The use of field programmable gate arrays for reusable interfaces

Historically, whenever a unique digital interface was needed, a unique piece of hardware was created. In the fieid of program loaders/verifiers this often led to large, heavy and expensive equipment to support aircraft platforms such as the F-16 and F-15. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) can be used to create many different interfaces without the need for unique hardware. This paper explores the techniques used to develop interfaces using FPGAs and provide examples of how FPGAs have reduced the size, weight and cost of flight line test equipment over the last 9 years. New uses of FPGAs for future applications are explored, showing additional benefits and further cost savings. FPGAs may also be used to implement some standard interfaces such as IEEE-488, RS-422 and PC parallel ports. The benefits and risk of using FPGAs for these standard interfaces are evaluated.