The Generic Array Logic (also known as GAL) device was an innovation of the PAL

Programmable Array Logic

The term Programmable Array Logic is used to describe a family of programmable logic device semiconductors used to implement logic functions in digital circuits introduced by Monolithic Memories, Inc. in March 1978. MMI obtained a registered trademark on the term PAL for use in "Programmable...

 and was invented by Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation is a United States based manufacturer of high-performance programmable logic devices . Founded in 1983, the company employs about 700 people and has annual revenues of around $300 million, with Darin Billerbeck as the chief executive officer...

. The GAL was an improvement on the PAL because one device was able to take the place of many PAL devices or could even have functionality not covered by the original range. Its primary benefit, however, was that it was eraseable and re-programmable making prototyping and design changes easier for engineers.

A similar device called a PEEL (programmable electrically erasable logic) was introduced by the International CMOS Technology (ICT) corporation.

See also

• Programmable logic device
  Programmable logic device
  A programmable logic device or PLD is an electronic component used to build reconfigurable digital circuits. Unlike a logic gate, which has a fixed function, a PLD has an undefined function at the time of manufacture...
  
   (PLD)
  • Complex programmable logic device (CPLD)
  • Erasable programmable logic device (EPLD)