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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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18 years ago

MAX II Dev. kit programming

Hi,

I enconter a strage phenomena: when I try to program the EPM1270F256CS5 I imediatly get an error: "Error: Operation failed" (the progarming is not started at all). This accures with every file I try even with the simplest design (direct connection from an input to an output). Moreover, I even can't erase the chip.

I have tried with Quartus 6.1 and 7.2.

However, if I use a blank file name (by auto detect), I am able to erase. Also, I have no problem of programming with the original pof files.

Obviously, the progarmer is fine and I have some flaw in the file but I can't figure it out - everything during the compilation works fine.

Probably will turn out as a stupid mistake.

Any ideas?

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  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor
    17 years ago

    --- Quote Start ---

    There is another solution for programming ES devices that allows you to use the latest version of Quartus (7.2).

    Go to the project directory, and open the .qsf file. Make the modification as shown below:

    set_global_assignment -name DEVICE EPM1270F256C5

    to

    set_global_assignment -name DEVICE EPM1270F256C5ES

    Then, save the .qsf file and compile the project as usual and finally program the “ES” device with the new generated .pof file.

    You may not be using the 1270 device, but the main point is that you need to append "ES" the the device name.

    -Kevin

    --- Quote End ---

    I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to resurrect it and say how much I appreciated this tip.. I'm using an old StratixII eval board for a real quick demonstration and had the same problems of getting the MaxII-ES chip on the eval board programmed... I already have Quartus 6.1 and 7.2 on my machine and wasn't looking forward to installing yet another version (from an earlier suggestion) .. this tip however to modify the .qsf file was a nice, easy, clean, simple way to get things moving forward...

    Thanks wahilakn!

    ..dane
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor
    16 years ago

    Hi,

    I faced a similar problem with the same Max II 1270 dev kit with ES device. I followed wahilakn's comment and modified the .qsf file by adding "ES" 

    
set_global_assignment -name DEVICE EPM1270F256C5ES

    but I was getting another error, this time from the Fitter(Place and Route): 

    
Error: The supply voltage value 3.3V applied to the 'VCCINT' power rail is illegal for the currently selected device.

    which was not a hardware issue, since the device is rated for both 2.5V and 3.3V by jumper J9 setting.

    So I had to comment out this line: 

    
# set_global_assignment -name POWER_EXT_SUPPLY_VOLTAGE_TO_REGULATOR 3.3V

    I am able to program the device after this modification.