Programmable Logic Array
A Programmable Logic Array (PLA) is a digital device used to build custom combinational
logic circuits. It contains programmable AND and OR gate networks, allowing the user to set up
the logic functions needed for a specific task. Since PLAs are not given a fixed function during
manufacturing, they can be configured before use to perform a variety of logic operations,
making them a flexible option for creating specialized hardware designs.
Comparison with other Programmable Logic Devices
PLA has a programmable AND gate array and programmable OR gate array.
PAL has a programmable AND gate array but a fixed OR gate array.
ROM has a fixed AND gate array but programmable OR gate array.
PLA is similar to a ROM in concept; however, it does not provide full decoding of variables and
does not generate all minterms as in the ROM. Though its name consists of the word
"programmable", it does not require any type of programming like in C and C++.
Features of Programmable Logic Array
Programmable AND and OR Gates: PLA has two types of arrays, namely
programmable AND gate array and programmable OR gate array so that the logic circuits
can be designed in any way.
Reconfigurability: As compared with other logic devices, the operation of PLAs is highly
flexible and these devices may be easily programmed to perform any of the numerous
logical functions.
Partial Minterm Generation: It is also to be noted here that PLA does not provide the full
decoding of variables like ROM but it functions only the necessary minterms.
Combination of Memory and Logic: PLA has both the memory and the logic features
hence making it suitable for various applications.
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Basic Block Diagram for PLA
Following Truth table will be helpful in understanding function on no of inputs:
A B C F1 F2
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0
0 1 0 0 0
0 1 1 1 0
1 0 0 0 1
1 0 1 1 1
1 1 0 1 0
1 1 1 1 1
F1 = AB'C' + ABC' + ABC
on simplifying we get : F1 = AC' + AB
F2 = A'BC + AB'C + ABC
on simplifying we get: F2 = BC + AC
For the realization of the above function following circuit diagram will be used.
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PLA is used for the implementation of various combinational circuits using a buffer, AND gate,
and OR gate. In PLA, all the minterms are not realized but only required minterms are
implemented. As PLA has a programmable AND gate array and a programmable OR gate
array, it provides more flexibility but the disadvantage is, it is not easy to use.
The Operation of a PLA can be Summarized in Three Steps
1. Programming: The user defines the logic function to be implemented by the PLA by
programming the input and output configurations into the device.
2. Product term generation: The inputs are applied to the AND gate array to produce a set of
product terms.
3. Sum term generation: The product terms are then applied to the OR gate array to generate
the final output.
PLAs are often used in digital systems as they are versatile and allow complex functions to be
implemented easily. They are particularly useful for implementing Boolean expressions with
many variables as the arrays of AND gates and OR gates can be configured to handle large
numbers of inputs.
Applications of Programmable Logic Array
PLA is used to provide control over datapath.
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PLA is used as a counter.
PLA is used as a decoder.
PLA is used as a BUS interface in programmed I/O.
Advantages of Programmable Logic Array
Flexibility: Both the programmable AND gates and also the programmable OR gates
offer the beneficial benefits of being used in a number of combinational circuits.
Efficient Minterm Usage: It will only implement the necessary minterms thus making the
design compact and more efficient.
Reconfigurability: The PLAs can be reconfigured to perform different logic functions
depending with the requirements of an application.
Disadvantages of Programmable Logic Array
Complexity: PLAs are slightly different from other programmable logic devices due to
their high flexibility that makes the usage of PLAs a little complicated.
Cost: It has higher cost as compared to the least complex logic devices such as PALs but
it offers programming and flexible control.
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