Altera Corporation

San Jose, CA United States

  (NASDAQ: ALTR)

Company Description

Altera is programmed to give you the gate -- hundreds of thousands of logic gates per device. The fabless semiconductor company specializes in R&D of high-density programmable logic devices (PLDs) -- integrated circuits (ICs)that OEMs program to perform logic functions in electronic systems. PLDs are an alternative to custom-designed ICs, and offer a quick, reduced-cost chip. Altera outsources fabrication of the devices to top silicon foundry TSMC. Altera PLDs are used in communications network gear, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment. PLD sales rely heavily on a network of distributors; Arrow accounts for more than 45% of sales. Customers outside the US represent more than 80% of Altera's sales.