Field-Programmable Gate Array; a semiconductor device that can be reconfigured after manufacturing for specific computing tasks.
Modern acronym from the 1980s combining 'field-programmable' (configurable by the end user) and 'gate array' (arrangement of logic gates). Developed by Xilinx co-founder Ross Freeman who wanted to create flexible hardware that could be programmed like software.
FPGAs represent a fascinating middle ground between hardware and software - they're physical chips that can be rewired through programming. They're crucial in prototyping new processors and are increasingly used in AI applications where their parallel processing capabilities shine.
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