FPGA Generic QUAD SPI Controller Core

Hi

I'm trying to read and write to Micron Flash MT25QL512ABB via Intel Generic QUAD SPI Controller IP on max10M50DAF with a custom PCB. (see schematics attached)

In order to verify a proper R/W operation I created a project (on Quartus 15.1) with the above IP and added an AXI to JTAG so I can test the IP on the Quartus System Console.

I was managed to read the status register but could not write properly to the devise and all read commands gave 0xffffffff.

In order to verify my commands are valid I exported my design to MAX10 FPGA Development Kit and used similar commands to read and write successfully to a Micron Flash N25Q512A. so I guess my commands are valid.

at this point I suspected the QUAD SPI Controller IP doesn't really support the MT25QL512ABB (even though the flash is listed under the IP support) so I compiled my design on Quartus 22.1 and updated the IP to Generic QUAD SPI Controller II Core. to my surprise the compilation failed with those 2 errors:

1. Error (15856): Output port O of I/O output buffer "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_CLK~output" must drive a top-level pin

2. Error (15856): Output port O of I/O output buffer "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_CSn~output" must drive a top-level pin

those pins are connected connected all the way to the top level pins.

I tried to search for those signals in the netlist viewer but didn't find those.

also I'm getting those warnings:

Warning (14632): Output pin "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_DQ0" driven by bidirectional pin "QSPI_DQ0" cannot be tri-stated
Warning (14632): Output pin "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_DQ1" driven by bidirectional pin "QSPI_DQ1" cannot be tri-stated
Warning (14632): Output pin "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_DQ2" driven by bidirectional pin "QSPI_DQ2" cannot be tri-stated
Warning (14632): Output pin "pre_syn.bp.o1_QSPI_DQ3" driven by bidirectional pin "QSPI_DQ3" cannot be tri-stated

Please advise

thanks