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Altera_Forum
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15 years ago

Embedded USB-Blaster

Hi All,

I'd like to use the embedded USB-Blaster found on the Spartan IV E development kit on my board. I have the circuitry from the given schematics, but the part is listed as pre-programmed, and I can't find the IP core as a megafunction in Quartus II or any reference to it on the Altera website. Is this available or is this something Altera doesn't give out?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Steve

6 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    spartan iv e? Made neither by X nor A, as far as I'm aware of.

    USB-Blaster wire protocol or logic core haven't been disclosed by Altera yet and you don't get tools to modify the CPLD code including the USB Blaster functionality. With some dev kits, you get a factory recovery image for the CPLD, e.g. Cylone III 120 board.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    Ooops, I meant Stratix IV E. Just spent so much time spec'ing and comparing parts I get the names swapped. I wouldn't even want to modify the CPLD code, I'd be happy with just a binary blob programming file and I'd put down the circuit exactly as is in the dev kit.

    Steve
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    I read from the Stratix IV E Dev Board user manual, that the MAX II image is included with the factory recovery files.

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    Thanks FvM, I even found it installed on my PC. Looks like I should just RTFM huh?

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    Altera_Forum
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    I digged deeper into this and the Max II recovery image included with the software is for the EPM2210 CPLD which handles configuring via CFI flash using the PFL megafunction. There is no recovery file for the EPM240 which handles the USB to JTAG. Anyone have any more ideas?

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    Sorry, I didn't realize, that there are two MAX devices.

    You can try with an USB-Blaster clone design from the internet.