New ContributorI'm trying to get set up for programming Max 7000 CPLDs as well as reading the program from them. The specific IC is the EPM7128A. As far as I can tell I need a cable, adapter, and software. The adapter is straightforward and listed as PLMQ7000-100NC. I'm unclear as to which cable and software to use in order to accomplish both reading and writing.
Regular ContributorAre you trying to use a third party programmer solution (like Xeltex, EEtools) or an Altera/Intel solution?
IIRC MaxPlus v9.0 is the last version of the Altera software able to READ MAX7000 series device .POF files from the device.
I use QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 with a standard Altera USBblasterII to program MAX7000S/A devices that are JTAG programmable. No adapter required. Can be programmed in circuit on the board. QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 is the last version to support the MAX7000 series and is able to write/verify .POF files BUT NOT READ .POF files from programmed devices.
I develop the code for the MAX7000S series devices I use in verilog using QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 and then program them via JTAG using the mentioned Altera USBblasterII pod attached to my 10p JTAG header.
A third party programmer that can independently read/write MAX7000 series devices is going to be a pricey solution. Expect to spend $1000-$1500 for a programmer and adapter(s).
New ContributorI'm open to any solution that gets me able to read and write to these devices. That price would not be an issue, but if there is a first party solution I would prefer that. If the MaxPlus v9.0 is the software I need to do that, would the same UsbBlasterII that you are using be all I need on the hardware side?
Regular ContributorDo you REALLY need to be able to read the program POF file in devices back? Or would it just be 'nice'?
Because if you DO, you are limited to MaxPlus v9.0 software for reading POF files back from programmed devices. Don't recall what Win OS MaxPlus v9.0 requires; probably WinXP 32. Likely Vista. Windows 7 I don't know. Likly not Windows 10. I don't recall if MaxPlus v9.0 supports the USB Blaster. It might require the prior generation Max Blaster which is a real parallel port based device.
OTOH, I use QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 for EPM7xxxS which supports compiling source verilog to POF, programming devices, and verifying devices. BUT IT DOES NOT SUPPORT READING POF FILES FROM DEVICES. It also works with USB Blaster devices and clones (I use the TerASIC USB Blaster clone).
I run QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 on Win7 64b and Win10 64b 1909 and it works just fine.
So be aware of what you are asking for. You may unnecessarily complicating your setup.
New ContributorHello.
I recently bought a bunch of Altera MAX 7000A CPLDs on RS components in the plcc44 package.
I already have at home one of those cheap clones altera usb blaster with JTAG output.
I tried a simple breadboard setup to program the cpld with altera quartus without success.
Regular ContributorWell, I have a similar setup, I think.
I placed PLCC44 and PLCC84 sockets on test PCBs with 10p/2x5/100mil Altera pinout JTAG connectors. I use the TerAsic USB Blaster clone, available at the TerAsic website. Operates just like the Altera device.
I have programmed EPM7064SLC44-10 parts, and EPM7128SLC84-7N parts using QuartusIIWeb 13.0sp1 tools on both a Win7/64b/SP1 (now retired) and Win10/64b/v1909 (my current environment).
I don't have EPM7xxxA series parts but I believe they should program just like the EPM7xxxS series parts.
I attached PDFs of the schematic for my PLCC44 test card, and the PCB layout, for reference.
So what version of Quartus are you using?
New ContributorHi.
I was looking for a solution and i found this page (after long searching).
I noticed the "EPM7064SLC44-10" in your reply. This PLC is exactly the device for which i am searching information.
My audio card (EMU APS), which is a PCI card installed in a PC Windows Machine, stopped working. I found that the ALTERA PLC are getting very-very hot right after the Windows (XP) boot. So i want to replace it. As i have been told, i can not just replace it with a new empty one but i must first program it with its firmware. I have very basic knowledge about programming. As i understood, i must extract the firmware from the broken one and install it to a new empty one and then soldering to the PCB (audio card).
What tools will i need to do this ? Where can i buy them ?
Thanks, in advance.
Regular ContributorHi,
Just would like to check if the max is a development kit of a raw device which you will be embeded on a board?
So to program the MAX, you need USB Blaster II Cable (Cable) and Quartus Prime software, i am attaching the link for your reference:
USB Blaster:
Quartus:
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/software/programmable/quartus-prime/download.html
New Contributor@YuanLi_S_Intel Yes I will be programming this device and installing it on a board. If possible I also need to read the program from these.
