Have you heard of Actel Corporation? Actel was an American semiconductor company that specialized in the design, development, and sale of programmable logic devices (PLDs).
Actel was founded in 1985 by two former Intel employees, John East and Dave Ditzel. The company was headquartered in Mountain View, California, and had manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Actel's PLDs were used in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. The company's products were known for their high performance, low power consumption, and small size.
Actel was acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010. Microsemi continued to develop and sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name. In 2018, Microsemi was acquired by Microchip Technology. Microchip continues to sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name.
Actel's PLDs have been used in a wide range of products, including the following:
- Telecommunications equipment
- Networking equipment
- Industrial automation equipment
- Consumer electronics
Actel's PLDs have been praised for their high performance, low power consumption, and small size. The company's products have been used in a wide range of applications, and the company has been a leader in the PLD market for many years.
Actel Corporation
Actel Corporation was an American semiconductor company that specialized in the design, development, and sale of programmable logic devices (PLDs).
- Founded in 1985
- Headquarters in Mountain View, California
- Products used in telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics
- Known for high performance, low power consumption, and small size
- Acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010
- Microsemi acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018
- Actel brand name still used by Microchip Technology
- Actel's PLDs continue to be used in a wide range of products
Actel Corporation was a pioneer in the development of PLDs. The company's products were used in a wide range of applications, and the company was a leader in the PLD market for many years. Actel's acquisition by Microsemi Corporation and then Microchip Technology ensures that the company's legacy will continue for many years to come.
1. Founded in 1985
Actel Corporation was founded in 1985 by two former Intel employees, John East and Dave Ditzel. The company's founding was a significant event in the history of programmable logic devices (PLDs), as Actel would go on to become a leader in the development and manufacture of these devices.
- Pioneering the PLD Industry
Actel was one of the first companies to develop and manufacture PLDs. The company's early products were used in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, networking, and industrial automation. Actel's PLDs were known for their high performance, low power consumption, and small size.
- A Leader in Innovation
Actel was a leader in the development of new PLD technologies. The company was the first to introduce a number of innovative features into its PLDs, including high-speed I/O, low-power modes, and embedded memory. Actel's PLDs were used in a wide range of cutting-edge applications, including high-speed networking, telecommunications, and military systems.
- A Global Company
Actel was a global company with operations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company's products were used by customers in a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics.
- A Legacy of Innovation
Actel was acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010. Microsemi continued to develop and sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name. In 2018, Microsemi was acquired by Microchip Technology. Microchip continues to sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name.
The founding of Actel Corporation in 1985 was a significant event in the history of programmable logic devices. Actel was a pioneer in the development and manufacture of PLDs, and the company's products were used in a wide range of cutting-edge applications. Actel's legacy of innovation continues today, as the company's PLDs are still used in a wide range of products by customers around the world.
2. Headquarters in Mountain View, California
Actel Corporation was headquartered in Mountain View, California, a city located in the heart of Silicon Valley. This location was significant for Actel for a number of reasons.
First, Mountain View is home to a large number of technology companies, including Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. This gave Actel access to a pool of highly skilled engineers and other professionals.
Second, Mountain View is located in close proximity to Stanford University, one of the world's leading research universities. This gave Actel access to the latest research and development in the field of programmable logic devices (PLDs).
Third, Mountain View is located in a region with a strong venture capital community. This gave Actel access to the funding it needed to develop and market its PLDs.
Actel's headquarters in Mountain View, California was a key factor in the company's success. The location gave Actel access to the resources it needed to develop and market its PLDs, and it helped the company to attract and retain top talent.
3. Products used in telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics
Actel Corporation's programmable logic devices (PLDs) were used in a wide range of products, including those used in telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. These products included:
- Telecommunications equipment, such as routers, switches, and modems
- Networking equipment, such as hubs, bridges, and gateways
- Industrial automation equipment, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCSs)
- Consumer electronics, such as televisions, DVD players, and gaming consoles
Actel's PLDs were used in these products because of their high performance, low power consumption, and small size. Actel's PLDs were also known for their reliability and ease of use.
The use of Actel's PLDs in these products helped to improve their performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Actel's PLDs also helped to reduce the size and power consumption of these products.
The connection between Actel Corporation and the products used in telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics is significant because it demonstrates the wide range of applications for Actel's PLDs. Actel's PLDs were used in a variety of products that were essential to the functioning of modern society.
4. Known for high performance, low power consumption, and small size
Actel Corporation's programmable logic devices (PLDs) were known for their high performance, low power consumption, and small size. These attributes were critical to the success of Actel's PLDs in the marketplace.
High performance was important for Actel's PLDs because they were used in a wide range of applications that demanded fast and reliable performance. For example, Actel's PLDs were used in telecommunications equipment, networking equipment, industrial automation equipment, and consumer electronics. In these applications, high performance was essential to ensure that the equipment could operate smoothly and efficiently.
Low power consumption was also important for Actel's PLDs because they were often used in battery-powered devices. For example, Actel's PLDs were used in mobile phones, laptop computers, and other portable devices. In these applications, low power consumption was essential to extend the battery life of the device.
Small size was also important for Actel's PLDs because they were often used in space-constrained applications. For example, Actel's PLDs were used in satellites, aircraft, and other aerospace applications. In these applications, small size was essential to reduce the weight and size of the equipment.
The combination of high performance, low power consumption, and small size made Actel's PLDs ideal for a wide range of applications. These attributes helped Actel to become a leading supplier of PLDs to the telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics markets.
5. Acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010
The acquisition of Actel Corporation by Microsemi Corporation in 2010 was a significant event in the history of both companies. Microsemi was a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, while Actel was a leader in the design and manufacture of programmable logic devices (PLDs). The acquisition of Actel gave Microsemi a strong foothold in the PLD market and expanded its product portfolio to include a wider range of semiconductor solutions.
For Actel, the acquisition by Microsemi provided access to a larger customer base and a broader range of resources. Microsemi had a strong sales and marketing force, and it was able to leverage its relationships with customers to increase sales of Actel's PLDs. Microsemi also had a strong financial position, which allowed it to invest in the development of new Actel products.
The acquisition of Actel by Microsemi has been a success for both companies. Microsemi has been able to leverage Actel's technology and expertise to expand its product portfolio and grow its market share. Actel has benefited from Microsemi's financial resources and sales and marketing expertise. The acquisition has also allowed Actel to continue to develop and innovate in the PLD market.
The acquisition of Actel by Microsemi is a good example of how two companies can come together to create a stronger and more successful enterprise. The acquisition has benefited both companies, and it has also benefited the customers of both companies.
6. Microsemi acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018
The acquisition of Microsemi by Microchip Technology in 2018 was a significant event for both companies and the semiconductor industry as a whole. Microsemi was a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, while Microchip was a leader in the design and manufacture of microcontrollers and other embedded solutions. The acquisition of Microsemi gave Microchip a strong foothold in the analog and mixed-signal market and expanded its product portfolio to include a wider range of semiconductor solutions.
- Expanding Product Portfolio
The acquisition of Microsemi gave Microchip access to a broad range of analog and mixed-signal products, including power management devices, timing devices, and interface devices. This expanded Microchip's product portfolio and allowed the company to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions to its customers.
- Increased Market Share
The acquisition of Microsemi also gave Microchip a strong foothold in the analog and mixed-signal market. Microsemi had a strong customer base in this market, and the acquisition allowed Microchip to increase its market share.
- Continued Innovation
The acquisition of Microsemi has allowed Microchip to continue to invest in the development of new and innovative products. Microsemi had a strong track record of innovation, and the acquisition has allowed Microchip to continue this tradition.
- Benefits for Actel Customers
The acquisition of Microsemi has also benefited customers of Actel. Microchip has continued to invest in the development of Actel's PLDs, and the acquisition has also given Actel customers access to a broader range of semiconductor solutions from Microchip.
The acquisition of Microsemi by Microchip Technology in 2018 was a significant event for both companies and the semiconductor industry as a whole. The acquisition has benefited both companies, and it has also benefited the customers of both companies.
7. Actel brand name still used by Microchip Technology
Following the acquisition of Microsemi by Microchip Technology in 2018, the Actel brand name continues to be used by Microchip Technology for the former Actel products, including programmable logic devices (PLDs). This decision reflects the strong brand recognition and reputation that Actel has built over the years.
- Continued Innovation
Microchip Technology has continued to invest in the development of Actel's PLDs, ensuring that customers continue to have access to the latest and most innovative products.
