When to Use? FPGA vs. Microcontroller

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and microcontrollers (MCUs) serve as essential processing units embedded within countless devices.

22:06 27 June 2025

In the world of embedded systems, two core technologies stand out for their versatility and performance: Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and microcontrollers (MCUs). Both serve as essential processing units embedded within countless devices, but their architectures and applications differ significantly. 

This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of FPGA vs. microcontroller to help engineers and developers decide when to use an FPGA or microcontroller for their specific projects.

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FPGA vs. Microcontroller: What is an FPGA?

An FPGA is a semiconductor device that allows users to configure its internal hardware architecture after manufacturing. Unlike fixed-function devices, an FPGA consists of an array of programmable logic blocks and interconnects, enabling developers to define custom digital circuits using hardware description languages (HDLs) such as VHDL or Verilog.

Key features of FPGAs include:

• Parallel processing: Each logic block can operate independently, allowing massive parallelism.
• Hardware-level customization: Tailor logic circuits exactly to your application.
• High performance: Ideal for tasks that require real-time processing and high throughput.
• Reconfigurability: Designers can reprogram the device as the project needs to evolve.

Because of these features, FPGAs are commonly found in high-speed applications like digital signal processing (DSP), image processing, and telecommunications.

Microcontroller vs. FPGA: What is a Microcontroller?

A microcontroller, or MCU, is a compact integrated circuit that includes a CPU (central processing unit), memory, and an array of peripherals (like timers and counters) on a single chip. Designed for control-oriented tasks, microcontrollers execute instructions sequentially using pre-programmed firmware.

Key features of microcontrollers include:

• Sequential processing: Executes instructions one at a time, suitable for control-based tasks.
• Low cost and power: Optimized for power efficiency and budget-sensitive applications.
• Integrated peripherals: Often include timers, ADCs (analog to digital converters), UARTs (universal asynchronous receiver and transmitter), and more.
• Ease of use: Supported by mature development tools and software libraries.

Due to the above features, MCUs are widely adopted in energy-efficient, low-cost applications with modest processing needs, such as household appliances, wearable devices, automotive electronics, and IoT systems.

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FPGA vs. Microcontroller: Comparing the Key Differences

Feature	FPGA	Microcontroller
Processing Paradigm	Parallel processing of multiple tasks simultaneously	Sequential processing, executing instructions one after another
Flexibility and Customization	Highly customizable hardware and firmware; reprogrammable logic	Firmware updates only; fixed hardware architecture
Performance and Speed	High-speed, low-latency, suitable for complex computations	Moderate speed, optimized for control tasks
Development Complexity and Cost	More complex development; higher cost due to design and tools	Easier to program; cost-effective for mass production
Power Consumption	Generally higher due to parallelism and complexity	Lower power consumption, suitable for battery-powered devices

FPGAs or Microcontrollers: Choosing the Right One 

• When to Use FPGAs

FPGAs are the right choice when your project involves:

• Extreme parallelism or concurrent task execution
• High-speed signal processing, such as in radar or video applications
• Real-time systems requiring deterministic behavior
• Custom digital logic not achievable with standard microcontrollers

Typical applications of FPGAs include:

• Telecommunications: 5G base stations, network accelerators, high-speed data transmission.
• Data Centers: Computational acceleration (e.g., machine learning inference, data compression), network processing.
• Automotive: ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), autonomous driving (for vision processing, sensor fusion).
• Aerospace & Defense: Radar systems, electronic warfare, secure communications, flight control.
• Medical Imaging: Real-time processing for MRI, CT, and ultrasound imaging systems.
• Industrial Control: High-speed motion control, complex process automation.
• Prototyping & Emulation: Developing and testing ASIC designs before fabrication.

• When to Use Microcontrollers

Microcontrollers are ideal when your application:

• Requires cost-effective and low-power solutions
• Involves relatively simple logic and control tasks
• Benefits from fast development cycles using well-supported tools
• Needs integration of peripherals like ADCs or timers

Common use cases for microcontrollers:

• Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: Smart sensors, wearables, home automation, smart appliances.
• Consumer Electronics: Remote controls, washing machines, microwaves, electric toothbrushes.
• Simple Control Systems: HVAC systems, lighting control, vending machines.
• Robotics: Control of motors and sensors in small robots.
• Automotive: Engine control units (ECUs), infotainment systems, body electronics.
• Medical Devices: Insulin pumps, glucose meters, basic diagnostic tools.

• Using FPGAs and Microcontrollers Together

In many advanced embedded systems, a hybrid approach combining FPGAs and microcontrollers offers the best of both worlds. 

For example, an FPGA can handle intensive parallel processing tasks such as data encryption or signal filtering, while a microcontroller manages user interfaces, communication protocols, and system control.

This allows designers to leverage the FPGA's performance for specific bottlenecks while benefiting from the MCU's ease of programming and cost-effectiveness for general system management.

Where to Have Reliable FPGAs and Microcontrollers? 

The FPGA vs. MCU difference makes choosing between them a critical decision, and having access to a reliable supply of these essential electronic components is equally vital. 

UniBetter stands as a trusted electronic component distributor, offering a comprehensive range of high-quality and cost-effective electronic parts, including both advanced FPGAs and versatile microcontrollers. 

This electronic distributor has earned its reputation by offering:

• 100% authentic, quality-verified components
• Access to rare and obsolete parts via a global network of 7,000+ suppliers
• Cost-effective sourcing powered by a team of 30+ procurement experts
• Fast and dependable service, including responses to BOM requests within 2 hours

Conclusion

The comparison of FPGA vs. microcontroller indicates that the final choice depends on the specific needs of your project—whether you require the parallel processing power and flexibility of an FPGA or the simplicity and efficiency of a microcontroller. Most often, integrating both provides the best solution. 

For sourcing these critical components, reliable distributors like UniBetter offer a trusted and comprehensive supply, helping you bring your embedded system designs to life with confidence. If you need professional support, you may click here to get in touch with UniBetter for more information.