Latest Cyclone FPGAs Address High-Volume, Low-Cost Serial Protocol Solution Needs

Latest Cyclone FPGAs Address High-Volume, Low-Cost Serial Protocol Solution Needs

Altera is servicing the increased low-cost bandwidth demand for mobile video, voice, and data access, and the hunger for high-quality 3D images with its latest FPGA devices.

Cyclone IV FPGAs adds support for mainstream serial protocols while offering an optimal balance of low cost, low power and a rich supply of logic, memory and DSP capabilities. With low power consumption and packages as small as 11x11 mm, the new devices address cost-sensitive, small form-factor applications in the wireless, wireline, broadcast, industrial and consumer markets.

Cyclone IV E devices deliver an unprecedented combination of low cost, high functionality and power consumption up to 25% lower than previous generation Cyclone products. The devices are ideal for power-sensitive applications such as handheld software-defined radio. Reducing the total system cost was a major objective for Altera when developing the Cyclone IV GX devices. The combination of integrated transceivers and external transceiver PHYs eliminate external component costs and reduce power consumption up to 30 percent compared to previous generation Cyclone products. This power savings also reduces costs by eliminating the need for heat-dissipation hardware. Cyclone IV GX devices require only two power supplies, which significantly simplifies PCB design and reduces board space and cost.

According to Vince Hu, vice president of product and corporate marketing at Altera, Cyclone IV devices are expected to expand the reach of FPGAs like never before: “Rivaling the cost of ASSPs yet offering innovative features and unmatched flexibility, the Cyclone IV family make it easy for designers to support multiple protocols, simplify board design and create obsolescence-proof solutions that will outlast ASSPs”, Hu said.

Production shipments of the EP4CGX15 and EP4CE115, the first Cyclone IV GX and Cyclone IV E devices respectively, will begin in Q1 ‘10. The three smallest Cyclone IV GX devices will be supported by Altera’s Quartus® II design software version 9.1. Support for the remaining Cyclone IV devices will be provided by the company’s Quartus II design software version 9.1 service pack 1.

Additional information regarding Altera's Cyclone IV FPGAs can be requested via the enquiry service provided below.