Distributed arithmetic techniques are the key to efficient implementation of DSP algorithms in FPGAs. The distributed arithmetic process is briefly described. A representative DSP design application in the form of an 8 tap FIR filter is offered for the Xilinx XC3042 field programmable logic array (FPGA). The design is presented in sufficient detail--from filter specifications via filter design software through detailed logic of salient data and control functions to obtain a realistic placing and routing of configurable logic block (CLBs) and in/out block (IOBs) components for simulation verification and performance evaluation vis-a-vis commercially available dedicated 8 tap FIR filter chips.