In today’s rapidly evolving embedded systems landscape, migrating legacy designs to modern System on Modules (SoMs) is not just an option, it’s a necessity for competitive performance, scalability, and long-term product support. For organizations that have historically relied on older FPGA platforms such as Altera Cyclone V SoCs, the industry shift toward agile, high-performance architectures like Altera Agilex SoCs introduces both opportunity and challenge.

This article presents a comprehensive view of migrating from Cyclone V SoCs to Agilex SoM based solutions, highlighting the technical drivers, the key considerations in planning and execution, and the tangible benefits realized across performance, power, and design flexibility. By aligning real-world requirements with state-of-the-art computing fabrics, engineering teams can future-proof their designs while minimizing risk and accelerating time-to-market.

Why Migrate from Cyclone V SoCs to Agilex SoMs

Addressing the Limits of Legacy Architectures

Legacy FPGA platforms such as Altera Cyclone V SoCs have long been valued for their balanced mix of logic resources, connectivity, and cost efficiency. However, as embedded systems evolve to require higher bandwidth I/O, advanced signal processing, and heterogeneous computing capabilities, these legacy devices increasingly face performance and scalability limitations.

Design constraints such as limited memory bandwidth, DSP density, and heterogeneous compute support often force developers to implement workarounds that increase system complexity and compromise performance.

Agilex SoMs: A Modern Alternative

Altera Agilex SoMs integrate cutting-edge FPGA fabric with hardened IP blocks, rich I/O, and flexible interfaces that meet the requirements of next-generation embedded systems. The platform delivers:

• Improved performance per watt, enabling complex signal and data processing tasks efficiently.
• Flexible I/O and high-speed transceivers for demanding communications and sensor interfaces.
• Advanced heterogeneous computing with support for tightly integrated CPU, FPGA, and accelerator domains.

These architectural advantages make Agilex SoMs attractive for applications that were previously limited by older SoC platforms.

Key Migration Considerations

A successful migration from Cyclone V to Agilex SoM requires careful planning across multiple dimensions:

Architecture Mapping

Begin by analyzing the existing Cyclone V design:

• Identify custom logic blocks, interfaces, and critical IP cores.
• Map these elements to their Agilex equivalents, accounting for differences in FPGA fabric, DSP blocks, and memory interfaces.
• Allocate sufficient time to adapt or retarget legacy IP to the new platform.

Performance & Power Tradeoffs

One of the key benefits of Agilex platforms is improved performance efficiency. When migrating:

• Reassess timing constraints and clocking strategies, since Agilex supports higher-performance fabrics and hardened PLLs.
• Evaluate power budgets with Agilex’s advanced power management — often enabling more aggressive performance tuning with minimal power penalties.

Toolchain Transition

Migrating platforms also implies transitioning toolchains:

• Update synthesis, placement, and routing workflows to support Agilex.
• Leverage the vendor’s latest software tools for timing closure and power analysis.
• Validate functional correctness using updated simulation models and regression tests.

Migration Workflow (High-Level)

A structured approach helps reduce risk and keeps timelines predictable:

Step 1: Requirements Analysis

Define the performance, connectivity, and environmental requirements for the target application. Establish success criteria for the migration.

Step 2: IP Inventory & Priority Mapping

Document the Cyclone V design’s functional IP blocks. Prioritize those essential for core functionality and those needing optimization.

Step 3: Platform Prototyping

Use Agilex evaluation kits or development boards to prototype critical subsystems early. This helps identify risks before full integration.

Step 4: Incremental Integration

Port and verify modules incrementally — starting with core logic, then moving onto interfaces and peripherals. Validate each step with unit and integration tests.

Step 5: System Validation

Once all modules are integrated, conduct system-level testing under representative operating conditions. Validate performance, stability, and compliance with design goals.

Impact of Migration

Migrating to an Agilex SoM offers multiple functional and business benefits:

• Higher Processing Throughput: Agilex’s fabric and hardened accelerators support advanced signal and data processing use cases.
• Enhanced I/O Performance: High-speed transceivers and peripheral interfaces reduce bottlenecks in high-bandwidth systems.
• Scalability: Agilex SoMs provide a clear upgrade path for future enhancements without redesigning the entire hardware architecture.
• Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Although upfront engineering effort is required, the long-term benefits in power efficiency, system flexibility, and maintainability reduce lifecycle costs.

The iWave SOM Advantage for Migration

iWave’s Agilex SOM Portfolio

iWave offers a range of SOMs built around Agilex 5 and Agilex 3 FPGAs. You can find modules in different sizes and with varying power needs. Some are tiny, good for small devices. Others offer more connections and memory for bigger jobs.

These SOMs come with various built-in parts, like network ports, USB, and display outputs. This means you can often find an iWave Agilex SOM that fits your old Cyclone V needs, but with modern performance. Choosing the right one is key to a smooth switch.

Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 SOMs are board-to-board (B2B) pin compatible, enabling straightforward design migration and scalability.