In computer engineering, the logic gates are used in different cases. The PLA and PAL are the programmable logic devices having different functionalities. These are mostly used in dealing with the AND, OR gates in the computer engineering. These are very important in digital logic design of computers. So, we are going to know the differences between PLA and PAL.

PLA

The PLA is a programmable device used for both the AND, and OR gates. PLA can also be called as Programmable Logic Array. PLA is one of the logical devices used in the digital circuits of the computers. PLA depends on both memory of the computer and logics of the digital circuits. The PLA gives more flexibility in performing the operation in the digital circuits. PLA devices works slowly but have good efficiency over the AND, OR logic gates.

Programmable logic arrays are the most expensive programmable devices used in the digital circuits. The Programmable logic arrays are hard to implement as it requires special people for implementing. The Programmable logic arrays provides less performance than the other Programmable logic devices that are used for programming the AND, OR gates.

PAL

PAL is one of the Programmable logic devices. PAL can also be called as Programmable Array Logic. The PAL is used in designing the digital circuits in the computer engineering. PAL devices are not much flexible in designing the digital circuits because in Programmable array logic, AND gate can be programmable, but the OR gates are not programmable. The OR gate in the PAL is always fixed so the OR gate is not programmed. PAL devices are cost efficient. PAL devices are usually faster because the OR gate is always fixed and no need to depend on the OR gate. The PAL devices provide very limited number of functions over the digital circuits.

Advantages of PLA

The PLA provides the flexibility of using many different numbers of functions can be implemented easily using the Programmable logic arrays. Using PLA, we can perform different types of combinational digital circuits using both AND, OR logic gates. The PLA provides great efficiency over the digital circuits.

Advantages of PAL

The implementation of these devices is easy and not that complex to understand. The PAL devices provide more efficiency and performance in the digital circuit processing. PAL devices cost very less when compared to the other programmable logic devices.

Applications of PLA

The PLA devices are widely used based on their performance. The PLA is used on the data path that is present in the digital logics and they provide the control. The PLA can also be used as the decoding devices. PLA devices are used in interfaces of I/O.

Applications of PAL

The PAL is used in the synchronization process in the computer systems. The PAL devices can also be used as the state machines in the mainstream of computer systems. The PAL devices can also be used in building the BUS interfaces.

Difference between PLA and PAL

PLA	PAL
The PLA is costly and more complex than the PAL devices.	The PAL devices are cheaper, and the PAL devices have simple process and easy to understand.
The PLA provides more flexibility in programming the logic gates.	The PAL provides less flexibility when compared to the Programmable logic array device.
The Programmable logic array device can provide a greater number of functions in the Digital circuits when compared to that of PAL.	The Programmable array logic device provides a smaller number of functions in digital circuits when compared to that of PLA.
In Programmable logic array, both the AND, OR gates are programmable and changeable all over the digital circuits in computer systems.	In Programmable array logic, only the AND gate is programmable, and the OR logic gate is always fixed and cannot be changed.
In PLA, the Boolean functions in SOP form can be implemented using the PLA devices in the digital circuits.	In PAL, the Boolean function in SOP form cannot be implemented using the PAL device in the digital circuits.
Constructing a PLA is hard or a complex process.	Construction of the PAL is easy when compared to that of the PLA.