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Altera_Forum
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16 years ago

ByteBlasterII JTAG chain problem detected

Hi

I´m trying to program a EP3C5E144C8N FPGA in JTAG mode using a ByteBlasterII cable. The pins are connected as indicated in the JTAG configuration of a single device using a download cable (Fig 10.24 of the Cyclone III handbook). All the power suplies used have been measured in the device and are OK.

When I test the JTAG chain integrity the QuartusII return the messages:

-No device detected

-The TDO connection to the dowload cable migth be shorted to GND or is an open circuit

-The TCK and TMS connections to the last device migth have problem.

I used the IDCODE iteration and tested all the signals in the blaster connector and the TDO signal is always in 0.01V when I think that this signal must change around 2.5V when programming.

Any idea?

Thank in advance

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

    Your question can be answered very different.

    - There's always a certain risk of damaging electronic devices by ESD. Some reports say, that 50 % of unspecific device faults are caused by ESD events. It's recommended to use protection equipment not only in production but also in development and prototyping.

    - It's unlikely, that a particular device has been damaged by ESD in an usual lab enviroment.

    - More likely damaging mechanisms are overheating during solder and supply overvoltages

    - Potentially dangerous equipment are isolated SMPS without protective ground connection, either supplying a mobile computer or a development kit