Francis B. Heile

A dual granularity and globally interconnected architecture for a programmable logic device

A novel architecture called FLEX (flexible logic element matrix) has been designed which supports high logic densities up to 24,000 gates, maximizing overall system performance in a user design. This has been accomplished through a dual granularity approach and a global interconnect strategy. The dual granularity and global interconnect approach has succeeded in supporting both short nets and long nets for maximum performance.

A next generation architecture optimized for high density system level integration

Altera has developed a next generation architecture called APEX/sup TM/ to improve overall logic efficiency, performance and provide a framework to add a much broader range of features which enables complete system level integration of a users system. This new architecture will support a family of devices exceeding 2 million gates in density. Density and speed improvements are achieved through an enhanced hierarchical routing structure.