Altera Announces the First Shrink-Wrapped PCI Solution for Programmable Logic.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 1997--

-- Complete Solution Includes PCI Master/Target MegaCore(TM) Function, FLEX( 10K Device, Prototype Board, and Software Driver

-- OpenCore(TM) Feature Provides No Cost Trial Via Web Access

-- Parameterized Megafunction with 33 MHz Zero-Wait State Burst Data Transfer

Altera Corporation (NASDAQ:ALTR) today announced the addition of a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) master/target MegaCore function to its MegaCore line of megafunctions. PCI is an industry standard bus interface used extensively in digital design. The Altera(R) PCI solution is ideal for users who need to rapidly develop a design that meets the PCI specification and immediately begin volume production.

This high-performance, hardware tested, PCI master/target megafunction has all the support needed to guarantee success. The complete package includes not only the PCI MegaCore function, but also a prototype board with a FLEX EPF10K30 device, Windows software driver, and test vectors.

Optimized for Altera's device architecture, the PCI MegaCore function is guaranteed to meet the PCI performance requirement. Altera has delivered over 6000 PCI design kits with target and master/target reference designs to enable customers to expedite the PCI design process. The PCI MegaCore function is the latest addition to Altera's complete solution for PCI design, which includes megafunctions offered by the members of Altera Megafunctions Partners Program (AMPP). One AMPP partner, Eureka Technology Inc., has already shipped several different versions of a PCI target interface megafunction for Altera FLEX devices, each function optimized for different customer requirements. This experience with AMPP megafunctions and the reference designs has enabled Altera to take the next logical step and provide a complete, shrink-wrapped PCI solution.

"What we have learned from our experience is that customers want either a simple, hardware verified PCI interface requiring minimal engineering effort, or that they require customization and application specific modifications," stated Robert Beachler, Altera's director of development tools marketing. "Through our PCI MegaCore function we provide the most complete, easiest to implement shrink- wrapped solution. For those customers requiring custom modifications, our AMPP partners are able to provide extensive design services."

OpenCore Feature Enables Web Access

Using Altera's patent-pending OpenCore feature, engineers may download the PCI MegaCore function from Altera's web site (www.altera.com) and "test drive" the function at no cost. Integrated in Altera's MAX+PLUS(R) II development system, the OpenCore feature allows engineers to implement the PCI megafunction into their design, modify the parameters, synthesize the design, and perform simulation. After evaluation, engineers may then license the function from Altera, receive the prototype board with the EPF10K30 device, and an authorization code allowing them to download the PCI design into FLEX 10K devices. "The ability to modify parameters, integrate and test a megafunction prior to purchase is a requirement for sophisticated megafunctions such as PCI," said Mr. Beachler. "Altera is the only company that has the capability to allow customers to do this at no monetary risk."

Shrink-Wrap Solution with Prototype Board Speeds Designs to Market

Altera's PCI MegaCore function is a drop-in solution for the PCI design. It includes a complete DMA memory interface and can be placed into a design without any modification to provide a fully functional PCI Master/Target interface. A simple 9 control signal interface makes it easy for engineers to design a custom back end for interfacing to the rest of the system.

Included with the PCI MegaCore function is a prototype board for the user to verify the PCI design. The prototype board contains a FLEX EPF10K30 device, SRAM storage, I/O headers, and a JTAG port for configuring the FLEX 10K device. Also included is a PCI software driver to help users further accelerate the design cycle. Altera is the only PLD vendor shipping its PCI function with a prototype board and a software driver. This complete solution actually enables users to verify a 33 MHz optimized PCI design the day they start development.

The PCI master/target MegaCore function, implemented in the EPF10K30RC240-3 device, has been tested for compliance to the PCI specification through a complete suite of hardware tests using the Hewlett Packard HP E2925A 32-bit, 33 MHz PCI exerciser and analyzer. These tests include the PCI burst write, burst read, configuration, and single cycle read and write operations.

Available for Volume Production in a Variety of FLEX 10K Devices

Altera's PCI MegaCore function targets Altera's FLEX 10K devices, including the 20,000-gate EPF10K20 and 30,000-gate EPF10K30, running at the full 33 MHz speed. It is also compatible with Altera's 3.3-V FLEX 10KA family of devices. "The performance of FLEX 10K allows Altera to offer PCI compliance for master/target designs in a variety of devices as opposed to forcing a specific device upon the designer. This uniquely provides the flexibility and capability for PCI designs that system designers are looking for," said Cliff Tong, Altera's director of product marketing.

Pricing and Availability

The PCI MegaCore function, including the prototype board, FLEX 10K30 device, and software driver, is available today for $7,995. The PCI MegaCore function is also available as a no cost, OpenCore feature download on the world-wide web at www.altera.com .

About Altera

Altera Corporation, founded in 1983, is a world-wide leader in high-performance, high-density programmable logic devices and associated computer aided engineering (CAE) logic development tools. Programmable logic devices are semiconductor chips that offer on-site programmability to customers. The chips are programmed using tools that run on personal computers or engineering workstations. User benefits include ease of use, lower risk, and fast time-to-market. The Company offers the broadest line of CMOS programmable logic devices that address high-speed, high-density, and lower power applications. Altera products serve a broad range of markets, including telecommunications, data communications, computers, and industrial applications. Altera common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market using the symbol ALTR. More information on Altera can be obtained on the world-wide web at http://www.altera.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Altera, MAX, MAX+PLUS, FLEX, FLEX 10K, FLEX 10KA, MAX+PLUS II, MegaCore, OpenCore, and specific device designations are trademarks and/or service marks of Altera Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Altera Corporation

Robert K. Beachler or David Greenfield, 408/894-7187

or

Cain Communications

Susan Cain, 408/341-8960