Altera FPGA semiconductor products

Altera is a pioneer in the semiconductor industry, specifically known for inventing the first reprogrammable logic device in 1984. Founded in 1983 in San Jose, California, the company established itself as a leader in Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. These chips are highly versatile as they allow engineers to program the hardware even after manufacturing, making them essential for high-growth sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centers, and telecommunications.

The brand has undergone significant ownership shifts over the last decade. In 2015, Intel acquired Altera for $16.7 billion, integrating it as its Programmable Solutions Group (PSG). However, in a strategic move to grant the unit more agility, Intel began spinning off the business in 2024. As of early 2025, Altera became an independent entity once again. Later that year, the private equity firm Silver Lake acquired a 51% controlling stake in the company, with Intel retaining a 49% minority interest.

Manufacturing for Altera products occurs globally through a network of foundry partners and assembly sites. Historically, Altera has maintained long-term partnerships with major foundries such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). Production and testing facilities are often located in various tech hubs, including the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and the Philippines.