For Release: April 20, 1998
Altera Ships New Lower Power EPM7128A Device
- 3.3-V Core, 0.35-micron Process Technology
- Pin-Compatible with Existing MAX 7000 and 7000S Families
- ISP Simplifies Device Programming and In-field Upgrades
San Jose, Calif., April 20, 1998--Altera Corporation (Nasdaq: ALTR) today announced the availability of the EPM7128A, the first 3.3-V member of its high performance, high density MAX® 7000A family. The 128 macrocell, EPM7128A will offer industry-leading performance with pin-to-pin speeds as fast as 5ns. It will feature Altera's patented MultiVolt™ interface allowing I/Os compatible with 5.0-V, 3.3-V, and 2.5-V logic interface levels, and in-system programmability (ISP) with support of the Jam™ programming and test language. The combination of performance, density, and true 3.3-V operating voltage will be key to continuing Altera's rapid growth in market share of high-density devices with ISP.
"Our new EPM7128A device allows customers to utilize industry standard MAX 7000 devices in a 0.35-micron, 3.3-V environment while maintaining fast pin-to-pin performance," said Cliff Tong, Altera's vice president of component marketing. "This device also provides PCI compliance, along with Jam support and ISP; all features that will further the acceptance of our MAX 7000 architecture and contribute to our ISP sales momentum."
True 3.3-V Core Operating Voltage on a 0.35-micron Process
The EPM7128A is the first true 3.3-V CPLD using a 0.35-micron process. Competitive products are fabricated using a less-advanced 0.5-micron process, which runs much less efficiently at 3.3-V. As a result, Altera's MAX 7000A family is much faster and offers dramatically lower power consumption, as is demonstrated by the following power comparison chart.
MAX+PLUS II Design Support
The EPM7128A, like all MAX 7000A devices, is supported by Altera's MAX+PLUS® II development system for PC and workstation platforms. The MAX+PLUS II software offers an architecture independent development environment, which enables the designer to target designs to any of Altera's device families. MAX+PLUS II software provides seamless integration with tools from Cadence, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys, Viewlogic, and other leading EDA vendors.
Availability, Packaging, and Pricing
The EPM7128A is available now in a 100-pin TQFP package and will soon be available in 84-pin PLCC and 144-pin TQFP, as well as Altera's new FineLine BGA™ packages. Volume pricing for the EPM7128A is projected to be $7.00 by the end of 1998 in 100K-unit quantities.
Safe Harbor Notice
This press release contains "forward looking statements" which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements are generally preceded by words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "projects," or "intends." Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation the risk that planned products will not be introduced as currently anticipated. Please refer to the Company's Securities and
Exchange Commission filings, copies of which are available from the Company without charge, for further information.
About Altera
Altera Corporation, founded in 1983, is a worldwide leader in high-performance, high-density programmable logic devices and associated computer aided engineering (CAE) logic development tools. Programmable logic devices are semiconductor chips that offer on-site programmability to customers. The chips are programmed using tools that run on personal computers or engineering work stations. User benefits include ease of use, lower risk, and fast time-to-market. The company offers the broadest line of CMOS programmable logic devices that address high-speed, high-density, and low-power applications. Altera products serve a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, data communications, computers, and industrial applications. Altera common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ALTR. More information on Altera can be obtained on the worldwide web at http://www.altera.com. A photograph is available at http://www.newscom.com.
CONTACT:
Rhondalee Rohleder
Director of Communications
Altera Corporation
(408) 544-8296
E-mail: rrohlede@altera.com
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