually read at a threshold of 4 or 5 but sometimes there are some interesting opinions expressed in the lower thresholds.

End of Rant oops, I mean End of Line

LAB 6 WORKSHEET

1. What process translates the HDL (hardware description language) into a netlist?

The FPGA Express Synthesis Process is what translates the HDL (hardware description language) into a netlist.

2. Give two examples of projects that are good for FPGAs.

FPGA architecture is good for projects that require a large number of inputs and outputs but are not adversely affected by the FPGAs need to be programmed after each power cycle. Examples of projects that are good for FPGAs include missile technology and modem & digital signal processing.

3. Give two examples of projects that are good for CPLDs.

CPLDs are good for projects that require wide logic, for example memory interfaces, low-power applications, bus control, and mp3 players.

4. What does an accumulator do?

Accumulators are a major portion of any large digital logic or DSP project. Accumulators are very similar to counters. Accumulators differ from counters in the nature of the operands of the add and subtract operation. An accumulator can be up, down, or updown. Accumulators can be compared to a file cabinet, in terms of operation.

5. What is the difference between a CLB and an IOB?

CLBs (Configurable Logic Blocks) are inside the device and are surrounded by the IOBs (Input/ Output Blocks).

6. Why is it good to be able to reuse sections of code for different projects?

Reusing code for different projects reduces time spent on development and allows for more time to focus on implementing the design via the actual components. Reusing code is also good as it keeps the code compact and portable and makes the resulting project easier to read (functions handle large parts of the program and therefore keeps the main compact and easy to read).

7. An FPGA loses its programming when the power is removed. Think of a reason or application where this would be a good thing (think militarily).

An application that would be good for FPGAs is the circuitry of missiles that are deployed into hostile territory. The advantage is that if the missile were unable to detonate, the program would still be lost and therefore irretrievable upon the loss of power. This would help prevent the program code from being intercepted by the adversary.

8. In floorplanner, on a SpartanXL, what three things make up a CLB?

CLBs are made up of 1) Flip-Flops, 2) Function Generator, and 3) Tristate Buffers.