Katsuhiko Yanagisawa, head of controller development at Fuji Xerox, stated, "We have great expectations for Altera's new MAX 10 FPGA. These devices achieve a higher level of integration, including flash memory with dual configuration capabilities and ADC for use in system management and companion chip functions. By leveraging these features, we were able to reduce the number of board components in our multifunction printer products and lower system costs."

The MAX 10 FPGA delivers higher system value to users by reducing overall bill-of-materials (BOM) cost while improving board reliability. These highly integrated non-volatile FPGAs integrate key functions in a single chip, achieving board area savings of up to 50 percent compared to other low-cost FPGAs:

• Logic element capacity up to 50K

• Flash memory blocks (user flash and dual configuration flash)

• Analog-to-digital converter

• Embedded memory and DSP blocks

• DDR3 external memory interface

• Embedded processing using soft-core Nios® II processor

• Up to 500 user I/O

• Integrated power regulator

By integrating these key features, the MAX 10 FPGA enables multiple critical system functions such as "instant-on" configuration, fail-safe upgrades, system monitoring, and system control, delivering higher system-level value to customers.

System Bring-Up Using "Instant-On" Architecture

The MAX 10 FPGA can be configured in less than 10 milliseconds using on-die flash memory. In system management applications, the "instant-on" capability enables the MAX 10 FPGA to be the first device available on the system board and to control bring-up of other board devices. In data path applications, the "instant-on" capability enables the MAX 10 FPGA to provide immediate user interaction when power is applied.

Fail-Safe Upgrades Using Dual Configuration

The on-die flash integrated in the MAX 10 FPGA provides dual configuration capability, enabling two FPGA designs in a single chip. The dual configuration capability allows fail-safe upgrades with this device. This involves designating one flash block for upgrade images and another block for the "safe" factory image. This capability enables faster system implementation, reduced maintenance costs, and extended operational lifetime.

System Monitoring Using Analog Blocks

The analog blocks integrated in the MAX 10 FPGA include an ADC and temperature sensing diodes. By integrating these analog functions, the MAX 10 FPGA can be used in applications requiring system monitoring such as temperature control and touch panel HMI (human-machine interface) control. By integrating these analog blocks, board complexity is reduced, latency is decreased, and more flexible sample sequencing such as dual-channel simultaneous sampling is provided.

System Control Using Embedded Processing

The MAX 10 FPGA supports Altera's soft-core Nios II embedded processor, providing embedded developers with a fully configurable "instant-on" processor subsystem in a single chip. Integrating the Nios II embedded processor with the MAX 10 FPGA enables efficient management of complex control systems using this device.

Suitable for Diverse Applications

The MAX 10 FPGA delivers system-level value applicable to various end market segments. By combining a high level of functional integration with compact package options (as small as 3mm x 3mm), the MAX 10 FPGA provides an effective solution for space-constrained systems such as automotive and industrial applications. In advanced communications, computing, and storage applications, the MAX 10 FPGA can be used to efficiently manage complex control functions and perform system configuration, interface bridging, power sequencing, and I/O expansion.

Patrick Dorsey, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Altera, stated, "The MAX 10 FPGA meets diverse market requirements for space, cost, and power by integrating more functions in a single device. Hundreds of customers who had early access through our early program have already experienced the benefits of combining embedded flash technology with programmable logic, analog, DSP, and microprocessor functions. Now all customers can access MAX 10 devices, boards, IP, and software."

Achieving Higher System Value by Using Enpirion Power Products

By using Altera's Enpirion power devices, the system-level value provided by the MAX 10 FPGA in terms of high integration and package size can be maximized. Enpirion power products are highly integrated solutions that simplify board design and reduce bill-of-materials (BOM) cost. Altera provides fully validated Enpirion power reference designs for use with the MAX 10 FPGA, which can be used to reduce design risk and simplify board design.

Availability

MAX 10 FPGA shipments begin today. The MAX 10 FPGA is available in commercial, industrial, and automotive (AEC-Q100) temperature grades. Customers can start their MAX 10 projects immediately by purchasing evaluation kits, downloading design examples, reading product documentation, and downloading free MAX 10 FPGA development software. All of these solutions are available on Altera's website. MAX 10 FPGA evaluation kits are currently available starting at $30. Additional details are available at www.altera.com/max10.