Hong Kong, Germany, November 26, 2013 — Altera (NASDAQ: ALTR) announced a system-on-chip implementation integrating a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a human-machine interface (HMI) as a breakthrough in automation system design at the SPS IPC Drives 2013 conference in Nuremberg, Germany. This integrated PLC/HMI system is implemented using a single 28nm Altera Cyclone® V SoC and is scheduled to be available as a reference design by Altera in 2014.

Altera is collaborating with 3S-Smart Software Solutions, a leading PLC software development company, and EXOR International, a leader in HMI development, to develop an integrated solution that combines embedded software, graphics libraries, powerful application-class processors, and programmable silicon to meet all customized backplane and peripheral requirements for automation systems.

3S-Smart Software Solutions is a company that developed CODESYS, a hardware-independent IEC 61131 development system and runtime software used in factory automation systems such as system control, fieldbus connectivity (EtherCAT, etc.), motion control, and safety.

EXOR International is a world leader in HMI products that enables the customization of HMI systems using its powerful graphic software called JMobile®. EXOR International is a company specializing in implementing customized factory automation controllers by integrating software into embedded platforms such as SoCs and FPGAs.

David Moore, Product Line Director for Altera’s Industrial Business Unit, said, “By combining the unique expertise of these three companies, we have been able to introduce a single-chip implementation that integrates HMI-enabled 2.5D graphics into a powerful PLC. The single-chip PLC/HMI combo system enables cost, power, and time-to-market benefits for today’s factory automation system vendors.”

Roland Wagner, Product Marketing Manager at 3S-Smart Software Solutions, said, “CODESYS has been able to further solidify its leading position by supporting the Altera Cyclone V SoC early. Our company provides solutions that innovate PLC computing system architectures and enable faster time-to-market for factory automation systems.”

Giuseppe Pace, CEO of EXOR International, stated, “By combining our JMobile® HMI platform with the Altera Cyclone V SoC, we are providing an innovative solution that achieves a new level of integration for industrial HMIs and PLCs. EXOR International provides HMI experiences and environments that enable customers to rapidly implement new products.”

Altera's Cyclone V FPGA enables the industry's lowest system cost and power, while also providing performance levels that can differentiate high-volume applications. Altera Cyclone V FPGAs enable up to 40 percent lower total power compared to previous generation products, enable efficient logic integration, provide various types of transceiver-integrated product versions, and provide SoC device products adopting ARM®-based hard processor systems (HPS).