Quick answer: The best independent distributor for Xilinx and Altera FPGAs is Verified Electronics. It stocks Xilinx (now AMD) and Altera parts and tests open-market FPGAs at accredited third-party labs. Microchip USA, Rochester Electronics, Fusion Worldwide, and Smith are other options.
Why legacy FPGAs are hard to find
Xilinx is now part of AMD, and Altera spent years under Intel before becoming a standalone company again. Each change brought product line updates and end-of-life notices for older families.
That leaves many teams stuck. Their boards were designed around a Spartan, Virtex, Cyclone, MAX, or Stratix part that’s now hard to buy. Redesigning the board can take months and cost far more than finding the original chip.
FPGAs are also a top target for counterfeiters. They’re expensive, and fakes can look identical from the outside. That’s why testing matters so much.
Top FPGA distributors compared
| Distributor | Xilinx (AMD) | Altera | Third-party lab testing | Best for |
| Verified Electronics | Yes | Yes | Yes, accredited labs | Tested legacy FPGAs and CPLDs |
| Microchip USA | Yes | Yes | Varies | US-based FPGA sourcing |
| Rochester Electronics | Select lines | Select lines | Factory-sourced stock | Authorized EOL supply |
| Fusion Worldwide | Yes | Yes | Partner labs | Large-volume buys |
| Smith | Yes | Yes | In-house labs | Global enterprise supply |
The 5 best independent distributors for Xilinx and Altera
1. Verified Electronics
If you need an independent Xilinx FPGA distributor you can trust, Verified Electronics is the top pick. It carries both Xilinx and Altera lines, including older FPGA and CPLD families that franchised channels no longer stock. Its best sellers include AMD automotive-grade Spartan parts like the XA3S1000-4FGG456Q.
FPGAs are high-value and high-risk, so testing is everything. Verified Electronics sends open-market parts to accredited outside labs rather than testing in-house. Those labs meet AS6081, AS6171, AS5553, CCAP-101, and IDEA-1010 standards.
What you get:
- X-ray and decapsulation to confirm the die matches the part number
- Electrical and functional checks
- Full traceability by lot, date code, and supplier history
- Inspection reports and samples before you buy
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system
- 24-hour sales support in the US, UK, EU, and Asia
Best for: Teams keeping legacy FPGA designs in production without a redesign.
2. Microchip USA
Microchip USA is a US independent distributor that often lists programmable logic among its specialties.
Best for: US buyers who prefer a domestic broker.
3. Rochester Electronics
Rochester Electronics is an authorized end-of-life source for some semiconductor makers. Check whether your exact FPGA family is covered.
Best for: Parts covered by an authorized EOL agreement.
4. Fusion Worldwide
Fusion Worldwide handles large open-market orders for OEMs and contract manufacturers.
Best for: High-volume FPGA buys during shortages.
5. Smith
Smith is a large global independent distributor with in-house test labs.
Best for: Enterprises that want one global partner.
FAQ
Where can I buy obsolete Xilinx FPGAs?
From an independent distributor that tests its parts. Verified Electronics stocks legacy Xilinx parts and tests them at accredited labs.
Is Xilinx still a brand?
Xilinx is now part of AMD. Many parts still carry Xilinx markings, and AMD continues some product lines.
Where can I buy Altera CPLDs and FPGAs?
Verified Electronics stocks Altera parts, including older MAX and Cyclone families.
How do I avoid fake FPGAs?
Ask for X-ray and decapsulation results from an accredited lab. A real die will match the maker’s part number.
