Altera's MAX series used to be branded as CPLDs, even though – except for the original MAX3000 series – they have always used an FPGA fabric internally.

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With the advent of larger and more capable devices in the MAX10 family, the series is now being marketed as FPGAs. And as you'll see, FPGAs with some unique differentiators.

The MAX series is considered to be flash-based, though the exact definition of this has changed. Earlier versions were true flash-based devices, whereas the most recent parts (MAX10 included) have on-chip flash configuration memory that is quickly copied to the SRAM configuration cells in the FPGA array on power-up. This happens in under 10ms on the MAX10, so it is essentially instant-on like a pure flash device.



A bit of Altera's programmable logic history, with some help from Leonard Nimoy. A bit of Altera's programmable logic history, with some help from Leonard Nimoy.

A unique attribute of MAX10 is the inclusion of two flash configurators on-chip. Altera's main goal here is to support failsafe remote configuration updates, but presumably, enterprising users could find other uses, like instantly changing the behaviour of the chip.

Another feature making this series unique is the inclusion of up to two 12-bit 1MSa/s ADCs (including mux, S/H, and a temperature sensor). Despite being Altera's entry-level FPGA, MAX10 sports big-boy features, like block RAM, user flash (a rarity in FPGAs), multipliers, PLLs, and support for DRAM up to DDR3. Other interesting features include an on-chip linear voltage regulator, and an RC oscillator that will save you the cost and space of an external part if you can live with the lower accuracy.

Device sizes will range from a utilitarian 2kLE to a substantial 50kLE, with 8kLE being the first size available – today. Performance is similar to the Cyclone IV series, meaning a NiosII 32-bit processor can run at 100MHz. Production quantities of the smallest device are expected to start at about $1.50, and chip-scale packaging will get you down to 32 mm. The largest packages will offer 500 user I/Os. Also available today is a $50 devboard (Arduino-compatible!) from Altera (3rd-party boards are expected as low as $30), and full support in the form of training and design examples. Yes, I'll include the board in my review of under-$100 FPGA boards…when I finally get the time to do it.



The EK-10M08E144ES/P devboard The EK-10M08E144ES/P devboard

In addition to all the usual places FPGAs are used, Altera is specifically targeting industrial & automotive with MAX10. Qualified parts are expected to become available ca. 2015Q2.



There's nothing like 1.6Mb of RAM and 144 multipliers to let you know you're not in CPLDland any more. There's nothing like 1.6Mb of RAM and 144 multipliers to let you know you're not in CPLDland any more.

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