Abstract: Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)-based prototyping has become a vital technique for validating Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) systems before silicon fabrication. As VLSI designs grow in complexity, incorporating multi-core processors, high-speed interconnects, and extensive peripheral subsystems, traditional simulation-based verification alone is no longer sufficient. FPGA-based prototyping bridges the gap between slow, detailed simulations and costly post-silicon debugging by enabling near real-time execution of hardware designs. This paper presents a comprehensive study of FPGA-based prototyping tools used for VLSI system validation. It discusses the motivations for FPGA prototyping, architectural considerations, tool flows, and integration challenges. Commercial and open-source prototyping platforms are analyzed, along with methodologies for design partitioning, timing closure, and hardware-software co-validation. Comparative tables and illustrative figures are included to enhance understanding. The paper concludes by highlighting emerging trends such as hybrid emulation–FPGA platforms and AI-assisted prototyping flows, emphasizing their role in reducing time-to-market and improving design confidence.
Keywords: FPGA prototyping, VLSI validation, hardware-software co-design, system verification, design prototyping
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