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Standard protocols for programming non-volatile memory devices have emerged. For example, [[JTAG]] may be used to read and program the EEPROM and Flash chips in many [[consumer electronic]]s devices. Many such devices include JTAG [[header]]s internally for [[quality control|factory testing]], even though no external [[connector]] is exposed.
== Programmable logic ==
The 1980s saw the introduction of '''[[programmable logic]] devices''' (PLDs) such as [[programmable array logic|PAL]]s, [[programmable logic array|PLA]]s, and [[CPLD]]s. These are [[integrated circuit]]s which can implement nearly arbitrary [[digital logic]] functions based on firmware-like information stored in non-volatile memory.
Thus, devices containing PLDs may be considered as field-programmable ''hardware'', while EEPROM and flash memory act as storage for field-programmable ''software''.
[[Field-programmable gate array]]s (FPGAs) were invented in 1984, and are the most advanced kind of programmable logic available [[as of 2007]]. These high-capacity devices may implement extremely complex logic, such as [[microprocessor]]s or [[digital signal processor]]s. Today, they are a great aid in the development and rapid deployment of digital electronic devices.
== Hobbyist opportunities ==
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