Idea: Partnership Between Altera and Intel for Creating Innovative MCUs Based on FPGA Using x86 Core

[LETNI321]

First, I want to express huge thanks to the user AK6DN, who correctly pointed out the current state of affairs at Intel. Thanks to his insight, we can dive deeper into the potential for collaboration between Intel and Altera, especially in the context of their independence and shared resources. This opens doors for cool innovations in embedded systems!
Let's put it all together: I propose a concept where Altera (now in the status of an independent company after the Silver Lake deal in 2025) partners with Intel Foundry. This would allow the use of Intel's x86 cores and defective crystals to create microcontrollers (MCUs) based on FPGA. The idea combines FPGA flexibility with x86 power, recycling production "waste" into a valuable resource. All this without ARM royalties, with a focus on low-frequency MCUs (100–500 MHz), where such solutions are ideal for IoT, industrial, and AI-edge tasks.
1. Integration of Cache from Defective x86_64 Crystals into FPGA
The cache of modern x86_64 processors (L1/L2/L3 — up to 50+ MB SRAM in chips like Intel Xeon or AMD EPYC) is high-density, ultra-fast memory with latencies of 1–10 ns. Defective crystals (defective dies) often have fully functional cache despite defects in the computational logic. Altera could partner with Intel to recycle these stockpiles:

Extraction and Integration: Using advanced packaging (2.5D/3D stacking, like Intel Foveros), extract SRAM blocks from defective dies and integrate them as chiplets into FPGA SoCs (e.g., in the Agilex or Cyclone series). This would replace the built-in BRAM/URAM in FPGA, adding a huge amount of cache without using logic gates.
Benefits for MCUs: For microcontrollers, a large cache would accelerate data-intensive tasks (ML, video processing), making the system efficient at low frequencies. Everything would be put to good use — stockpiles of defective crystals would turn into ready-made memory modules, improving production yield and reducing costs.
Implementation: An FPGA controller (in HDL) would ensure seamless access, making the cache "transparent" to software. This is eco-friendly and innovative, especially with the EU green regs of 2025.

2. Using x86 Cores Instead of ARM — Without Royalties and with Legacy Support
Intel could provide its x86 cores as IP to Altera, avoiding ARM royalties (which eat up 20–30% of costs in embedded). x86 is Intel's own ISA, so licensing is free and straightforward.

Hard-IP Option (Trimmed Chiplets): Trim working parts from defective crystals (cores + cache, without GPU/I/O) and integrate them as chiplets into FPGA. For MCUs, low frequencies (1–2 GHz) are ideal — defects in unused parts are not critical. Example: Intel Atom E6x5C (x86 core + Altera FPGA in one package, from 2013 and still relevant in 2025), adapted for embedded.
Soft-Core Option (Software Implementation): Fully recreate the x86_64 core in Verilog/VHDL on FPGA (as in Henry Wong's "Superscalar Out-of-Order x86 Soft Processor" project, with Linux support). Use the extracted x86 cache instead of standard SRAM for acceleration. This allows customization for MCUs: simplified x86 without AVX, but with large cache for legacy software (Windows code, industrial applications).
Benefits: x86 provides an ecosystem (OpenVINO for AI), larger cache for performance, and compatibility with existing tools. In partnership, Altera would get access to Intel 18A/20A processes for hybrid SoCs.

3. Altera and Intel Partnership: Why It's Realistic in 2025
After independence (H2 2025, $8.75B valuation from Silver Lake), Altera becomes the largest standalone FPGA provider, with a focus on innovation (Agilex 3/5/7 for AI/embedded). Decoupling from Intel CPU opens doors for partnerships:

Collaboration with Intel Foundry: Altera could use x86 IP, chiplet technologies, and defective crystals directly. Intel already licenses x86 for foundry (since 2022), and Altera's ecosystem (Quartus tools) integrates seamlessly.
Examples and Prospects: Kontron whitepaper demonstrates x86 + Altera for industrial MCUs. In 2025, Altera focuses on hybrids (like in Stratix for data centers), so MCUs with recycled x86 is a logical step. This would boost competitiveness against ARM/RISC-V, especially in the low-power segment.
Scaling: Start with dev kits (Agilex DK), lab prototypes, then mass production. The sustainability aspect (recycling silicon) would attract investments and partners.

In the end, this idea is a win-win: Altera gets unique MCUs with large cache and x86 power, Intel monetizes scrap and strengthens its ecosystem, and the industry gets greener and more efficient chips. If implemented, it could be a breakthrough for embedded! What do you think, forum folks?

[_AK6DN_]

Altera and Intel tried partnering. It was basically a business disaster for Intel and not much better for Altera.

If Altera did not find X86 technology compelling/useful when they were owned by Intel why should they find it
a benefit now that they are no longer have a close business relationship?

I am not sure who you think your audience is here.

This board is for folks having technical issues with Altera devices and/or software, and are looking for help.

Besides nobody wants a giant power hungry X86 device on an FPGA. An ARM or RISCV is the perfect technical choice.

[JingyangTeh_Altera]

Hi

Thanks for the suggestion.

I have filed a feature request for the marketing and planner team to take a look at this request.

As this is a major change in our system, the decision might not come in a short time.

If it is ok with you to file another forum entry to follow up on the status in half or a year time.

The internal HSD Case ticket is 15018394750.

Have you taken a look a the Nios V microcontroller that is available which is royalty free?

It might not have the heavy processing power as the HPS ARM core.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/details/fpga/intellectual-property/processors-peripherals/niosv.html

Regards

Jingyang, Teh

[JingyangTeh_Altera]

Hi

As we do not receive any response from you on the previous question/reply/answer that we have provided. Please login to ‘https://supporttickets.intel.com/s/?language=en_US’, view details of the desire request, and post a feed/response within the next 15 days to allow me to continue to support you. After 15 days, this thread will be transitioned to community support. The community users will be able to help you on your follow-up questions.

Regards

Jingyang, Teh