Altera EPC16 Device in Stacked-Chip Packaging: Good Things Come in Small Packages.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 5, 2001

Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR), a leading supplier of programmable logic devices (PLDs), today announced the immediate availability of the industry's first configuration device featuring stacked-chip technology allowing Altera to offer the industry's highest density configuration device in the smallest package.

Altera's EPC16 device makes use of stacked-chip packaging technology provided by Sharp Corporation. This package type consists of a dedicated Altera controller chip combined with Sharp's standard flash memory die. The two chips are wire bonded in an Ultra FineLine BGA(TM) package, providing 88 balls in a compact 8mm x 11mm footprint. The Ultra FineLine BGA technology, first introduced by Altera in its MAX(R) 7000B family, uses 0.8mm spacing between balls, thereby allowing more pins per given area.

"Altera's use of stacked-chip technology for configuration devices saves designers over 60 percent in board space requirements," said Steve Mensor, Altera director of product marketing. "The new EPC16 device gives system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) designers the simplest configuration solution and the smallest board space for PLD configuration."

"Sharp is a volume and technology leader in stacked CSP since we introduced it in 1998," said Morihiro Kada, Department General Manager of Package Development Department at Sharp Corporation. "Stacked CSP technology provides best chip to package ratio and Altera's configuration devices can utilize the full advantage of high reliable stacked CSP as well as Sharp's standard flash memory."

New Configuration Device

The EPC16 device features a 30 megabit configuration density in a 16 megabit device by using patented data compression technology. This device is the industry's largest in-system programmability (ISP) configuration device and offers advanced features to enhance SOPC design experience.

These features include a parallel configuration capability to accelerate configuration times, the introduction of page mode to allow the user to store multiple configurations, block protection for partial reprogramming support, and full clocking flexibility through the programmable clock and external clock features. Furthermore, unused portions of the EPC16 flash memory can be used as general purpose memory via a built-in processor access feature. This advanced feature set enhances the overall PLD design experience while improving manufacturability for a high volume environment.

About Sharp

Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and semiconductors including flash memory and packaging technology, Sharp offers one of the broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, office equipment and electronic components while creating new network businesses. Dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology combined with quality, value, and innovative design, Sharp provides a variety of creative solutions designed to help increase productivity while providing functionality to meet customer demand. Sharp Corporation currently employs about 49,600 people in the world and has recorded consolidated annual sales of over 1,854.7 billion yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2000. For more information, please visit Sharp's Web site at http://sharp-world.com/index.html.

About Altera

Altera Corporation, The Programmable Solutions Company(R), was founded in 1983 and is a leading supplier of programmable logic devices (PLDs). Altera's CMOS-based PLDs are user-programmable semiconductor chips that enhance flexibility and reduce time-to-market for companies in the communications, computer peripheral, and industrial markets. By using high performance devices, software development tools, and sophisticated intellectual property cores, system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC) solutions can be created with embedded processors, memory, and other complex logic together on a single PLD. Altera common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ALTR. More information on Altera is available on the Internet at http://www.altera.com.

Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, FineLine BGA, MAX, and specific device designations are trademarks and/or service marks of Altera Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.