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To simplify the design of complex systems in FPGAs, there exist libraries of predefined complex functions and circuits that have been tested and optimized to speed up the design process. These predefined circuits are commonly called ''[[Semiconductor intellectual property core|intellectual property (IP) cores]]'', and are available from FPGA vendors and third-party IP suppliers. They are rarely free, and typically released under proprietary licenses. Other predefined circuits are available from developer communities such as [[OpenCores]] (typically released under [[Free and open-source software|free and open source]] licenses such as the [[GNU General Public License|GPL]], [[BSD license|BSD]] or similar license). Such designs are known as [[open-source hardware]].
In a typical [[Design flow (EDA)|design flow]], an FPGA application developer will simulate the design at multiple stages throughout the design process. Initially the [[Register-transfer level|RTL]] description in [[VHDL]] or [[Verilog]] is simulated by creating [[test bench]]es to simulate the system and observe results. Then, after the [[Logic synthesis|synthesis]] engine has mapped the design to a netlist, the netlist is translated to a [[Logic gate|gate-level]] description where simulation is repeated to confirm the synthesis proceeded without errors. Finally, the design is laid out in the FPGA at which point [[propagation delay]] values can be [[Back annotation|back-annotated]] onto the netlist, and the simulation can be run again with these values.
More recently, [[OpenCL]] (Open Computing Language) is being used by programmers to take advantage of the performance and power efficiencies that FPGAs provide. OpenCL allows programmers to develop code in the [[C programming language
Most FPGAs rely on an [[static random-access memory|SRAM]]-based approach to be programmed. These FPGAs are in-system programmable and re-programmable, but require external boot devices. For example, [[flash memory]] or [[EEPROM]] devices may
Rarer alternatives to the SRAM approach include:
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