.webp){kind=small}
Medical
Genomics and Laboratory
FPGAs accelerate data processing for next-generation genomic sequencing and lab analysis.
Parallel Compute for Genomic Data
FPGAs significantly enhance data processing capabilities in genomics and laboratory settings, enabling rapid and efficient analysis of complex genetic information from next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.
Their parallel computation capabilities make FPGAs ideal for handling the immense data volumes NGS produces, and they also perform data processing for complex analyses such as cytometry and mass spectrometry across laboratory workflows.
The Challenges, and Why FPGA
The Challenge
High-Throughput Data Processing
Sequencers and analyzers generate massive datasets that must be processed without slowing lab workflows.
Why FPGA
Parallel Data Acceleration
FPGAs accelerate filtering, alignment, compression, and analytics using highly parallel processing architectures.
The Challenge
Precise Instrument Control
Laboratory instruments require synchronized control of sensors, optics, motors, and fluidics.
Why FPGA
Deterministic System Control
FPGAs provide real-time control and synchronization for accurate, repeatable instrument operation.
The Challenge
Faster Sample-to-Result Times
Labs need quicker results to improve throughput, efficiency, and clinical decision-making.
Why FPGA
Low-Latency Processing Engine
FPGAs reduce processing bottlenecks by performing acquisition, preprocessing, and analytics in hardware.
The Challenge
AI Acceleration and Power Reduction
Growing use of AI in genomics and diagnostics demands efficient compute at instrument and edge locations while maintaining a low power envelope.
Why FPGA
Adaptive Edge AI Platform
FPGAs accelerate AI inference while remaining flexible as algorithms and workflows continue to evolve. FPGAs can accelerate workloads while reducing the power needs of the complete system.
Why Altera
Parallel Compute for NGS
Rapid and efficient analysis of complex genetic information from NGS platforms.
SmartNIC Genomics Acceleration
SmartNIC solutions reduce power draw while accelerating genomics workflows.
Edge AI for Lab Analytics
Enable edge AI solutions directly on laboratory instrument data.
Scalable Across Workloads
One FPGA portfolio scales from sequencing to cytometry and mass spectrometry.
Get Started
More Medical Applications
Medical Video and Vision
Enable high-resolution medical video processing, real-time image enhancement, and intelligent visualization for applications such as endoscopy, surgical imaging, and advanced medical cameras.
Diagnostic Imaging
Accelerate medical imaging with high-speed signal processing, image reconstruction, and real-time analysis for MRI, CT, PET, and other advanced diagnostic systems.
Clinical Systems
Support intelligent clinical equipment with reliable data processing, adaptable connectivity, and efficient performance for patient monitoring, respiratory systems, and medical devices.
Common Questions
Altera FPGAs use parallel computation and low-latency data movement to process large sequencing datasets. Preprocessing, alignment and analytics are workload examples, with hardware acceleration addressing processing bottlenecks across next-generation sequencing workflows.
Cytometry and mass spectrometry are identified as additional FPGA processing applications. Real-time acquisition, sensor interfaces and signal processing complement analytics, allowing a programmable platform to support different laboratory instruments and their data-processing requirements.
FPGA logic provides deterministic control and synchronization across instrument functions. Parallel hardware can coordinate sensors, optics, motors and fluidics alongside acquisition and preprocessing, supporting repeatable instrument operation without assigning every timing-sensitive path to higher-level software.
FPGA AI resources support selected AI workloads alongside acquisition, preprocessing and analytics on instrument data. FPGA AI Suite is listed as an evaluation resource, allowing engineers to review model deployment together with the interfaces and processing functions required by a laboratory platform. Explore FPGA AI Suite for model deployment
Agilex 7 and Agilex 5 are listed for parallel compute and high-speed connectivity in laboratory applications. Development kits, AI tools and SmartNIC resources provide evaluation starting points; the specific implementation must match the sequencing, cytometry or mass-spectrometry workload being considered. Explore Agilex 7 FPGA compute platforms
Use acceleration when profiling identifies supported stages that justify the transfer and implementation costs. Validate numerical or sequence-result equivalence, sustained throughput and integration with the laboratory workflow before adopting an accelerator.