Altera reference designs save power, space and cost

Offered as downloadable design packages, the Altera power-optimized reference designs are demonstrated in hardware on Altera development kits. A design package targeting Cyclone V SoCs is available today for download, with additional design packages targeting 28 nm FPGAs available later this quarter.

Altera power-optimized reference designs take advantage of Enpirion PowerSoC DC-DC converters, which include integrated controllers, high-frequency power FETs and inductors in the smallest thermally efficient package. Fitting into the smallest board area, the ultra-small, high-performance components are optimized to deliver the demanding dynamic performance required to power an FPGA. Enpirion PowerSoCs enable FPGA board developers to simultaneously reduce power converter area by up to 50 percent, while improving system power efficiency by up to 35 percent. Altera works with its customers to rapidly develop FPGA-based systems that efficiently manage system power and performance with assured reliability.

The Altera power-optimized reference designs offer significant productivity benefits to design teams. Altera optimized the board layout and provides customers detailed schematics that make it easy for board developers to evaluate and integrate power-optimized technology into their FPGA-based system. The reference designs are available as downloadable design packages, which have been tested by Altera to optimally work with its FPGAs and SoCs. Each design package contains the schematics for the FPGA’s power circuits, application notes, bill-of-materials list, power tree layout guidelines and Gerber files for individual power components. This information simplifies board layout, speeds design cycles and ensures board developers achieve first-pass success.

The first power reference design available for download targets the Cyclone V SoC. Power reference designs targeting the Stratix V, Arria V and Cyclone V FPGAs will be available later this quarter. Altera will demonstrate its power-optimized technology in hardware on four 28 nm development kits – the Stratix V GX FPGA development kit, Arria V GT FPGA development kit, the Cyclone V GX FPGA development kit and Cyclone V SX SoC development kit. These boards integrate Altera power solutions and demonstrate the capabilities, functionality, power efficiency and board area savings of the Altera power-optimized technology.

Mark Davidson, marketing director of the power business unit at Altera, commented: “Power is an increasing challenge for our customers. Altera has answered our customers’ calls by providing complete, easy-to-use, highly-efficient power solutions that are engineered to work alongside our industry-leading FPGA devices. With these solutions we are delivering more value to our customers by helping them build better systems in less time.”

Availability

Customers can get started today evaluating and integrating Altera’s power system solutions into their FPGA-based systems. A design package targeting Cyclone V SoCs is available now for download. Additional power reference designs will be available later this quarter. 28 nm FPGA development kits that feature Enpirion PowerSoC technology will be available in early 2014.