ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Field programmable logic array

Ok kiddo, have you ever played with Legos before? Well, a field programmable logic array is kind of like a big Lego set but for grown-ups who want to make computers and electronic things work better.

Just like with Legos, you can snap different pieces together to create all kinds of cool things. With a field programmable logic array, those pieces are tiny electronic parts called logic gates.

Logic gates are like little switches that can do simple things like turning a signal on or off or choosing which direction to send a signal. They can be put together in different ways to make more complicated tasks happen, like adding or multiplying numbers, or deciding when to turn on a light.

The cool thing about a field programmable logic array is that it lets you choose how you want to put those logic gates together to create your own unique design. You can tell the logic gates how to work by programming them, which means you're giving them a set of instructions to follow.

So if you want to make a calculator, you could program the logic gates in your field programmable logic array to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Or if you wanted to make a robot that could follow a line, you could program the logic gates to read signals from sensors and figure out which direction to go.

Basically, a field programmable logic array is a tool that lets you create your own electronic designs without having to build everything from scratch. You can customize it to do whatever you want by programming the logic gates in specific ways. It's like a big, grown-up Lego set that lets you build your own electronic toys and gadgets!
Related topics others have asked about: