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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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14 years ago

Can FPGA access RAM on PC?

Hello everyone,

Is there a way to make FPGA read and write to RAM on PC via PCI interface?

I am also wondering how to make FPGA access its internal memory.

I am using Cyclone IV GX starter kit.

Please help. :D

1 Reply

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor

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    Is there a way to make FPGA read and write to RAM on PC via PCI interface?

    --- Quote End ---

    The Cyclone IV GX Transceiver Starter Kit uses a PCI Express rather than PCI bus interface. Both are almost software compatible in the higher protocol layers. A PCIe or PCI bus device can basically access memory through DMA. This is mainly a problem of required programming at the PC side. I don't know, if Jungo WinDriver used in the Altera reference design provides DMA capability. In any case, it'a an advanced PCIe driver topic and not suggested for a first project.

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    I am also wondering how to make FPGA access its internal memory.

    --- Quote End ---

    Do you mean FPGA internal RAM or SSRAM of the starter kit? There should be Altera examples for both.