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Discover the Power of Programmable AI Chips from Altera for Edge and Cloud Computing

At its annual developer conference, Altera, an Intel division known for programmable chips, unveiled exciting advancements in technology tailored to boost AI performance at both edge and cloud computing levels.

Overview of the Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 Programmable AI Chips

Among the highlights, Altera introduced the Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays). The Agilex 3 FPGAs specifically cater to the unique demands of embedded and intelligent edge applications, focusing on power efficiency, performance, and compact design. Furthermore, Altera announced new tools that enhance the accessibility and versatility of the Agilex 5 FPGAs for various markets and applications.

Sandra Rivera, CEO of Altera, emphasized the company’s dedication to providing user-friendly solutions. She stated, “With these key announcements, we continue to execute on our vision of shaping the future by using programmable logic to help customers unlock greater value across a broad range of use cases.”

Strategic Direction and Market Positioning of Programmable AI Chips

This year, Rivera has successfully directed Altera through a strategic transformation, separating its identity from Intel. This new direction highlights a focused ambition solely on FPGAs, aiming to become the premier provider of these programmable AI chips globally. Rivera noted, “Our goal is to be the No. 1 FPGA provider in the world. It’s a big, audacious, ambitious goal for us.”

Altera’s main rival is Xilinx, an FPGA manufacturer purchased by AMD in 2020. Rivera aims to establish Altera as the leading independent supplier of programmable AI chips with comprehensive solutions designed for high-performance computing and intelligence at the edge.

Key Features of Agilex 3 Programmable AI Chips

Altera’s Agilex 3 FPGAs bring numerous advancements compared to earlier models. Here are some standout features:

Enhanced Performance and Integration: Agilex 3 FPGAs offer superior integration with compact performance, boasting logic element densities from 25,000 to 135,000.
AI-Enhanced Architecture: Designed with an on-chip dual Cortex A55 ARM processor subsystem, they boost real-time computing tasks powered by AI.
Robust Security Features: These FPGAs include advanced security protocols for both commercial and defense applications, featuring bitstream encryption and physical anti-tamper detection.
Performance Improvements: Utilizing Altera’s HyperFlex architecture, Agilex 3 FPGAs can reach performance levels up to 1.9 times better than previous generations.
Fast Connectivity: The integrated high-speed transceivers support speeds up to 12.5 Gbps, along with LPDDR4 memory support.

Development Tools and Support for Programmable AI Chips

To assist developers, Altera has rolled out enhancements to the Quartus Prime Pro software. This update works to accelerate software creation and compilation processes, thereby increasing productivity. Some notable new features include:

Broadened Device Support: Additionally, the upcoming Quartus Prime Pro 24.3 release will unlock even more devices within the Agilex portfolio.
Enhanced Embedded Application Support: Furthermore, the software offers improved support for embedded applications utilizing Altera’s hard-processor subsystem and RISC-V solutions.
New Development Kits: Moreover, Altera and its partners are releasing eleven new development kits based on Agilex 5 FPGAs, designed for swift prototyping and development.

Focus on Intelligent Applications

The Agilex 3 FPGAs are ideally suited for a wide range of intelligent applications, especially those requiring rapid response times. Such applications include:

Autonomous Vehicles: Moreover, they facilitate real-time calculations, which are crucial for both safe navigation and timely decision-making.
Industrial IoT: In addition, the FPGAs support seamless sensor integration while also enabling the deployment of machine learning algorithms in smart factories.
Machine Vision and Robotics: Consequently, their advanced functionality significantly enhances automation and improves the efficiency of various operational processes in industrial settings.