Hi Sir,10M50DDF256C8G vs 10M50DAF256C8GMy understanding is that the DD and DA packages are the same, or at least pin-to-pin compatible. However, when I tried using Quartus, I found that Device Migration cannot be set between these two devices.What is the reason for this?Are these two devices actually not pin-to-pin compatible? Thanks.Best Regards,Aaron

10M50DAF256C8G is a dual power supply device.Which document did you get that information from?Your explanation seems to contain many errors.

Hello!Yes, your understanding is correct in part, but the key detail is they are NOT pin-to-pin compatible, even though both use the same 256-pin FineLine BGA (F256) package.Here is the clear explanation of why Quartus does not allow Device Migration between 10M50DDF256C8G and 10M50DAF256C8G (both MAX 10 50K LE devices, speed grade C8, RoHS-compliant G suffix).The Critical Difference: Power Scheme (Single vs Dual Supply)Parameter10M50DAF256C8G10M50DDF256C8GImpact on CompatibilityPower SchemeSingle Supply (DAF = Dual + Analog? No: actually Single voltage rail)Dual Supply (DDF = Dual + Analog)Different power pin assignmentsCore Voltage (VCC)Shared with I/O: only 2.5V or 3.3VDedicated 1.2V coreCompletely differentVCCIO VoltageFixed to 2.5V or 3.3V (all banks same)Flexible per bank: 1.2V ~ 3.3VDifferent flexibilityAdditional Power PinsFewer dedicated 1.2V pinsMore dedicated 1.2V VCC + VCCA pinsPower/ground ball locations differPinout Compatibility—Not pin-compatible with DAFCannot be swapped directlyWhy Quartus Blocks Device MigrationQuartus Prime's "Device Migration" feature only allows switching between devices that are fully pin-compatible — meaning every single ball (pin) has the exact same function and voltage domain.The DDF version has many balls assigned to 1.2V core power (VCC) and analog supply (VCCA).The DAF version reassigns those same balls to VCCIO (2.5V/3.3V) or ground.If you try to migrate:Quartus detects the power pin reassignment → migration path is not supported.Even if you force the change manually, the design would fail hardware (you would short 1.2V to 3.3V or leave core unpowered → chip damage or no function).Summary Table – Can You Interchange Them?QuestionAnswerSame package size / ball count?Yes (both F256)Same logic resources & speed grade?Yes (identical 50K LE, C8 grade)Pin-to-pin compatible?No – power pins are remappedCan I use one on a board designed for the other?No – will damage the device or not workDoes Quartus allow migration?No – migration path is blockedWhich one should I choose?Depends on your board power design: • Single 2.5V/3.3V rail → DAF • Need 1.2V core + flexible I/O → DDFRecommendation:Check your schematic / power supply design:If you only have one voltage rail (2.5V or 3.3V) for both core and I/O → use 10M50DAF256C8GIf you have separate 1.2V core supply → use 10M50DDF256C8GDo not swap them on an existing PCB — it will almost certainly destroy the FPGA.If you're redesigning the board, choose DAF for simpler power supply (single rail, fewer components).If you can share a screenshot of your power supply schematic (especially VCC, VCCIO, VCCA connections), I can tell you immediately which one is correct for your design.Alternatively, you can visit www.aceicc.com and seek their advice; I got a good answer from them last time.

Hi,above AI generated answer is mostly wrong, unfortunately. Suggest to refer to MAX10 Device Overview for decoding of part name. DA and DD are both dual supply, DD has additional features.I didn't yet check pinout and migration compatibility.

Hi ,Yes you answer is right .And I already check pin out are same.But I don't know why migration cannot use both p/n

Hi,looks to me like Quartus fault. Only functional difference of security features, apparently not affecting pinout.I'd make a revision with same pinout.Regards Frank

Device migration about DD and DA | Altera Community

11 Replies

jigechouhaihai

New Contributor

1 month ago

Hello!

Yes, your understanding is correct in part, but the key detail is they are NOT pin-to-pin compatible, even though both use the same 256-pin FineLine BGA (F256) package.

Here is the clear explanation of why Quartus does not allow Device Migration between 10M50DDF256C8G and 10M50DAF256C8G (both MAX 10 50K LE devices, speed grade C8, RoHS-compliant G suffix).

