What is a Complex Programmable Logic (CPLD) Device?
A Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) is a computer chip that can be programmed to implement a complex circuit. Typically, a CPLD is made of a large number of programmable macrocells that may be configured to compute a function of a sum of products. These macrocells are connected to each other using a network of wires commonly referred to as interconnect. Blocks of the macrocells are fully-connected (i.e., every macrocell is connected to every other macrocell within the block). These blocks of macrocells are also connected using a hierarchy of interconnect. CPLDs may also incorporate embedded RAM blocks to implement functions not easily computed using a sum of products calculation. Unfortunately, Altera also uses the term CPLDs to refer to its APEX and FLEX Series of programmable logic devices. Strictly speaking, the architecture of the APEX and FLEX Series of PLDs more closely resembles a Field-Programmable Gate Array architecture. For more information on CPLDs, check out this on
