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FPGA Board vs Arduino: When to use FPGA Board & Arduino

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Know Comparison between FPGA Board and Arduino Board


In this blog, we going to look into a brief comparison between FPGA Board and Arduino. At first glance, the major difference is FPGA is a Programmable logic gate and not a microcontroller like Arduino. Now lets us look other differentiation between the two.



Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Board Facts

 

fpga board
  • Hardware Reconfigurable – Unlike traditional microcontrollers, FPGAs can be reprogrammed at the hardware level, allowing custom logic circuit designs.
  • Parallel Processing – FPGAs can execute multiple tasks simultaneously, making them ideal for high-speed computing and real-time processing.
  • Used in AI & Cryptography – FPGAs are widely used in machine learning, cryptography, and high-performance computing due to their ability to handle massive parallel workloads.
  • No Predefined Architecture – Unlike microcontrollers, an FPGA starts as a blank slate, and the user defines its logic using HDL (Hardware Description Language) like Verilog or VHDL.
  • Higher Power Consumption – Compared to microcontrollers, FPGAs consume more power but offer greater flexibility and speed.


Arduino Facts

 

Arduino
  • Beginner-Friendly – Arduino is an easy-to-use microcontroller platform with a simple programming environment, making it ideal for hobbyists and beginners.
  • Open-Source – Both Arduino hardware and software are open-source, allowing developers to create custom boards and modify the firmware.
  • Huge Community Support – Arduino has a massive global community, providing libraries, tutorials, and resources for all levels of users.
  • Used in IoT & Robotics – Arduino is commonly used in Internet of Things (IoT) projects, robotics, and home automation due to its simplicity and connectivity options.
  • Limited Processing Power – Unlike FPGAs, Arduino boards run code sequentially and have limited processing speed, making them unsuitable for high-speed applications.

 

When to Use FPGA board vs. Arduino

 

fpga vs arduino

 

When to Use an FPGA board

 

  • When high-speed parallel processing is needed (e.g., AI, cryptography, video processing).
  • When hardware customization is required for efficiency and performance.
  • In applications where latency must be minimal, such as real-time signal processing.
  • When working with custom communication protocols or specialized hardware interfaces.

Start learning FPGA Programming with EIM Technology's Beginner Friendly FPGA Board

 

When to Use an Arduino

 

  • For quick prototyping and hobbyist projects.
  • When ease of programming and community support is a priority.
  • For IoT, robotics, and automation, where low power and simplicity are preferred.
  • When working with sensors and actuators for DIY electronics projects.


We can conclude, use FPGA board for high-performance computing and custom hardware logic, while Arduino is best for simple, low-power, and easy-to-use applications.

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