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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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17 years ago

FPGA Configuration problem using Flash Memory

Hi All,

I am trying to configure my FPGA through Flash memory. Though my flash memory is getting programmed successfully, the fpga is not getting configured.

Can anyone suggest me what could be the possible reasons for this.

I am using Quartus II 6.1 version.

FPGA is Stratix II GX - ep2s90ff1508c3

MAX II device - epm570gt100c3n

JTAG chain for programming

procedure followed:

1) Made a project with MAX II device.

2) Generated the MegaCore function "Parallel Flash Loader" combined for Programming and Configuration.

3) In programming window added the PFL pof.

4) In that added my CFI_512 flash device.

5) Now added my design file pof (flash format) to this CFI_512 flash.

my design file pof is for Stratix II GX device. In that i generated a new pof

for flash device.

6) Programed through JTAG.

Please suggest.

Thank you,

-Amit

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  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Can anyone upload their design for the pfl for the Stratix II PCIE board.

    It doesnt seem to work for me.

    Thanks
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    I actually dont have the cd. So I cant have the example file.

    Would it be possible for someone to upload the example design.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    I have the same board you discussing.

    But my problem is that when I connect it via JTAG, run programmer and click "auto detect", I see a list consisting only of EPM570 and EP2SGX90. There is no CFI_512MB. So probably I need to configure EPM570 correctly. What correct .pof should I use?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Did you press and hold the nCONFIG button during the auto detect ? The PFL needs to access the flash in order to figure out what type of flash it is.

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Hmm, got another problem.

    Now I recompiled pfl2 example, programmed EPM570 device.

    Now, in quartus programmer I see both EPM570 and CFI_512MB flash device attached to it.

    I can even read it (via examine feature) and it seems looks good.

    But I cannot neither write to it, nor erase: 

    
Info: Started Programmer operation at Thu Apr 22 06:45:51 2010
Info: Using default flash programming values
Info: Device 1 CFI Flash 1 is unknown Spansion device (16 bits data bus)
Info: Erasing CFI Flash configuration device(s)
Info: Programming status: erasing flash device 1 (unknown) at device chain position 1
Info: Programming status: erasing flash memory at byte address 0x00000000
Info: Programming status: erasing flash memory at byte address 0x00020000
Error: Erase failure on device number 1
Error: Operation failed
Info: Ended Programmer operation at Thu Apr 22 06:45:59 2010

    Where the problem might me? In flash_loader macrofunction?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Hi there,

    I am not sure it will solve your problem, but I recommend you to upgrade the PFL in the CPLD to version 3. In fact, at some point I was almost obliged to do that. I also realized that older version of the Quartus programmer may not properly recognize the flash. This may explain why your flash appears as 'unknown'.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Hi,

    I'm having the same problem, but I do not have the CD to go with this board, I inherited this project from the previous engineer who already left . Could someone send me a copy of this CD?

    I'm unable to download it from Altera, I guess because its discontinued?

    I would greatly appreciate it if someone could help me.

    My email is npd at aps.anl.gov

    Thanks,

    Nick
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    12 years ago

    Hi,

    I am trying to reconfigure the flash in one of my FPGA board and it is a cyclone 3 starter kit. I found this procedure in one of the posts in our forums. I have attached the pdf . The procedure is in page A5 of the pdf . But while reconfiguration i am facing a problem!

    After step 6 while performing step 8( change file) the CF1_128 file is automatically getting replaced by CFI_16 file .

    The program gets loaded successfully only 71% after which the loading stops.

    If any one can guide me as to why this is happening, i will be grateful!

    Thanks,

    ivads