Early-access software for forthcoming flash FPGAs from Altera
Quartus II beta software and early access documentation for MAX 10 FPGAs, Altera’s latest addition to its Generation 10 portfolio of FPGAs and SoCs, is now available. Based on TSMC’s 55 nm embedded flash process technology, MAX 10 non-volatile FPGAs place advanced processing capabilities into a small form factor, low-cost, instant-on programmable logic device. Availability of software support and product documentation enables users to start their MAX 10 FPGA designs immediately.
Altera recently completed tape out of the first MAX 10 FPGA and is working with TSMC to begin delivering the non-volatile FPGA family to customers in the third quarter of 2014. Comprehensive details on MAX 10 FPGAs will be disclosed when silicon available. Early access documentation is available now for customers in Altera’s MAX 10 FPGA early access program.
“As we announced last year, our focus on FPGAs with embedded flash technology is a key component of the Generation 10 product portfolio,” said Patrick Dorsey, senior director of product marketing at Altera. “With early access to MAX 10 FPGAs, customers can now get access to the powerful combination of FPGA processing with non-volatility enabled by embedded flash technology.”
Qualified customers in the MAX 10 FPGA early access program are able to get an early start on their designs by running design compilation and timing analysis using Quartus II software.
Altera designed its MAX 10 FPGAs to lower total system costs and minimise board complexity. The low-cost device family combines non-volatile, instant-on functionality with several advanced capabilities, including digital signal processing, analogue functionality, Nios II embedded processing and external memory interfaces. Altera will promote the devices alongside Enpirion power management solutions, and is aiming at markets including;
• Automotive – MAX 10 FPGAs eliminate the need for external configuration devices and enable faster boot times for applications requiring instant-on such as rear-view cameras in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The wide parallel processing capability of MAX 10 FPGAs combined with embedded flash also suits under-the-hood applications such as electric vehicle (EV), motor control, battery management, and power conversion where faster control loops and higher switching frequencies translate into real system cost savings through lower cost motors and reduced external components.
• Industrial – In industrial control applications, MAX 10 FPGAs accurately sense environmental conditions and use real-time control processing to respond. The small form factor, single-chip FPGAs greatly enhance system efficiency in applications ranging from motor control and I/O modules to internet of things (IoT) sensor processing and machine to machine (M2M) communications.
• Communications – MAX 10 FPGAs are suitable for use in communication systems to assist in the bring-up of multiple board components, management of power sequencing and I/O expansion.
Potential users can request a beta release of the Quartus II software and early access documentation. A software license and download is available at; www.altera.com/max10fpga
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