# Altera Cyclone

> FPGA chip series

**Wikidata**: [Q127605593](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127605593)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altera-cyclone

## Summary
The Altera Cyclone is a series of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) chips developed by Altera, now part of Intel. It is a low-cost, entry-level FPGA series designed for prototyping, education, and small-scale applications, utilizing a 130 nm lithography process. The Cyclone series is notable for its balance of performance and affordability, making it accessible for developers and engineers.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** A series of FPGAs manufactured by Altera (now Intel) for low-cost applications.
- **Manufacturer:** Originally produced by Altera, now part of Intel.
- **Fabrication Process:** Uses a 130 nm lithography process.
- **Instance Of:** Field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
- **Commons Category:** Altera Cyclone.
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Available in the commons.
- **Wikidata Description:** FPGA chip series.
- **Related Series:** Includes Cyclone II, III, IV, and V, alongside Intel Cyclone 10.
- **Competitors:** Competes with AMD’s Versal and Zynq UltraScale+ lines.
- **Image:** Example image available at [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Микросхема_ALTERA_2013-11-20_12-04.jpg).

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Altera Cyclone series?
A: The Altera Cyclone series is a low-cost FPGA chip series designed for prototyping, education, and small-scale applications. It is manufactured by Altera (now part of Intel) and uses a 130 nm lithography process.

### Q: Who manufactures the Altera Cyclone series?
A: The Altera Cyclone series was originally manufactured by Altera, which is now a subsidiary of Intel. The series is now marketed under Intel’s FPGA portfolio.

### Q: What are the key features of the Altera Cyclone series?
A: The Altera Cyclone series is known for its balance of performance and affordability, making it suitable for prototyping, education, and small-scale applications. It uses a 130 nm lithography process and is part of a broader FPGA ecosystem.

### Q: How does the Altera Cyclone series compare to other FPGA series?
A: The Altera Cyclone series competes with other low-cost FPGA series, such as AMD’s Versal and Zynq UltraScale+ lines. It is notable for its accessibility and affordability, making it a popular choice for developers and educators.

## Why It Matters
The Altera Cyclone series represents a significant advancement in accessible FPGA technology, bridging the gap between high-performance FPGAs and cost-effective solutions. Its low-cost design makes it ideal for prototyping, education, and small-scale applications, allowing developers and engineers to experiment with FPGA technology without the high investment required for more advanced series. The series’ inclusion in Intel’s FPGA portfolio ensures continued support and innovation, further solidifying its role in the semiconductor industry. By providing a balance of performance and affordability, the Altera Cyclone series democratizes FPGA technology, making it more accessible to a broader range of users.

## Notable For
- **Low-Cost FPGA Series:** The Altera Cyclone series is distinguished by its affordability, making it accessible for prototyping and education.
- **130 nm Lithography Process:** Uses a 130 nm lithography process, balancing performance and cost.
- **Broad Ecosystem:** Part of a broader FPGA ecosystem that includes Cyclone II, III, IV, and V, as well as Intel Cyclone 10.
- **Competitive Positioning:** Competes with high-performance FPGA series like AMD’s Versal and Zynq UltraScale+ lines.
- **Image Representation:** Example images of Altera Cyclone chips are available on Wikimedia Commons.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The Altera Cyclone series is a subclass of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), designed for low-cost applications. It is manufactured by Altera (now part of Intel) and uses a 130 nm lithography process. The series is categorized as a type of programmable logic device, offering a balance of performance and affordability.

### History and Development
The Altera Cyclone series was developed as part of Altera’s broader FPGA portfolio, which was later acquired by Intel. The series includes multiple iterations, such as Cyclone II, III, IV, and V, as well as the Intel Cyclone 10. These iterations have evolved to meet different performance and cost requirements, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

### Hardware Specifications
The Altera Cyclone series uses a 130 nm lithography process, which allows for a balance between performance and cost. This process enables the series to deliver sufficient computational power for prototyping and small-scale applications while remaining affordable. The series is part of a broader ecosystem that includes high-performance FPGAs like AMD’s Versal and Zynq UltraScale+ lines.

### Identifiers and Aliases
The Altera Cyclone series is known by several aliases, including FPGA, Programmable Gate Array, and Feldprogrammierbare Gatteranordnung. It is cataloged under various identifiers, such as the commons category "Altera Cyclone" and the wikidata description "FPGA chip series." The series is also represented by example images available on Wikimedia Commons.

### Competitive Landscape
The Altera Cyclone series competes with other low-cost FPGA series, such as AMD’s Versal and Zynq UltraScale+ lines. While these series offer higher performance, the Altera Cyclone series is notable for its affordability and accessibility, making it a popular choice for developers and educators. The series’ inclusion in Intel’s FPGA portfolio ensures continued support and innovation, further solidifying its role in the semiconductor industry.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/fpga/cyclone.html)