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Aaron's avatar
Aaron
Icon for New Contributor rankNew Contributor
1 month ago

Device migration about DD and DA

Hi Sir,

10M50DDF256C8G vs 10M50DAF256C8G

My 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

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11 Replies

  • AqidAyman_Altera's avatar
    AqidAyman_Altera
    Icon for Regular Contributor rankRegular Contributor
    1 month ago

    Hello Aaron,

     

    Can you share which Quartus version are you using?

    Let me check internally on this.

     

    Regards,

    Aqid

    • Aaron's avatar
      Aaron
      Icon for New Contributor rankNew 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's avatar
        AqidAyman_Altera
        Icon for Regular Contributor rankRegular Contributor
        27 days ago

        Hi Aaron,

         

        I also got confirmation internally that only vertical migrations are supported through Quartus GUI (Migratable devices are listed in the "Migration Devices" window). 

         

        Conditional Migration requires PCB design considerations and is not supported in Quartus software.

         

        Regards,
        Aqid

    • FvM's avatar
      FvM
      Icon for Super Contributor rankSuper 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's avatar
        AqidAyman_Altera
        Icon for Regular Contributor rankRegular 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

  • FvM's avatar
    FvM
    Icon for Super Contributor rankSuper 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

  • FvM's avatar
    FvM
    Icon for Super Contributor rankSuper 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's avatar
      Aaron
      Icon for New Contributor rankNew 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 

  • jigechouhaihai's avatar
    jigechouhaihai
    Icon for New Contributor rankNew 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)

    Parameter10M50DAF256C8G10M50DDF256C8GImpact on Compatibility
    Power SchemeSingle 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 3.3VDedicated 1.2V coreCompletely different
    VCCIO VoltageFixed to 2.5V or 3.3V (all banks same)Flexible per bank: 1.2V ~ 3.3VDifferent flexibility
    Additional Power PinsFewer dedicated 1.2V pinsMore dedicated 1.2V VCC + VCCA pinsPower/ground ball locations differ
    Pinout Compatibility—Not pin-compatible with DAFCannot 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?

    QuestionAnswer
    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:

    1. 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
    2. Do not swap them on an existing PCB — it will almost certainly destroy the FPGA.
    3. 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's avatar
      Aaron
      Icon for New Contributor rankNew 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.