an apparatus and method for dynamically configuring a pcmcia compatible card permits new or modified configuration parameters to be loaded into an fpga on the card . in accordance with the invention , the pcmcia card is initially configured to operate as a memory device . while in this mode , an fpga on the card is loaded from a host computer using memory write commands through the pcmcia interface . thereafter , the card is reconfigured to operate as an i / o device using the fpga code newly loaded on the card . the invention permits new pcmcia card designs to be quickly changed and tested by downloading code into the fpga and operating the card as an i / o device . the nonvolatile nature of an fpga permits the card to retain its new or modified functions even after it has been powered down . moreover , the invention permits code changes to be made dynamically without powering down the computer .