Today’s Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), especially in the mid-range segment, are sophisticated systems-on-chip (SoCs) that integrate various advanced features and resources. UNICOM Engineering and Intel deliver FPGA-based solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with deep integration expertise—enabling success across a broad range of customer needs.
The Evolution and Role of Mid-Range FPGAs
Altera, a subsidiary of Intel, pioneered the mid-range FPGA market with its Arria family. These devices were designed to bridge the gap between the cost-effective Cyclone series and the high-performance Stratix line. The Arria family’s central philosophy is to strike a balance between performance, power consumption, and cost. This is achieved by combining a moderate-sized programmable fabric with the right mix of peripherals, delivering high performance at a reasonable cost.
Key Features of Modern Mid-Range FPGAs:
High-Performance Programmable Fabric
Logic capacity is perhaps the most popular gauge of an FPGA’s capabilities. However, many applications that demand mid-range densities also require logic to operate at speeds fast enough to work with high-speed transceivers and the latest memory interfaces. Basic 4-input Look-Up Tables (LUTs) are insufficient for these needs due to their limited complexity and speed. Instead, more advanced logic blocks, such as 6-input LUTs or Altera’s 8-input Adaptive Logic Modules (ALMs), are necessary to achieve the required performance.
Integrated Hard IP and Memory Controllers
A distinguishing feature of mid-range FPGAs is the inclusion of hardened IP blocks, particularly those related to memory controllers. Many applications rely on external memory, and efficient, high-speed interfaces are critical. Implementing these interfaces as hard IP within the FPGA ensures reliable timing, reduces silicon area, and simplifies design compared to soft implementations in the programmable fabric. This approach is also applied to other common IP blocks like PCI Express and Ethernet controllers, which benefit from being embedded as hard IP for efficiency and performance.
High-Speed Transceivers
Modern data-centric applications require rapid movement of information between logic and memory. As a result, high-speed transceivers are essential in mid-range FPGAs. These transceivers must be flexible and support a wide range of standards, which is often achieved through a comprehensive IP library. As transceiver speeds increase, maintaining signal integrity becomes more challenging, necessitating advanced development tools such as the Quartus Prime Transceiver Toolkit.
Partial Reconfiguration
One of an Intel FPGA’s greatest strengths is its ability to be reconfigured dynamically. Partial reconfiguration allows specific sections of the device to be updated or modified without taking the entire system offline. This capability is invaluable for fixing bugs, adapting to new standards, adding features, or optimizing resource usage. It can also, with time-sharing logic, enable smaller devices to support more features without having to grow into larger devices.
Hard Processor Subsystems
Nearly all modern electronic systems incorporate processors. In FPGAs, integrating processors—either as soft cores or as hardened blocks—offers significant advantages. Hardened processors are more efficient in terms of power and silicon area and provide higher performance compared to soft implementations. Recent mid-range FPGAs, such as Intel’s Agilex 5, feature integrated processors that rival the performance of many standalone embedded processors, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial and embedded applications.
Combining FPGA Innovations and UNICOM Engineering’s Services
The advancement of mid-range FPGA technology plays directly to UNICOM Engineering’s strengths—delivering tailored, high-performance solutions with speed and precision. UNICOM Engineering’s proven capabilities in system design, validation, and lifecycle management ensure that customers can fully capitalize on these innovations without added complexity or delays.
System Design and Integration
UNICOM Engineering’s expertise in system design and OEM integration is directly relevant to the complexities of deploying mid-range FPGAs. UNICOM Engineering’s services—ranging from custom hardware design to full system integration and lifecycle management—enable seamless deployment of advanced FPGA technologies within robust, scalable solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. Additionally, UNICOM Engineering offers tailored system configurations, branding, and compliance services, enabling customers to adapt quickly to changing requirements.
Leveraging Advanced Hardware
With the proliferation of FPGAs that feature high-speed transceivers, hard IP, and embedded processors, UNICOM Engineering is well-positioned to help customers fully leverage these capabilities. Their experience with Intel Xeon processor-based platforms and their close partnership with Intel allow them to deliver validated, optimized solutions that integrate both CPUs and FPGAs for demanding workloads in AI, security, networking, and storage.
Lifecycle and Global Support
UNICOM Engineering’s global support infrastructure, including advance server and parts replacement programs, ensures maximum uptime and rapid issue resolution for complex systems that may include FPGAs. Their ability to manage global logistics, compliance, and support is crucial for customers deploying FPGA-based solutions in diverse markets and geographies.
Accelerated Time-to-Market
With deep expertise across design, integration, validation, and deployment, UNICOM Engineering streamlines the path to production, enabling customers to focus their energy toward core innovation and strategic goals. This approach is particularly valuable when leveraging advanced FPGAs, as it reduces development time and risk, and ensures that solutions are delivered efficiently and reliably.
Getting Started with Intel FPGAs
Let UNICOM Engineering help you unlock the full potential of Intel’s FPGA technologies.Connect with our team today to explore a custom solution tailored to your unique business needs.