Simple programmable logic device (SPLD) chips are the simplest, smallest and least-expensive type of programmable logic device (PLD). SPLD chips can be used in boards to replace 7400-series transistor-transistor logic (TTL) components. They are also used in a variety of commercial, industrial, and communication applications. SPLD chips typically consist of 4 to 22 fully connected macrocells that use some form of combinatorial logic such as AND and OR gates) and a flip-flop. In other words, a small Boolean logic equation can be built within each macrocell. This equation combines the state of some number of binary inputs into a binary output and, if necessary, stores that output in the flip-flop until the next clock edge. Although the particulars of the available logic gates and flip-flops are specific to each manufacturer and product family, the general idea remains the same.

Most SPLD chips use fuses or non-volatile memory cells such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable read-only memory, or Flash memory. Simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs) are known by a variety of names, programmable array logic (PAL), generic array logic (GAL), programmable logic arrays (PLA), field-programmable logic arrays (FPLA), and programmable devices (PLD).

Simple programmable logic device (SPLD) chips are the simplest, smallest and least-expensive type of programmable logic device (PLD). SPLD chips can be used in boards to replace 7400-series transistor-transistor logic (TTL) components. They are also used in a variety of commercial, industrial, and communication applications. SPLD chips typically consist of 4 to 22 fully connected macrocells that use some form of combinatorial logic such as AND and OR gates) and a flip-flop. In other words, a small Boolean logic equation can be built within each macrocell. This equation combines the state of some number of binary inputs into a binary output and, if necessary, stores that output in the flip-flop until the next clock edge. Although the particulars of the available logic gates and flip-flops are specific to each manufacturer and product family, the general idea remains the same.

Most SPLD chips use fuses or non-volatile memory cells such as erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable read-only memory, or Flash memory. Simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs) are known by a variety of names, programmable array logic (PAL), generic array logic (GAL), programmable logic arrays (PLA), field-programmable logic arrays (FPLA), and programmable devices (PLD).

SPLD chips are available in a variety of integrated circuit (IC) package types and with different numbers of pins. Basic IC package types include single in-line package (SIP), dual in-line package (DIP), discrete package (DPAK), small outline package (SOP), and quad flat package (QFP). Many packaging variants are available. For example, common SOP variants for SPLD chips include shrink small outline package (SSOP) and thin shrink small outline L-leaded package (TSSOP). Small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) packaging is also available for SPLD chips.

Many suppliers specify SPLD chips according to EIA-724, a product lifecycle model from the Electronics Industry Alliance (EIA), a trade association that establishes standards for electrical and electronics products. The numbered lifecycle stages in EIA-724 describe activities such as product ramp-up, rapid growth, maturity, saturation, decline, and phase-out. Some manufacturers also specify lifecycle stages that are not part of EIA-724. Examples include product introduction, last shipments, and removal.