The Critical Difference: Power Scheme (Single vs Dual Supply)

Parameter	10M50DAF256C8G	10M50DDF256C8G	Impact on Compatibility
Power Scheme	Single Supply (DAF = Dual + Analog? No: actually Single voltage rail)	Dual Supply (DDF = Dual + Analog)	Different power pin assignments
Core Voltage (VCC)	Shared with I/O: only 2.5V or 3.3V	Dedicated 1.2V core	Completely different
VCCIO Voltage	Fixed to 2.5V or 3.3V (all banks same)	Flexible per bank: 1.2V ~ 3.3V	Different flexibility
Additional Power Pins	Fewer dedicated 1.2V pins	More dedicated 1.2V VCC + VCCA pins	Power/ground ball locations differ
Pinout Compatibility	—	Not pin-compatible with DAF	Cannot be swapped directly

Why Quartus Blocks Device Migration

Quartus Prime's "Device Migration" feature only allows switching between devices that are fully pin-compatible — meaning every single ball (pin) has the exact same function and voltage domain.

The DDF version has many balls assigned to 1.2V core power (VCC) and analog supply (VCCA).
The DAF version reassigns those same balls to VCCIO (2.5V/3.3V) or ground.

If you try to migrate:

Quartus detects the power pin reassignment → migration path is not supported.
Even if you force the change manually, the design would fail hardware (you would short 1.2V to 3.3V or leave core unpowered → chip damage or no function).

Summary Table – Can You Interchange Them?

Question	Answer
Same package size / ball count?	Yes (both F256)
Same logic resources & speed grade?	Yes (identical 50K LE, C8 grade)
Pin-to-pin compatible?	No – power pins are remapped
Can I use one on a board designed for the other?	No – will damage the device or not work
Does Quartus allow migration?	No – migration path is blocked
Which one should I choose?	Depends on your board power design: • Single 2.5V/3.3V rail → DAF • Need 1.2V core + flexible I/O → DDF

Recommendation:

Check your schematic / power supply design:
- If you only have one voltage rail (2.5V or 3.3V) for both core and I/O → use 10M50DAF256C8G
- If you have separate 1.2V core supply → use 10M50DDF256C8G
Do not swap them on an existing PCB — it will almost certainly destroy the FPGA.
If you're redesigning the board, choose DAF for simpler power supply (single rail, fewer components).

If you can share a screenshot of your power supply schematic (especially VCC, VCCIO, VCCA connections), I can tell you immediately which one is correct for your design.

Alternatively, you can visit www.aceicc.com and seek their advice; I got a good answer from them last time.

Aaron
New Contributor
1 month ago
10M50DAF256C8G is a dual power supply device.
Which document did you get that information from?
Your explanation seems to contain many errors.

FvM
Super Contributor
1 month ago
Hi,
above AI generated answer is mostly wrong, unfortunately. Suggest to refer to MAX10 Device Overview for decoding of part name. DA and DD are both dual supply, DD has additional features.
I didn't yet check pinout and migration compatibility.
- Aaron
  New Contributor
  1 month ago
  Hi ,
  Yes you answer is right .
  And I already check pin out are same.
  But I don't know why migration cannot use both p/n
FvM
Super Contributor
1 month ago
Hi,
looks to me like Quartus fault. Only functional difference of security features, apparently not affecting pinout.
I'd make a revision with same pinout.
Regards Frank
AqidAyman_Altera
Regular Contributor
1 month ago
Hello Aaron,

Can you share which Quartus version are you using?

Let me check internally on this.

Regards,

Aqid
- FvM
  Super Contributor
  1 month ago
  Hi Aqid,
  
  no migration compatbility between 10M50DDF256C8G and 10M50DAF256C8G, neither in Quartus Prime 24.1 Std nor 25.1 Std.
  
  Regards
  Frank
  - AqidAyman_Altera
    Regular Contributor
    1 month ago
    Hi Frank,
    
    Yeah, I checked and verified that.
    
    However, I do agree with you that both OPN should be compatible with each other. Since the difference is only in the flash access control feature.
    
    Regards,
    Aqid
- Aaron
  New Contributor
  1 month ago
  Hi Aqid,
  I used 25.1standard.
  as you mention you agree withboth OPN should be compatible with each other. Since the difference is only in the flash access control feature.
  Future will modify at Quartus?
  And can I confim to customer both OPN compatible with each other?
  Thanks.
  Best Regards,
  Aaron Hsu
  - AqidAyman_Altera
    Regular Contributor
    27 days ago
    Hi Aaron,
    
    The Device Migration window in Quartus is only applicable for vertical migration. Since this device has a difference in features, it depends on the design if you want to do a direct migration.
    
    In other words, in terms of pinout, it is migratable. However, for design, it depends.
    
    Regards,
    
    Aqid