ActelActel, now a subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc., primarily focuses on antifuse-based FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) and mixed-signal devices. Their main offering revolves around programmable logic devices, particularly distinguished by their non-volatile, flash-based technology that provides an inherent advantage in power management and system reliability.
The primary family of products includes the ProASIC and ProASIC Plus series, targeting applications requiring low power consumption and high reliability. A key characteristic of the ProASIC line is its ability to retain logic configurations without requiring a continuous power supply, making it suitable for battery-operated devices. These FPGAs support a range of input/output configurations and integrate various resources, such as DSP (Digital Signal Processing) blocks and memory interfaces tailored for complex algorithms in real-time systems.
Actel also offers the IGLOO series, which incorporates an ultra-low power architecture designed for energy-sensitive applications. The IGLOO FPGAs utilize flash technology, enabling instant-on performance to meet stringent power and speed requirements. This is complemented by features such as built-in system monitoring and error detection, enhancing reliability in mission-critical environments.
Applications that typically leverage Actel's products include communications systems, automotive electronics, industrial automation, and medical devices, where robustness and long-term reliability are paramount. Their devices are frequently utilized in aerospace and defense sectors, where the capacity for reconfiguration in-situ can improve flexibility and reduce costs over unit deployment lifecycles.
Overall, Actel's offerings are characterized by specific design principles centered on non-volatility, low-power consumption, and robustness, providing engineers with alternatives suited for demanding environments where traditional semiconductor solutions might fall short.
