Actel IGLOO nano and ProASIC3 nano FPGAs Target Global Portable and Consumer Customers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Extending its position as the leading provider of low-power programmable logic, Actel Corporation (NASDAQ: ACTL) today introduced nano versions of its IGLOO(R) and ProASIC(R)3 FPGAs, targeted at high-volume, portable consumer markets. Actel takes power consumption down to as low as 2 microwatts, and package size to as small as 3x3mm; extends its commercial temperature range to sub-zero, and offers zero lead time delivery of packaged goods. Actel also shatters the FPGA price barrier by offering more than 50 variants of its nano FPGAs for less than $1.

"We are breaking new ground and taking FPGAs to a whole new space," John East, Actel CEO said. "While other FPGA suppliers have been eyeing this market, only Actel has the unique ability to immediately address the design requirements of rapidly burgeoning portable consumer markets. As those markets move at warp speed, we have built a strategic inventory position, which will allow us to offer delivery of the right product mix for customers that need large volumes of a competitive product in the market immediately."

The company is also offering support for known good die business to meet the lead times and volume demands of portable applications, such as smart phones, PDAs, personal medical monitoring and personal navigation devices, eBooks and portable point-of-sale tools.

nanoPower, nanoSize and nanoTemp

With power consumption as low as 2 microwatts, IGLOO nano FPGAs range in densities from 10k to 250k system gates. These devices support 1.2V to 1.5V core and I/O operation, ultra-low-power Flash*Freeze mode with bus hold capability, as well as advanced I/O features, such as hot swapping and Schmitt trigger inputs.

Achieving a significant milestone for the industry, Actel will offer its low-power IGLOO nano FPGAs in a 3x3mm package, the smallest package for any programmable logic device on the market. Complementing its existing portfolio of small 4x4mm, 5x5mm, 6x6mm and 8x8mm packages, the new tiny package makes IGLOO nano FPGAs an even more compelling choice for power-sensitive, space- constrained handheld devices.

The company is also enhancing its standard commercial ambient operating temperatures, offering new ranges for IGLOO nano FPGAs from -20 degrees C to +70 degrees C, allowing many of these portable applications to be operated in sub-zero environments around the world.

nanoLead Time

Both IGLOO nano and ProASIC3 nano FPGAs in densities of 60k, 125k and 250k gates are immediately available in volume with zero lead times. Additional densities will be available in volume in early 2009. Customers also have immediate access to known good die, offering size and cost benefits as well as design integration advantages.

nanoPrice

In high volume, pricing for the 10k-gate A3PN010 starts at $0.69 in a QNG48 package and $0.49 in known good die. Actel will offer more than 50 product variants under $1 for high-volume applications.

Comprehensive Tool Support

Support for IGLOO and ProASIC3 nano FPGAs is available now in Actel's Libero(R) Integrated Design Environment (IDE) v8.4. This power-optimized development environment enables power-driven layout, battery estimation and advanced power analysis.

For immediate prototyping and programming, designers can leverage the Actel IGLOO Icicle Kit immediately available for $99. The 1.4" x 3.6" kit features ultra low-power attributes, flexible implementation options and battery-saving advantages of the company's standard low-power IGLOO FPGA for portable applications. The kit also enables designers to easily and rapidly program, evaluate and modify their IGLOO-based portable designs.

In November, Actel plans to offer a low-cost nano starter kit, priced at $49.95 and fitted with an IGLOO AGLN250 in a VQG100 package. With multiple voltage levels provided, this board allows quick prototyping and access to all I/O pins and can demonstrate Flash*Freeze mode control and enables battery operation.

To find out more about Actel's nano offerings, click here: http://www.actel.com/products/igloonano/ and http://www.actel.com/products/pa3nano/

About Actel

Actel is the leader in low-power and mixed-signal FPGAs, offering the most comprehensive portfolio of system and power management solutions. Power matters. Learn more at http://www.actel.com.

The Actel name, logo, IGLOO, ProASIC and Libero are trademarks of Actel Corporation. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Web site: http://www.actel.com/