Altera SDK for OpenCL

The Altera SDK for OpenCL is a powerful Development Tool under the subcategory IDE developed by Altera Corporation. The latest version available for download is 15.0.0.145, with prior versions such as 15.0, and 13.1 also supported. This tool is essential for those aiming to leverage hardware-accelerated kernel functions in OpenCL C, significantly simplifying the process of application implementation onto FPGAs.

Designed to abstract the complexities inherent to FPGA design, the Altera SDK for OpenCL empowers software programmers by allowing them to write in OpenCL C, an ANSI C-based language enhanced with specific OpenCL constructs. This makes the task of programming for hardware acceleration accessible and efficient.

The aocl.exe executable is the primary program file, compatible with a wide range of operating systems including Windows 7, 10, 11, XP, and 8. This broad compatibility ensures that developers working in various environments can integrate this tool into their workflow seamlessly.

Pros:

• Free download: The tool is available for download without cost.
• Simplifies FPGA programming: Abstracts FPGA complexities and allows usage of ANSI C-based OpenCL C.
• Broad OS support: Runs on multiple versions of Windows (7, 10, 11, XP, 8).
• Comprehensive support from Altera Corporation.

Cons:

• Steep learning curve for beginners: Despite the abstraction, some users may find it challenging at first.
• Limited to specific versions: May not support all versions of existing FPGA hardware.

In summary, the Altera SDK for OpenCL is a robust and versatile IDE tool for developers seeking to tap into the power of FPGA acceleration through OpenCL. The ability to download it for free adds considerable value, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced developers in the field of hardware programming.

You may want to check out more software, such as NVIDIA GPU Computing SDK, VisioForge Video Capture SDK.Net or OpenCL Studio, which might be related to Altera SDK for OpenCL.