Altera

Definition

Altera is a company known for designing and manufacturing Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which are integrated circuits that can be programmed after manufacturing to carry out specific tasks. Altera's FPGAs enable reconfigurable computing, allowing users to customize hardware functionality for various applications, from telecommunications to automotive systems. This flexibility and adaptability make Altera FPGAs popular in industries that require high performance and quick turnaround times in hardware design.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Altera's FPGAs are used in various applications including digital signal processing, image processing, and network infrastructure due to their high performance and reconfigurability.
2. The company was acquired by Intel in 2015, enhancing Intel's portfolio in the field of programmable logic devices.
3. Altera provides a range of development tools that support the design and implementation of complex FPGA systems, including Quartus Prime software.
4. Altera FPGAs can support parallel processing, making them ideal for applications requiring high data throughput and real-time processing capabilities.
5. The architecture of Altera FPGAs allows for the integration of multiple functionalities on a single chip, reducing the need for multiple discrete components in designs.

Review Questions

• How does Altera's approach to FPGA design influence the field of reconfigurable computing?
  • Altera's approach to FPGA design emphasizes flexibility and ease of use, allowing users to adapt hardware configurations for specific applications. This adaptability enhances reconfigurable computing by enabling rapid changes in functionality without the need for new hardware. By providing comprehensive development tools, Altera facilitates the seamless integration of custom logic into various systems, promoting innovation across different industries.
• Discuss the impact of Altera's acquisition by Intel on the FPGA market and technological advancements.
  • The acquisition of Altera by Intel significantly bolstered Intel's capabilities in the FPGA market, allowing for greater integration of FPGAs with traditional processor technologies. This move has led to advancements in hybrid computing solutions where CPUs and FPGAs work together, enhancing performance in data centers and cloud computing environments. The combined expertise has also accelerated innovation in areas like machine learning and artificial intelligence, where adaptable hardware is crucial.
• Evaluate how the features of Altera FPGAs contribute to their applications in high-performance computing environments.
  • Altera FPGAs offer unique features such as parallel processing capabilities, reconfigurability, and high-speed interfaces that are essential for high-performance computing environments. These characteristics allow engineers to tailor solutions that meet specific performance needs while maintaining efficiency. The ability to reprogram these devices on-the-fly enables continuous improvement and optimization of computational tasks, making them invaluable for industries requiring rapid adaptation to changing workloads or algorithms.

Related terms

FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, a type of integrated circuit that can be configured by the user after manufacturing to perform a wide range of tasks.

Reconfigurable Computing: A computing paradigm that allows hardware to be configured or reconfigured dynamically, enabling efficient execution of different algorithms and applications.

Logic Elements: Basic building blocks within FPGAs that can be programmed to perform various logical functions, essential for creating custom circuits.