gatearray
nounUK /ˈɡeɪt əˌreɪ/
US /ˈɡeɪt əˌreɪ/
A gate array is a chip that is made with many tiny parts already in place, and then wires are added to make it do a certain job.
The engineers used a gate array to build the prototype quickly.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A pre-designed silicon chip whose internal logic cells are connected by custom wiring for a specific use.
The gate array reduced the cost of the custom circuit.
3. A type of application-specific integrated circuit made from a standard base wafer.
They chose a gate array instead of a fully custom ASIC.
4. A chip design approach where only the final metal layer is customized.
The gate array design let them change the wiring without making new silicon.