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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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14 years ago

DQ and DQS pins

Hello everybody,

I would like to know which are the functions of these pins and why are some dedicated pins inside the banks of the fpga.

In a hw design, is it necessary to attach the ssram/ddr data pins to the dq/dqs pins in the banks of the fpga?

Many thanks.

2 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    Hi,

    DDR memories have to use dedicated pins for data and strobes => dq/dqs.

    SRAM is more tolerant and you don't have to use these pins.

    Check "external memory interface handbook" (emi.pdf) document if you want to use DDR. The last chapter is a tutorial for DDR.

    You can also check altera development kit schematics (choose a kit with similar components) to understand external needs (pull up/down...).
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor

    Hi,

    I think the exact answer depends on the device family you use. But the short recommendation is: Use the "predefined" pins, otherwise Quartus might give you errors when using I/Os for DDR (even when there is no real physical reason inside the FPGA that prevents the pins from using them as DDR-I/O).

    Regards,

    Thomas