Issue Configuring MAX10: "Can't Access JTAG Chain"

For anyone reading this, I've resolved the problem.

The issue was that there were unsoldered pins. With this package of IC (QFP-144), it can be difficult to tell if pins are soldered visually. Instead, you can gently press on each pin with a fine-tipped tool (e.g. exacto knife) while observing it under a microscope. If you notice the pin wiggle, it's not properly attached.

Other recommendations: While debugging this problem, I did find that my configuration pins were not properly set up. This is partly due to my own mistakes amplified by inconsistent/ambiguous documentation (this isn't so much a critique as it is an acknowledgement that FPGAs are extremely and many legitimate configurations exist).

For the MAX10 devices, I highly recommend the MAX 10 Design Guidelines Document (https://www.altera.com/content/dam/altera-www/global/en_us/pdfs/literature/hb/max-10/m10_guidelines.pdf). Use this early and often when you're designing your system!

Cheers,

J