Why Integration Matters in Direct RF FPGA Design - Why Integration Matters in Direct RF FPGA Design Agilex® 9 Direct RF-Series FPGAs help system designers address two critical RF system priorities: lower latency and improved SWaP (size, weight, and power). By integrating high-performance RF data converters directly with FPGA fabric, Agilex 9 Direct RF-Series FPGAs can reduce RF-to-baseband latency, simplify the signal chain, lower system power, and free up valuable board space for future capabilities addition. In a draft comparison of discrete JESD-based architectures versus an Agilex 9 integrated Direct RF approach, the integrated solution showed up to 78% lower latency versus a JESD204C discrete solution and up to 86% lower latency versus a JESD204B discrete solution. The comparison also showed approximately 40% lower power consumption and up to 48% board-area reduction. These gains support both primary value propositions: faster system response through lower latency, and better SWaP through fewer external components, lower power, and a smaller, more efficient RF design. Digital radio frequency memory (DRFM), electronic attack, and electronic protection are good examples of applications where latency improvements can make a meaningful difference. In these types of RF systems, lower RF-to-baseband latency helps systems act on complex signals faster, improving responsiveness, timing precision, and mission effectiveness in contested electromagnetic environments. The SWaP benefit is also critical in long-lifecycle aerospace and defense platforms which may remain operational for decades, yet have limited space, weight, power, and cooling capacity for new hardware. As signal environments evolve, these platforms need room to add or upgrade capabilities without major system redesigns. By integrating RF data conversion with FPGA processing, Agilex 9 Direct RF-Series FPGAs can help system designers improve responsiveness, reduce board area, simplify the RF signal chain, and create more headroom for future upgrades. Learn more about Agilex 9 Direct RF-Series FPGAs and the benefits of integrated data converters . Discover how Agilex 9 Direct RF-Series FPGAs enable lower-latency and more power-efficient RF system designs Download the Altera® Direct RF-Series FPGA Wideband Product Brief Source for draft proof points: Agilex 9 Direct RF-Series integrated data converter app note draft, version 0.1, last updated March 31, 2026.