This paper first presents a review of very large scale integration signal processing applications using Q-format data representation, through field programmable gate arrays. Also, this paper presents a comprehensive review of Q-formatbased applications, which include arithmetic computations in signal processing, linear time-invariant systems, finite impulse response filter, 3-D graphics system, personal digital assistant, and neural networks and power electronic converter control are discussed. Finally, a Q-format-based arithmetic logic unit (QALU) has been designed and developed using very high speed integrated circuit hardware description language. The QALU is used to develop the space vector pulse width modulation control, and the simulation and experimental results are presented.