"When designing high-volume systems with low-cost FPGAs, designers need a reliable semiconductor provider who can meet scheduled delivery dates," said Steve Mensor, Altera's senior director of product marketing for low-cost FPGAs. "Working closely with its foundry partner TSMC, Altera continues to prove that it is the only FPGA vendor that can reliably roll out advanced products on or ahead of schedule."

With densities ranging from 4,608 to 68,416 logic elements (LEs), Cyclone II FPGAs provide the FPGA industry with new levels of system capabilities at prices more than 30 percent lower than competing FPGAs of equivalent density. The high densities and low prices of the devices allow designers to use Cyclone II FPGAs as an alternative to mid-density ASICs and ASSPs. Ideally suited for high-volume, low-power, price-sensitive end markets, Cyclone II FPGAs provide designers with great flexibility in designing consumer, wireless LAN, industrial and automotive applications.

Device Availability

The entire Cyclone II family is available in both leaded and lead-free packages. In addition to ordering volume shipments from distributors, customers can order small quantities for prototyping on Altera's e-store at www.buyaltera.com. Cyclone II development kits for developing Nios(R) II embedded processor-based systems, digital signal processing (DSP) systems or PCI interfaces are available today. Designers can also take advantage of a large portfolio of intellectual property (IP) cores supporting Cyclone II devices that are directly accessible within the Quartus(R) II design software and available free for evaluation.

About Altera

Altera Corporation 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.

NOTE: Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations and all other words that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective holder.

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     Bruce Fienberg
     Altera Corporation
     408-544-6397
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CONTACT: Bruce Fienberg of Altera Corporation, +1-408-544-6397, or
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Web site: http://www.altera.com/