Wikipedia says: "Field-programmable gate array".
The FPGA is some kind of microcontroller that can be configured to perform complex logic operations. This can be used to program the behaviour of the device, for example to emulate a circuitry of discrete elements, or to emulate any other controller that might not be available or as easy programmable. A FPGA is a great solution to produce small lots of specialised controllers with least developing costs.
Best of all: developer kits start at about USD 100 (manufacturer Atmel, supplier Digikey, kit including software, breadboard, adaptors etc.).
The FPGA is some kind of microcontroller that can be configured to perform complex logic operations. This can be used to program the behaviour of the device, for example to emulate a circuitry of discrete elements, or to emulate any other controller that might not be available or as easy programmable. A FPGA is a great solution to produce small lots of specialised controllers with least developing costs.
Best of all: developer kits start at about USD 100 (manufacturer Atmel, supplier Digikey, kit including software, breadboard, adaptors etc.).