CPLD

Science & Engineering abbreviation · Electronics & Electrical

CPLD
Stands forComplex programmable logic device
CategoriesScience & Engineering

CPLD stands for Complex programmable logic device, an electronics & electrical abbreviation.

Programmable logic chip, smaller and simpler than an FPGA, that holds its configuration in non-volatile memory and works instantly at power-up. CPLDs handle glue logic, address decoding, power sequencing and interface tasks on circuit boards.

Example: A small CPLD sequences the board's power rails before releasing the processor from reset.

Usage notes

CPLDs grew out of earlier programmable array logic (PAL) and generic array logic (GAL) chips of the 1970s and 1980s. Their predictable timing suits simple control logic. Many modern small FPGAs now include on-chip flash, blurring the distinction.

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