Altera Upgrades MAX+PLUS II to Version 9.3; Reduces Compile Time Significantly.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 21, 1999--

Altera Corporation (Nasdaq:ALTR) today announced that version 9.3 of its industry-leading MAX+PLUS(R) II design software will be available in July. The MAX+PLUS II version 9.3 software reduces average compile runtimes for timing-driven compilation by 66 percent compared to version 9.2. The new version also includes an updated Jam(TM) composer and player that supports JEDEC's Standard Test and Programming Language (STAPL). MAX+PLUS II version 9.3 also adds support for over 30 new device/package combinations, including the entire 0.22-micron FLEX(R) 10K device family.

"Altera continues to enhance the industry's most widely used programmable logic development tool, MAX+PLUS II," said David Greenfield, Altera director of development tools marketing. "With the improved timing-driven compilation algorithms in version 9.3, Altera continues to shorten design cycles and provide the fastest time-to-market for our customers."

Reduced Compilation Times

MAX+PLUS II version 9.3 compilation algorithms have been optimized to reduce compile times for timing-driven compilation. Designers can specify timing requirements on selected logic functions and for a project as a whole. On average, compile times for timing-driven compilation in version 9.3 are one-third the time compared to MAX+PLUS II, version 9.2.

"While reducing runtimes, these new algorithms preserve the performance benefits of using timing-driven compilation," said Greenfield.

Added STAPL Support

STAPL is a vendor- and platform-independent language for programming ISP-capable PLDs from a variety of vendors, via the IEEE standard 1149.1 interface (commonly known as JTAG). The new standard provides vendors and developers with a single, universal platform for programming designs into targeted PLDs. Altera recently announced its endorsement and support of the STAPL language as an industry-wide standard and made available, on the Jam ISP website (http://www.jamisp.com), an updated Jam player that supports the standard.

With MAX+PLUS II version 9.3, Altera is upgrading all of its customers with the latest Jam composer and player that support the STAPL standard. The Jam Composer writes the STAPL file required to program a specific design into a specific device. The Jam Player interprets the STAPL file and programs the target device. These elements create a universal language and toolset that address all ISP-enabled PLDs, and all programming methodologies.

Added Device Support

MAX+PLUS II version 9.3 now supports 38 new device/package combinations, including the entire 0.22-micron FLEX 10K family. This latest update in device support now allows designers to use the most sophisticated devices in their designs, including Altera's EPF10K100E with ClockLock(TM) and ClockBoost(TM) circuitry. The 0.22-micron FLEX 10K family offers increased performance and lower power consumption, when compared to 2.5-V, 0.25-micron process PLDs of similar density.

Availability and Pricing

The MAX+PLUS II version 9.3 design software is expected to ship to all Altera customers on active subscription and maintenance in July. Altera's software subscription program simplifies the process of obtaining Altera development tools by consolidating all software products and maintenance charges into one annual subscription payment. For $2000 (single-user license), an annual subscription will entitle a customer to receive Altera's MAX+PLUS II and Quartus(TM) development tools, including ongoing support for the latest Altera PLDs, new software features, performance enhancements, and online and printed documentation.

Safe Harbor Notice

This press release contains "forward looking statements" which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements are generally preceded by words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "projects," or "intends." Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation the risks that the Company's products will not satisfy customer demands, that other companies will develop products with greater functionality than those offered by the Company. Please refer to the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, copies of which are available from the Company without charge, for further information.

About Altera

Altera Corporation, The Programmable Solutions Company(TM), was founded in 1983 and is a leading supplier of programmable logic devices and associated logic development software tools. Programmable logic devices are semiconductor chips that can be programmed on-site, using software tools that run on personal computers or engineering workstations. User benefits include ease of use, lower risk, and fast time-to-market. Altera's CMOS-based programmable logic devices address high-speed, high-density and low-power applications in the telecommunications, data communications, computer peripheral, and industrial markets. Altera common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol ALTR. More information on Altera can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.altera.com.

Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, MAX+PLUS, Jam, FLEX, ClockLock, ClockBoost, 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.