Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
What is PLA?
2.1.
Example
3.
Real-world uses of PLA
4.
What is PAL?
4.1.
Example
5.
Real-world Application of PAL
6.
Difference between PLA and PAL
7.
Frequently Asked Questions
7.1.
What are the advantages of PAL over PLA?
7.2.
What are the disadvantages of PAL over PLA?
7.3.
What is a Programmable Logic Device?
7.4.
Explain the applications of PLA.
8.
Conclusion 
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Difference between Programmable Logic Array and Programming Array Logic

Author Gaurav Gandhi
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Introduction

Hello Ninja, Are you confused about selecting between PAL and PLA? Well, Coding Ninjas got your back. PAL and PLA are both Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) used in digital circuit design.

This article will discuss the key difference between PLA and PAL, including their architecture, programming methodology, and other aspects.

difference between pla and pal

What is PLA?

PLA, or Programmable logic array, is a programmable logic device to design digital circuits. It consists of an array of AND gates and an array of OR gates with programmable connections between them. Since both arrays are programmable, it is called a programmable logic array.

PLAs are used in embedded systems, digital signal processing, computer architecture, etc.

PLA

Example

Given the below truth table:

Truth table for PLA example


We have 3 inputs as A, B, C and 2 functions as X and Y

Next we find the minimal Sum of Product form for the above truth table.

X=AB’+AC

Y=BC+AC

Therefore, number of programmable AND gates = number of min terms =3

Number of programmable OR gates = number of functions = 2

Hence the PAL diagram for the above two functions are:

PLA equivalent

Real-world uses of PLA

PLAs are utilized in many real-world applications. They are:

  • PLAs are used in digital signal processing to perform filtering, modulation, and demodulation tasks.
     
  • PLAs are used in audio and video processing.
     
  • PLAs are used in computer arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, which are used in microprocessors, digital calculators, etc.
     
  • PLAs are used to implement control logic in microcontrollers, digital controllers, etc.
     
  • PLAs are also used in automotive electronics for engine management, vehicle control, and safety systems. They are typically used in sensor data processing, actuator control, and fault detection.

What is PAL?

PAL, or Programmable Array Logic, is a type of programmable logic device used to design digital logic circuits. It consists of an array of programmable AND gates followed by fixed OR gates.

PALs are programmed using fuse or anti-fuse technology, where the logic functions are designed by burning and blowing fuses. They are capable of creating a wide range of boolean logic functions.

PAL

Example

Giver functions: 

X= AB+AC

Y=A’B+AC

Z=AB’+BC

Hence the PAL diagram for the above functions are:

PAL equivalent

Real-world Application of PAL

Some of the key uses of PAL are as follows:

  • PALs are used in embedded systems to implement custom logic functions like decoding, data processing, etc., which find application in automotive electronics, medical devices, industrial automation, etc.
     
  • PALs are used in the telecommunications industry for data routing and signal processing in routers and base stations.
     
  • PALs are also used in aerospace and defence industries to design complex logic functions in radars, missiles, and flight controls.
     
  • PALs are used in test devices to perform tasks like signal conditioning, data acquisition, and instrument control.
     

Also see, Difference Between Jfet and Mosfet and what is middleware

Difference between PLA and PAL

The key differences between PLA and PAL are:

Attribute

PLA

PAL

Full form The full form of PLA is Programmable Logic Array. The full form of PLA is Programmable Array Logic.
Construction The main difference between PLA and PAL lies in their architecture. PLA consists of an array of AND followed by an array of OR gates. On the other hand, PAL consists of an array of AND followed by fixed OR gates.
Speed PLA works at high speed. PAL works at low speed.
Cost PLA is expensive. PAL is budget-friendly.
Flexibility PLA offers greater flexibility. PAL is not as flexible as PLA.
Complexity PLA is more complex PAL is comparatively simpler.
Uses PLA has limited uses. PAL has multiple applications

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of PAL over PLA?

Some of the advantages of PAL over PLA consist of lower cost, simpler implementation, and faster operation. PALs are efficient for simple combinatorial logic functions.

What are the disadvantages of PAL over PLA?

Some of the disadvantages of PAL over PLA are reduced flexibility and the inability to implement complex sequential logic. PALs are also less suitable for intricate logic structures.

What is a Programmable Logic Device?

A PLD or a Programmable logic device is a digital logic device used to create and design custom digital circuits. They consist of programmable logic elements that can be used to implement logic functions like AND gate, OR gate, and other digital building blocks.

Explain the applications of PLA.

PLAs are used in digital signal processing to perform filtering, modulation, and demodulation tasks. PLAs are used in audio and video processing. They are used in microprocessors, digital calculators, etc.

Conclusion 

Kudos, Ninja, on making it to the finish line of this article! PAL and PLA are different programmable logic devices used to design digital circuits. This article has covered all the major differences between PLA and PAL.

We hope this blog was useful to you in understanding the key difference between Pla and Pal. Do not stop learning! We recommend you read some of our other Unix articles: 

1. Logic Gate and circuits

2. Current sensors

3. Sequential circuit

4. Yarn vs NPM
 

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