Product category:
Programmable Logic Devices
News Release from: Altera Europe | Subject: MAX II
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 16 September 2005
PLDs cut the cost of consumer DSP
functions
LeapFrog Enterprises reduced costs and increased flexibility in the manufacturing process for its new Leapster L-MAX learning game system by integrating Altera MAX II CPLDs into the learning platform.
LeapFrog Enterprises reduced costs and increased flexibility in the manufacturing process for its new Leapster L-MAX learning game system by integrating Altera MAX II CPLDs into the learning platform MAX II devices enable the Leapster L-MAX handheld to connect to a television, providing an interactive big-screen learning experience for four- to ten-year-olds
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 11 Mar 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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New architecture rewrites CPLD rules
The MAX II family is based on a radical new version of the complex programmable logic device architecture.
CPLDs claim the edge
Altera has released new benchmark information showing that the MAX II device family delivers a 50% performance advantage over competing solutions.
"The MAX II device helps us stay competitive in the extremely price-sensitive consumer electronics market".
"We have been able to implement the digital signal processing more economically than with alternative solutions and reduce costs at the manufacturing level", said Mike Chai, Senior Vice President of Research and Development for LeapFrog Enterprises.
LeapFrog uses the MAX II device to convert the display information for the Leapster L-MAX handheld into TV-compatible video signals.
In similar applications, a digital signal processor often performs this function.
The low cost of the MAX II device family enabled LeapFrog to use a CPLD to accomplish the same function at a lower price.
LeapFrog's decision to use MAX II devices highlights the growing trend toward the use of Altera's programmable logic devices to integrate functions that would otherwise be performed by general-purpose or application-specific devices.
"Using programmable logic as an alternative to an ASIC or ASSP provides product developers with compelling advantages in terms of flexibility and cost", said Danny Biran, Vice President of Product and Corporate Marketing at Altera.
"As this trend continues, Altera's leadership in low-cost programmable logic devices will further drive the adoption of our solutions by consumer electronics manufacturers, and in turn support the proliferation of exciting new products like the Leapster L-MAX learning game system".
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