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For Release: February 16, 1999
Altera Updates MAX+PLUS II to Support New FLEX 10K Device Features
- Provides ClockLock™ and ClockBoost™ Support for
FLEX 10K Devices
- Enables New Features in the EPC2 Configuration Device
- Supports FineLine BGA™ Packages for FLEX® 10K
and MAX® 7000 Families
San Jose, Calif., February 16, 1999—Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR) today
began shipping version 9.2 of its industry-leading MAX+PLUS®
II design software to support the newest Altera® FLEX 10K
device features. MAX+PLUS II version 9.2 supports the new FLEX 10K
devices with ClockLock and ClockBoost circuitry for increased system performance.
In addition, the software enables users to take advantage of new features in
the EPC2 configuration device and supports FineLine BGA packages in a variety
of densities.
"By updating MAX+PLUS II to support the latest FLEX 10K device features
and FineLine BGA packages, Altera continues its tradition of providing state-of-the-art
software for our customers," said David Greenfield, Altera director of development
tools marketing. "Altera is committed to delivering powerful and cost-effective
design tools for PLD development."
ClockLock & ClockBoost Capabilities
To support high-speed designs, Altera recently introduced FLEX 10K devices
with phased-locked loop (PLL) circuitry containing ClockLock and ClockBoost
features which boost system performance and improve device utilization efficiency.
PLL was originally pioneered by Altera in 1996, and has now been ported to the
EPF10K200E programmable logic device. The ClockLock and ClockBoost features
increase I/O performance. ClockLock uses the PLL to synchronize clock lines,
thereby minimizing clock delay and skew. ClockBoost allows FLEX 10K devices
to run at 2x, 3x, or 4x the clock frequency of the board. This is an advantage
for digital signal processing functions and in situations that require data
compression algorithms for complex data manipulation. Using a technique called
time-domain multiplexing, ClockBoost can also increase device bandwidth. For
example, a 32-bit datapath running at 40 MHz can be implemented as a 16-bit
datapath running at 80 MHz with ClockBoost, accomplishing the same results in
half the logic and I/O resources. MAX+PLUS II version 9.2 now supports ClockLock
and ClockBoost features on these new FLEX 10K devices.
New FineLine BGA Package Support
MAX+PLUS II version 9.2 software also supports the latest Altera FLEX 10K
and MAX 7000 devices in FineLine BGA packages, including the recently introduced
EPM7512AE device in a 256-pin FineLine BGA package. Starting with this version,
MAX+PLUS II software supports a total of 13 FineLine BGA packages-eight for
FLEX 10K devices and five for MAX 7000 devices.
FineLine BGA packages represent the latest advance in packaging technology.
Utilizing a 1.0-mm ball pitch, FineLine BGA packages can implement more than
twice as many pins (balls) in the same area compared to typical TQFP packages.
For example, a 256-pin FineLine BGA package occupies a 17-mm x 17-mm surface
area-the same amount of space that a 100-pin TQFP package occupies.
EPC2 Configuration Device
MAX+PLUS II 9.2 supports new features on the in-system programmable EPC2 configuration
device, including programmable pull-up resistors and programmable JTAG user
code. With version 9.2, users can issue a command in software that causes the
EPC2 to initiate the configuration of a FLEX device on a board through the industry-standard
IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface. These features simplify on-board programming and
enable design version control.
Availability & Pricing
The MAX+PLUS II version 9.2 design software is currently shipping to all Altera
customers on active subscription and maintenance. Altera's software subscription
program simplifies the process of obtaining Altera development tools by consolidating
all software products and maintenance charges into one annual subscription payment.
For $2,000 (single-user license), an annual subscription will entitle a customer
to receive Altera's MAX+PLUS II and upcoming Quartus™
development tools, including ongoing support for the latest Altera PLDs,
new software features, performance enhancements, and on-line and printed documentation.
About Altera
Altera Corporation, The Programmable Solutions Company™, was founded
in 1983 and is a leading supplier of programmable logic devices and associated
logic development software tools. Programmable logic devices are semiconductor
chips that can be programmed on-site, using software tools that run on personal
computers or engineering workstations. User benefits include ease of use, lower
risk, and fast time-to-market. Altera's CMOS-based programmable logic devices
address high-speed, high-density and low-power applications in the telecommunications,
data communications, computer peripheral, and industrial markets. Altera common
stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ALTR. More information
on Altera can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.altera.com.
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