From Fiber to Forth: 
This technical note explores the surprising power of a 16-bit soft-core CPU running Forth, embedded in an FPGA, and how it tackled real-world control and communication tasks with elegance and minimal tooling. Originally developed for specialized test equipment, the system showcases how simplicity, flexibility, and long-term maintainability can beat conventional MCU-based solutions. Whether you’re a system designer, engineering manager, or tech enthusiast, this blog-style write-up offers practical insights and inspiration for working with resource-constrained architectures. Dive in and discover how Forth on FPGA can still punch above its weight!