# Altera Stratix IV

> FPGA chip series

**Wikidata**: [Q119155945](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q119155945)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altera-stratix-iv

## Summary
The Altera Stratix IV is a series of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) manufactured by Altera, utilizing a 40 nm lithography process. It is part of a broader ecosystem of programmable logic devices that enable post-manufacturing hardware configuration, allowing for flexible and customizable computing solutions.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: A subclass of field-programmable gate array (FPGA), designed for configurable logic after manufacturing.
- **Manufacturer**: Produced by Altera, later acquired by Intel.
- **Fabrication Method**: Utilizes a 40 nm lithography process.
- **Parent Technology**: Part of the broader FPGA family, invented in 1985 by Xilinx co-founders Ross Freeman and Bernard Vonderschmitt.
- **First Commercial FPGA**: The Xilinx XC2064, introduced in 1985, was the first commercially viable FPGA.
- **Related Series**: Includes the Altera Cyclone series (II, III, IV, V) and Intel Cyclone 10, as well as AMD Versal and Zynq UltraScale+.
- **Commons Category**: Categorized under "Altera Stratix IV" on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Available in the commons language version of Wikipedia.
- **Description**: Officially described as an "FPGA chip series" in Wikidata.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Altera Stratix IV?
A: The Altera Stratix IV is a series of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) manufactured by Altera, featuring a 40 nm lithography process. It allows for post-manufacturing hardware configuration, enabling flexible and customizable computing solutions.

### Q: Who manufactures the Altera Stratix IV?
A: The Altera Stratix IV was manufactured by Altera, a company later acquired by Intel. It is part of a broader ecosystem of programmable logic devices.

### Q: What is the fabrication method of the Altera Stratix IV?
A: The Altera Stratix IV utilizes a 40 nm lithography process, which is a key specification for its performance and efficiency.

### Q: How does the Altera Stratix IV differ from other FPGA series?
A: The Altera Stratix IV is distinct from other FPGA series such as the Altera Cyclone (II, III, IV, V) and Intel Cyclone 10, as well as AMD Versal and Zynq UltraScale+, each offering different performance and configurability options.

## Why It Matters
The Altera Stratix IV represents a significant advancement in programmable logic technology, enabling engineers and designers to customize hardware functionality without the need for redesigning application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Its 40 nm lithography process enhances performance and efficiency, making it a valuable tool in modern electronics. The FPGA technology, of which the Altera Stratix IV is a part, has evolved from a niche innovation in 1985 to a foundational component in computing, supported by continuous development from major semiconductor firms. This adaptability allows for rapid prototyping, field updates, and specialized acceleration in data centers and embedded systems, addressing hardware obsolescence and providing a versatile platform for innovation.

## Notable For
- **Post-Manufacturing Configurability**: Enables hardware customization by users or designers after production.
- **Commercial Viability**: Part of a lineage of FPGAs, including the first commercially viable model, the Xilinx XC2064.
- **Industry Adoption**: Supported by major manufacturers like Altera (now Intel) and AMD, with series like Cyclone and Versal.
- **Technical Specification**: Features a 40 nm lithography process, distinguishing it in terms of performance and efficiency.

## Body
### Definition and Classification
The Altera Stratix IV is a subclass of field-programmable gate array (FPGA), designed to be configured by the customer or designer after manufacturing. It is an instance of a processor type that utilizes logic gates to execute operations, falling under the category of programmable logic devices.

### History and Invention
The FPGA technology was invented in 1985 by Xilinx co-founders Ross Freeman and Bernard Vonderschmitt, with the first commercially viable model being the XC2064. The Altera Stratix IV is part of this broader ecosystem, developed by Altera, later acquired by Intel.

### Hardware Series and Models
The Altera Stratix IV is part of a diverse range of FPGA series developed by leading semiconductor companies:
- **Altera / Intel**: Notable lines include the Altera Cyclone series (II, III, IV, V) and Intel Cyclone 10.
- **AMD**: Key products include the AMD Versal and AMD Zynq UltraScale+, which function as FPGAs or System on Chips (SoCs).

### Identifiers and Aliases
The Altera Stratix IV is known by several aliases, including FPGA, Programmable Gate Array, Uncommitted Logic Array, and Feldprogrammierbare Gatteranordnung. It is cataloged under various authority IDs, such as the Library of Congress Authority ID (sh93009062) and the GND ID (4347749-5).

### Fabrication and Performance
The Altera Stratix IV utilizes a 40 nm lithography process, which is a key specification for its performance and efficiency. This process enhances the chip's capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

### Community and Resources
The active community around FPGAs is evidenced by dedicated subreddits and Stack Exchange tags. The Altera Stratix IV is part of a globally recognized technology, with sitelinks in over 47 languages and specific identifiers across major libraries.