Exclusive: Sandra Rivera of Altera Talks Intel 18A Transition

The recent spin-off of Altera from Intel has set the stage for crucial decisions in process technology in the coming years. Sandra Rivera, the CEO of the Programmable Solutions Group (PSG), sheds light on the company's future plans and strategies.

"The demand for compute power is constantly on the rise," says Sandra Rivera. "Various sectors such as defense, aerospace, automotive, robotics, and AI are experiencing significant growth globally. Every market segment is expected to incorporate AI technologies, which will contribute around $3 billion to the FPGA market by 2028."

This escalating demand for higher performance, increased density, and lower power consumption is steering the industry towards the adoption of next-generation process technologies. As part of Intel, Altera is poised to leverage the 18A 1.8nm process offered by Intel Foundry Services, potentially enabling FPGA production in the US to mitigate supply chain disruptions witnessed during the pandemic.

"Our upcoming products will be based on a new process node, and the 18A technology appears to be a promising choice for us," Rivera explains. "Our partnership with Intel allows us to tap into cutting-edge technologies while ensuring stability with Intel as the majority owner in the long run."

While Agilex 5 is built on the 7nm Intel 7 process, Altera has traditionally relied on TSMC process technology for its Cyclone and other FPGAs. Rivera emphasizes the importance of TSMC as a strategic partner with commitments extending to 2040, alongside Intel's role in shaping the future of FPGA development.

The advancements in backside power for the 18A process, aimed at enhancing power efficiency and density, play a pivotal role in Altera's decision-making process. Rivera underscores the significance of backside power in achieving optimal performance per watt within their fabric architecture.

Looking ahead, Altera anticipates a surge in the FPGA market later this year, driven by the growing demand for AI applications and automotive technologies. Despite challenges posed by inventory build-up during the pandemic, the company remains committed to enhancing its FPGA portfolio, including the Agilex 3 series tailored for power and cost-efficient devices.

Intel's roadmap includes the transition to the 14A process in 2026, signaling a continuous evolution in process technology. To foster innovation, Altera has made its Quartus design tools freely accessible to users, emphasizing the importance of software in unlocking creativity and accelerating time-to-value.

While the company plans to develop AI models, it does not aim to be a direct supplier. Instead, Altera focuses on showcasing the potential applications of its technologies through reference designs and software solutions, underscoring the value of investing in a robust channel ecosystem.

For more information, visit www.intel.com.