- Broader Product Portfolio
The acquisition of Microsemi has given Microchip Technology access to a broader range of semiconductor products, including analog and mixed-signal devices. This allows Microchip Technology to offer a more comprehensive range of solutions to its customers.
- Strong Customer Base
Microsemi had a strong customer base in the analog and mixed-signal market, and the acquisition has allowed Microchip Technology to increase its market share. This has benefited Actel customers, as they now have access to a broader range of products and support from a larger company.
- Preservation of Actel's Legacy
The continued use of the Actel brand name by Microchip Technology helps to preserve the legacy of Actel and its contributions to the semiconductor industry. Actel was a pioneer in the development of PLDs, and its products have been used in a wide range of applications over the years.
The continued use of the Actel brand name by Microchip Technology is a testament to the strength of the Actel brand and the value of its products. Actel customers can continue to expect the same high quality and innovation from Actel products, now backed by the resources of Microchip Technology.
8. Actel's PLDs Continue to Be Used in a Wide Range of Products
Actel's programmable logic devices (PLDs) continue to be used in a wide range of products, a testament to their versatility, reliability, and performance. This ongoing usage underscores Actel's lasting impact on the electronics industry and the enduring value of its products.
- Diverse Applications
Actel's PLDs are employed in a vast array of products, spanning telecommunications, networking, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. Their adaptability enables them to meet the unique demands of each application, from high-speed data processing to low-power consumption.
- Proven Reliability
Actel's PLDs have earned a reputation for exceptional reliability, ensuring consistent performance in even the most demanding environments. This reliability is crucial for applications where uptime and data integrity are paramount.
- Ongoing Innovation
Microchip Technology, which acquired Actel in 2018, continues to invest in the development and improvement of Actel's PLDs. This ongoing innovation ensures that Actel's products remain at the forefront of programmable logic technology.
- Customer Loyalty
The continued use of Actel's PLDs by a loyal customer base speaks volumes about the satisfaction and trust that customers have in Actel's products. This loyalty is a testament to the value and performance that Actel's PLDs deliver.
Actel's PLDs continue to be used in a wide range of products because they offer a unique combination of versatility, reliability, and performance. Actel's legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction ensures that its PLDs will continue to be a valuable asset to the electronics industry for years to come.
FAQs on Actel Corporation
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Actel Corporation, a leading provider of programmable logic devices (PLDs).
Question 1: What is Actel Corporation?
Answer: Actel Corporation was a semiconductor company specializing in the design, development, and sale of PLDs. The company was acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010, which was subsequently acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018.
Question 2: What are PLDs?
Answer: PLDs are integrated circuits that can be programmed to perform specific logic functions. They are used in a wide range of electronic devices, including telecommunications equipment, networking equipment, and industrial automation systems.
Question 3: What was Actel Corporation known for?
Answer: Actel Corporation was known for its high-performance, low-power consumption, and small-size PLDs. The company's products were used in a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics to military systems.
Question 4: Is Actel Corporation still in business?
Answer: No, Actel Corporation is no longer in business as an independent company. It was acquired by Microsemi Corporation in 2010, which was subsequently acquired by Microchip Technology in 2018. However, Microchip Technology continues to manufacture and sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name.
Question 5: Where can I find more information about Actel Corporation?
Answer: More information about Actel Corporation can be found on the Microchip Technology website: https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/fpgas-and-plds/plds
Summary: Actel Corporation was a leading provider of PLDs, known for its high-performance, low-power consumption, and small-size devices. The company's legacy continues through Microchip Technology, which continues to manufacture and sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name.
Transition: To learn more about PLDs and their applications, please refer to the next section.
Conclusion on Actel Corporation
Throughout its history, Actel Corporation played a pivotal role in the development and advancement of programmable logic devices (PLDs). The company's innovative products and commitment to quality earned it a reputation as a leading provider of PLDs for a wide range of applications.
Today, Actel Corporation's legacy continues through Microchip Technology, which acquired the company in 2018. Microchip continues to manufacture and sell Actel's PLDs under the Actel brand name, ensuring that the high performance, low power consumption, and small size that Actel's products were known for are still available to customers.
Actel Corporation's contributions to the electronics industry are significant and lasting. The company's PLDs have been used in a vast array of products, from consumer electronics to military systems. Actel's legacy of innovation and customer satisfaction will continue to impact the industry for years to come.
