Description: Altera is a well-known company in the technology field, particularly for its products and solutions in the area of FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). FPGAs are semiconductor devices that can be configured by the user after manufacturing, allowing them to adapt to various applications and specific needs. Altera has excelled in offering a wide range of products that include high-performance FPGAs and software solutions that facilitate the design and implementation of digital systems. The flexibility and reprogrammability of Altera’s FPGAs have enabled engineers and developers to create innovative solutions in sectors such as telecommunications, automotive, defense, and signal processing. In 2015, Altera was acquired by Intel, which expanded its reach and resources, integrating its technologies into Intel’s product offerings and strengthening its position in the programmable devices market.
History: Altera was founded in 1983 by a group of engineers in Silicon Valley, initially focused on developing programmable logic devices. In 1997, the company launched its first FPGA, the EP620, which marked a milestone in the industry. Over the years, Altera continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing technologies such as SoCs (System on Chip) and Stratix architecture FPGAs. In 2015, Altera was acquired by Intel, allowing the company to combine its capabilities in integrated circuit design with Intel’s expertise in the semiconductor market.
Uses: Altera’s FPGAs are used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications, signal processing, embedded systems, and automotive. Their reprogrammable capability allows developers to tailor the hardware to the specific needs of each project, resulting in more efficient and customized solutions. Additionally, they are used in research and development of new technologies, as well as in rapid prototyping.
Examples: An example of the use of Altera’s FPGAs is in the development of communication systems, where flexible and high-performance solutions are required to handle large volumes of data. Another case is in the automotive industry, where they are used to implement control systems and real-time data processing in autonomous vehicles.
