any processor that executes an essentially sequential list of instructions. The sorts of processor in this category include the C6000, ARM, PowerPC, and MicroBlaze. These processors are programmed using compilers, assemblers, and linkers.

FPGA

any processor that provides configurable logic to perform highly-parallel operations. The Xilinx FPGAs on Lyrtech SignalMaster boards are in this category. These processors are programmed using tools such as the Xilinx ISE.