1806 - Are programming and configuring a Programmable Logic Device two different processes?

1806 - Are programming and configuring a Programmable Logic Device two different processes?

The meaning of these two terms depends on the programmable logic device (PLD) used. Lattice provides three kinds of technologies in the PLD products you purchase. The technologies are:

  1. EEPROM based: 4000 family of CPLD's
  2. SRAM based: ECP2, ECP3, ECP4 families
  3. Flash/SRAM based: XP, XP2, XO2 families

For the EEPROM based devices the two terms are interchangeable. For the other two technologies there is a distinction between the two terms. Programming refers to the process of erasing and reprogramming the non-volatile memory used to store the devices bitsteam. Configuration refers to the time period the PLD is retrieving the bitstream from the non-volatile memory. The data retrieved is loaded into the PLD's SRAM, which causes the PLD to take on function you have designed it to perform.