By leveraging two distinct process technologies in its 28nm product portfolio, Altera Corp. believes it will now offer customers a broad selection of optimised devices. In addition to previously announced support for TSMC’s 28nm High-Performance (28HP) process technology for its high-end FPGA family, the company will use TSMC's 28nm Low-Power (28LP) process technology for its low-cost and midrange product families.
The 28LP process is used in Altera’s low-cost products to address cost- and power-sensitive applications across various market segments, such as automotive and industrial. The process also makes it possible to deliver a better balance of cost, performance and low power within the company’s midrange product family.
At the high end, the 28HP process technology is critical in delivering the core and transceiver performance required by high-end applications. As a result, Altera can increase the capabilities of its high-end FPGAs by incorporating greater levels of functionality, such as 28Gbps transceivers that will drive the development of next-generation 100G/400G systems. FPGAs based on the 28HP process specifically target applications that require the highest levels of performance, including computing, military, and wireline systems.
Engineering samples of the 28nm Stratix V FPGAs will be available to customers starting in the first quarter of 2011. Customers can start their Stratix V FPGA designs now by using Quartus II software. Additional 28nm FPGA families will be announced in 2011.