For Release: June 22, 2005
Altera Cyclone FPGAs and Nios II Embedded Processors Power World’s Largest 32-bit Multiprocessor Display System
Barco’s OLite 510 Display Technology Uses More Than 100 Cyclone FPGAs and Nios II Embedded Processors per Square Meter
San Jose, Calif., June 22, 2005—Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) announced today that Barco has pushed the standards in the video display and programmable logic world by implementing over 100 CycloneTM FPGAs and Nios® II embedded processors per square meter in its revolutionary OLite 510 indoor/outdoor surface mount device (SMD) LED display system. Each OLite 510 display module features an Altera® Cyclone device hosting a Nios II processor, the world’s most versatile embedded processor. Over 100 display modules are linked together for each square meter of LED wall, making Barco’s OLite 510 the biggest 32-bit multiprocessor display system in the world.
“The criteria we adhered to in making our choice were very clear,” states Robbie Thielemans, vice president of R&D for Barco Media & Entertainment. “In order to ensure the best LED display performance technically possible, we needed reliability, flexibility and high digital signal processing (DSP) performance, all at the lowest cost.”
Adds Thielemans: “In the search to find the ultimate combination of functionality, size and cost, Barco opted for Altera’s Nios II processor implemented in a Cyclone device after it became clear that no other processor delivered the ideal mix of features, price, performance and short time-to-market, along with a guarantee to avoid costly processor obsolescence.”
Backed by Altera’s processing power, Barco’s OLite 510 LED display technology is fast becoming the technology of choice in performance-critical applications such as live events, concerts and touring. The OLite 510 has drawn rave reviews across the globe and was recently used at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev, as well as on the European leg of U2’s Vertigo tour, where over 500 square meters of OLite 510 are used as backdrop to the band’s performance.
“Altera and Barco are driven by the same design and R&D principles,” said Steve Mensor, Altera’s senior director of product marketing of low-cost FPGAs. “We are both pioneers who continuously push the boundaries of our chosen technologies, whereby we deliver innovative products that answer real market needs.”
To see OLite 510 display technology in action during U2’s Vertigo tour, please visit www.barco.com/events/en/references/references.asp?ref=3044. For more information on Barco’s outdoor LED displays, please visit www.barco.com/events/en/products/outdoor_displays.asp.
For more information regarding Cyclone FPGAs, please visit the Altera web site at www.altera.com/cyclone. Information on the Nios II embedded processor is available at www.altera.com/nios2.
About Altera
Altera Corporation (NASDAQ: ALTR) is the world’s pioneer in system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions. Combining programmable logic technology with software tools, intellectual property and technical services, Altera provides high-value programmable solutions to approximately 14,000 customers worldwide. More information is available at www.altera.com.
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