The semiconductor industry is one of the world’s most complex and dynamic sectors. It involves the design, fabrication, and testing of tiny electronic devices that power everything from smartphones to satellites. The industry is constantly evolving as new technologies, markets, and challenges emerge.
To help you understand this fascinating and fast-paced industry, Microchip USA has created a series of articles that cover various aspects of the semiconductor business. Here we will explain the major players in the industry and their products, as well as give a brief overview of the main types of board-level components and integrated circuits.
Component Manufacturers
AMD / Xilinx
AMD/Xilinx
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a global semiconductor technology and computing solutions leader. In this pillar page, we will take an in-depth look at the rich history, innovative products, and impactful contributions that have solidified AMD’s position as a key player in the tech industry. History of Innovation With a legacy spanning over five decades,…
Virtex UltraScale+
Xilinx’s Virtex UltraScale+ platform is shaping the future of high-performance computing. This cutting-edge field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology enables rapid innovation in emerging applications requiring massive computing power, such as 5G wireless networks, artificial intelligence, and data center acceleration. Virtex UltraScale+ provides unparalleled performance, flexibility, and scalability to tackle the most demanding next-generation workloads. Engineers…
Kintex UltraScale+
Kintex UltraScale+ is a family of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) developed by Xilinx, a leading provider of programmable logic devices. Kintex UltraScale+ FPGAs are designed to deliver high-performance computing with low power consumption, making them ideal for multiple applications such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and communications. Key Features The Kintex UltraScale+ family of FPGAs offers…
Spartan-7
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are the backbone of digital technology. They provide the flexibility, performance, and cost-effectiveness required for a wide range of applications. However, the complexity of creating FPGA designs has limited their usage to only a few experts in the field. But that has been changing with the introduction of the Spartan-7…
Zynq-7000
Zynq-7000 is a unique combination of advanced microprocessors and field-programmable gate arrays, transforming the field of embedded systems development. This new technology empowers developers to implement mixed-signal, high-performance applications in a cost-effective manner. At its core, Zynq-7000 is a system-on-chip (SoC) technology that merges an ARM-based processing system with an FPGA fabric. This powerful combination…
Versal
Xilinx Versal is a versatile family of adaptive system-on-chips (SoCs) that is specifically designed to accelerate the development of next-generation applications in a wide range of industries. By integrating programmable logic, embedded processing, and high-speed interfaces into a single device, Versal SoCs offer developers unparalleled flexibility and customization to meet their specific application needs. With…
Intel / Altera
Intel/Altera
History of Altera Altera Corporation has been a leading provider of FPGAs for over three decades. The company was founded in 1983 by four engineers who left Intel Corporation to start their own company. Altera’s first product was the EPROM-based EPF10K10 FPGA. The EPF10K10 was a revolutionary product at the time, as it was the…
Stratix
Among the leading FPGA families available in the market, Stratix FPGAs, developed by Intel, have exceptional performance, reliability, and versatility. These highly advanced FPGAs have earned a reputation and are widely recognized for their ability to meet the demanding requirements of a broad range of applications across various industries. Stratix FPGAs, with their advanced architecture,…
Cyclone
Cyclone FPGAs, developed by Intel, are a family of programmable logic devices known for their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. These FPGAs are widely used in various industries for a range of applications, including digital signal processing, communication systems, industrial automation, and more. These FPGAs allow designers to implement customized digital circuits by configuring the FPGA’s…
Max 10
Introduction to MAX10 FPGA The MAX10 FPGA is a high-performance, low-cost FPGA developed by Altera (now part of Intel). Built on the Arria 10 architecture, it combines performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications. With features such as a scalable logic array, embedded memory blocks, DSP blocks, and…
Arria 10
The Arria 10 is an advanced system-on-chip (SoC) FPGA family designed and developed by Intel (previously known as Altera). It is a highly capable and versatile platform that combines the advantages of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) with the integration of ARM-based hard processors. At its core, the Arria 10 SoC consists of FPGA fabric, which…
NXP
NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors is a leading global semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands. Established in 1953 as part of Philips Electronics, the company has a rich history of innovation and technological expertise. NXP’s primary focus lies in designing and producing high-performance mixed signal and standard semiconductor solutions that cater to a wide range of industries and…
NXP Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Integrated Circuits (ICs) form the foundation of modern electronics, enabling complex functionality in compact packages. NXP, a pioneer in semiconductor technology, has a rich history of delivering high-performance ICs that power a wide range of applications across industries. With their commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainability, NXP ICs continue to shape the technology landscape. Product…
NXP Microcontroller Units (MCUs)
Microcontrollers play a role, in the world of embedded systems as they provide power to devices. NXP Semiconductors is a known semiconductor manufacturer that specializes in high performance microcontroller units (MCUs). What are NXP MCUs? NXP MCUs stand out in aspects making them perfect for demanding applications. They leverage technology. Utilize cores such as Arm…
Component Types
Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Integrated Circuits (ICs) are miniaturized electronic circuits composed of interconnected electronic components, such as transistors, diodes, and resistors, fabricated on a single semiconductor wafer or chip. They are the fundamental building blocks of modern electronic devices, enabling the integration of complex circuitry in a compact and efficient manner. Three IC circuit chips (Image source: Wikimedia…
Component Types
Electronic components are the fundamental building blocks that form the backbone of modern technology. From the simplest electronic devices to the most complex systems, these components enable the creation of electronic circuits, facilitating the flow, control, and processing of electrical signals. They are the essence of innovation, empowering advancements in communication, computing, automation, energy management,…
FPGAs
In the realm of modern computing, the demands for higher performance, flexibility, and energy efficiency have pushed conventional processors to their limits. This has paved the way for groundbreaking technologies, and one such innovation is the Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Unlike traditional CPUs and GPUs, FPGAs have gained traction for their unparalleled adaptability and potential…
CPLDs
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital electronics, programmable logic devices (PLDs) have emerged as indispensable tools for implementing intricate logic functions and digital circuits. Among these versatile devices, Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) stand out, providing a flexible and powerful solution for designing and prototyping digital systems. What is a CPLD? Complex Programmable Logic Devices…
Intel/Altera
History of Altera Altera Corporation has been a leading provider of FPGAs for over three decades. The company was founded in 1983 by four engineers who left Intel Corporation to start their own company. Altera’s first product was the EPROM-based EPF10K10 FPGA. The EPF10K10 was a revolutionary product at the time, as it was the…
Stratix
Among the leading FPGA families available in the market, Stratix FPGAs, developed by Intel, have exceptional performance, reliability, and versatility. These highly advanced FPGAs have earned a reputation and are widely recognized for their ability to meet the demanding requirements of a broad range of applications across various industries. Stratix FPGAs, with their advanced architecture,…
Cyclone
Cyclone FPGAs, developed by Intel, are a family of programmable logic devices known for their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. These FPGAs are widely used in various industries for a range of applications, including digital signal processing, communication systems, industrial automation, and more. These FPGAs allow designers to implement customized digital circuits by configuring the FPGA’s…
Max 10
Introduction to MAX10 FPGA The MAX10 FPGA is a high-performance, low-cost FPGA developed by Altera (now part of Intel). Built on the Arria 10 architecture, it combines performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications. With features such as a scalable logic array, embedded memory blocks, DSP blocks, and…
Arria 10
The Arria 10 is an advanced system-on-chip (SoC) FPGA family designed and developed by Intel (previously known as Altera). It is a highly capable and versatile platform that combines the advantages of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) with the integration of ARM-based hard processors. At its core, the Arria 10 SoC consists of FPGA fabric, which…
