Altera

 MAXII：

The new generation PLD device, with a 0.18um flash process, was launched at the end of 2004 and adopts an FPGA structure. The configuration chip is integrated internally, and it can work just like a regular PLD when powered on. The capacity has greatly increased compared to the previous generation, with an internal integration of an 8Kbits serial EEPROM, adding many functions. The MAXII adopts a 2.5v or 3.3v core voltage, while the MAXII G series adopts a 1.8v core voltage.

Summary: The cost-effectiveness is good, and it is recommended to use mainstream devices in the next few years. However, MAXII has a large capacity. For simple logic applications that only require dozens of logic units, it is recommended to use small capacity EPM3000A series chips.

The mainstream FPGAs of Altera are divided into two categories: one focuses on low-cost applications, with moderate capacity and performance that can meet general logic design requirements, such as Cyclone and CycloneII; There is another type that focuses on high-performance applications, with large capacity and performance that can meet various high-end applications, such as Startix, StratixII, etc. Users can choose according to their actual application requirements. Priority should be given to low-cost devices when performance can be met.

Cyclone：

Altera medium scale FPGA, launched in 2003 with a 0.13um process and a 1.5v core power supply, is a low-cost FPGA series similar to Stratix structure, and its configuration chips have also been switched to brand new products.

Summary: Altera is one of the most successful devices, with good cost-effectiveness. It is a general-purpose FPGA suitable for mid to low end applications and is recommended for use.

CycloneII：

The next generation product of Cyclone, launched in 2005 with a 90nm process and a 1.2v core power supply, is a low-cost FPGA with comparable performance to Cyclone and provides hardware multiplier units

Summary: The newly launched new generation low-cost FPGA is not yet easy to purchase in the retail market. It is estimated that starting from the end of 2005, it will gradually replace Cyclone devices and become Altera's main product in the mid to low FPGA market.

The CycloneIII FPGA series was launched in 2007 and is manufactured using TSMC's 65nm Low Power (LP) process technology, achieving low power consumption at a price equivalent to ASIC.

The Cyclone IV FPGA series was launched in 2009 with a 60nm process, targeting cost sensitive mass applications, helping you meet increasing bandwidth requirements while reducing costs.

The CycloneV FPGA series was launched in 2011 with a 28nm process, achieving the lowest system cost and power consumption in the industry. Its performance level makes this device series an ideal choice to highlight your advantages in large-scale applications. Compared with previous generations of products, it has efficient logical integration functions and provides integrated transceiver models, reducing total power consumption by 40% and static power consumption by 30%.

Stratix：

Altera large-scale high-end FPGA, launched in mid-2002, with a 0.13um process and a 1.5V core power supply. Integrated hardware multiplier and adder, the internal structure of the chip has undergone significant changes compared to previous Altera products.

Summary: The launch of Stratix chips in 2002 changed Altera's passive position in the FPGA market. This chip is suitable for high-end applications. With the launch of the new generation StratixII devices in 2005, they will gradually be replaced by StratixII.

StratixII: 

Stratix's next generation product, launched in mid-2004, features a 90nm process, 1.2v core power supply, and a large capacity high-performance FPGA.

Summary: Performance surpasses Stratix and is Altera's main product in the high-end FPGA market in the coming years.

*StratixV is a high-end product of Altera, using a 28-nm process and providing 28G transceiver devices, suitable for high-end FPGA product development.