Intel Altera represents a significant chapter in the evolution of programmable logic technology. Altera, a pioneer in the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) industry, was acquired by Intel in 2015, marking a strategic expansion of Intel’s product offerings into the realm of adaptive computing. This acquisition has allowed Intel to integrate Altera’s innovative FPGA technology with its own high-performance processing solutions, creating a new era of adaptable and scalable computing platforms.

The Legacy of Altera
Founded in 1983, Altera was a trailblazer in the FPGA industry, introducing groundbreaking technologies that transformed digital circuit design. Altera’s FPGAs allowed engineers to program hardware circuits after manufacturing, providing unparalleled flexibility and customization compared to traditional ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). This innovation not only accelerated product development but also opened new possibilities for complex digital applications.

Altera’s product portfolio included a wide range of FPGAs, CPLDs (Complex Programmable Logic Devices), and development tools that became integral to various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. The company’s commitment to innovation was evident in its continuous advancement of FPGA architectures, high-speed transceivers, and low-power designs.

The Intel Acquisition
In September 2015, Intel announced its acquisition of Altera in a deal valued at approximately $16.7 billion. The acquisition was completed in December 2015, and it represented a strategic move for Intel to broaden its portfolio beyond its core CPU business. By integrating Altera’s FPGA technology with Intel’s existing products, Intel aimed to provide customers with a more comprehensive range of computing solutions.

The acquisition allowed Intel to combine its strengths in high-performance processors with Altera’s expertise in programmable logic, creating a synergistic effect that enhanced its ability to address emerging market needs. This integration positioned Intel as a leader in adaptive computing, capable of offering solutions that could be tailored to a wide range of applications and industries.

Intel Altera Product Portfolio
Under Intel’s umbrella, the Altera brand continues to thrive with an expanded portfolio of products designed to meet the needs of modern computing environments:

Intel Stratix Series: The Stratix series represents the high-end FPGA offerings from Intel Altera, providing exceptional performance and capacity for demanding applications. Stratix FPGAs are used in data centers, telecommunications, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications, where their ability to handle complex tasks and high data rates is crucial.

Intel Arria Series: The Arria family offers a balance between performance and cost, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from communications infrastructure to industrial automation. Arria FPGAs provide a versatile solution for tasks requiring moderate to high levels of logic and signal processing.

Intel Cyclone Series: The Cyclone series targets cost-sensitive applications, offering a range of FPGAs that deliver good performance while maintaining affordability. Cyclone FPGAs are commonly used in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and smaller-scale embedded applications.

Intel Agilex FPGAs: The Agilex family represents the next generation of Intel’s FPGA technology, featuring advanced architectures that deliver enhanced performance, power efficiency, and integration capabilities. Agilex FPGAs are designed to support complex applications, including AI, machine learning, and high-speed data processing.

Intel SoCs (System-on-Chip): Intel Altera also offers SoCs that combine FPGA logic with embedded processors, such as the ARM-based processors used in the Intel SoC FPGAs. These devices are ideal for embedded systems that require both processing power and programmable logic, including automotive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and industrial control systems.

Development Tools and Software: Intel Altera provides a suite of development tools that facilitate FPGA design and implementation. These include the Intel Quartus Prime Design Software, which supports RTL (Register Transfer Level) design, simulation, and verification, and the Intel FPGA SDK for OpenCL, which enables parallel programming and acceleration of compute-intensive tasks.

Industry Applications and Impact
Intel Altera products are employed across a broad spectrum of industries, reflecting their versatility and adaptability:

Data Centers: Intel Altera FPGAs are used to accelerate data center workloads, including AI inference, machine learning, and high-frequency trading. Their ability to process data in parallel and adapt to different tasks makes them a valuable asset in modern data centers.

Telecommunications: The telecommunications industry relies on Intel Altera FPGAs for network infrastructure, including base stations, routers, and switches. The flexibility and performance of these devices support high-speed data transmission and real-time processing, which are essential for 5G and beyond.

Automotive: In the automotive sector, Intel Altera’s FPGAs and SoCs are used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. Their ability to handle complex algorithms and real-time data processing is critical for enhancing vehicle safety and functionality.

Aerospace and Defense: Intel Altera products are employed in aerospace and defense applications where reliability and performance are paramount. They are used in radar systems, electronic warfare, and secure communications, where their adaptability and ruggedness are essential.

Industrial Automation: In industrial settings, Intel Altera FPGAs drive automation systems, including robotics, control systems, and process monitoring. Their flexibility allows for customization and optimization of control algorithms and signal processing functions.

The Future of Intel Altera
As part of Intel’s broader strategy, Intel Altera is positioned to play a key role in the future of adaptive computing. The integration of Altera’s FPGA technology with Intel’s processor innovations creates a powerful platform for addressing the evolving demands of various industries. With a focus on performance, flexibility, and scalability, Intel Altera is well-equipped to continue leading the way in programmable logic and adaptive computing.

Conclusion
Intel Altera represents a fusion of innovation and expertise, combining the strengths of two industry leaders to advance the field of programmable logic and adaptive computing. The acquisition of Altera by Intel has expanded the possibilities of what can be achieved with FPGAs and SoCs, enabling new applications and driving progress across multiple sectors. As technology continues to evolve, Intel Altera remains at the forefront, delivering solutions that meet the challenges of a dynamic and interconnected world.