Altera designed the EP2C15A with "fast-on" capability, shortening the power-on time of the device at start up, and enabling it to meet the 50-ms requirement for automotive applications. The Cyclone II FPGA family members EP2C8 and EP2C20 are also now available with the new fast-on feature.

"A wide range of choices in the lower density range of the Cyclone II FPGA family provides engineers with more options when designing cost-sensitive, high-volume applications," said Luanne Schirrmeister, Altera's director of marketing for low-cost products. "Specifically in the automotive market, the fast-on capability will be compelling for applications such as navigation, rear-seat entertainment, car networking and driver assistance."

The Cyclone series of devices is the market leader in low-cost FPGAs. Available on 90-nm and 130-nm process technologies and designed from the ground up for low cost, Cyclone FPGAs enable customers to enjoy first-to-market success, greater product differentiation and increased profit versus what they might gain from alternative solutions such as ASICs or ASSPs. The Cyclone II FPGA family also offers the highest performance of any competing low-cost FPGA and consumes as little as 12 mW of static power.

Pricing and Availability

Engineering samples for Cyclone II FPGAs with fast-on capability are available for booking now from Altera and authorized distributors, with production units available next month. The EP2C15A device, which is only available with the fast-on option, is priced at $8.90 in 100,000-unit volumes for 2007. For more information about the Cyclone II FPGA family, please visit www.altera.com/cyclone2.

About Altera

Altera's programmable solutions enable system and semiconductor companies to rapidly and cost-effectively innovate, differentiate and win in their markets. Find out more 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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     Altera Corporation
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