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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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10 years ago

MAX10 remote configuration with MCU

Design objective is to allow remote configuration update over ethernet with MCU. Is there a reference design or recommended method for this type of configuration?

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  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    10 years ago

    Yes - sure there is. However, Altera don't publish it.

    You might consider using Serial Vector Format (SVF) files, which Quartus can generate and can be 'played' through any JTAG programmer. However, if you're considering writing your own JTAG 'player' to configure your device you're in for a bumpy ride.

    If you want to remotely update your MAX10 device I strongly recommend you stick to the methods Altera recommends.

    Cheers,

    Alex
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    10 years ago

    --- Quote Start ---

    This is kind of a common method with some other devices which are designed to load from external spi.

    --- Quote End ---

    Indeed - I can see a scheme like this working for some of these "other devices". However, MAX10 doesn't support boot from an external FLASH. Internal FLASH or JTAG only for MAX10.

    Cheers,

    Alex
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    10 years ago

    Alex - thanks for post, -reviewed the reference info you mentioned. Was hoping there was a possible option using external spi flash, where the spi flash would sit between the mcu and the fpga. This would allow the mcu to load spi flash, and then signal the fpga to load from the spi flash. This is kind of a common method with some other devices which are designed to load from external spi.

    Thanks -Bob
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    10 years ago

    I'm unaware of a reference design. However, there is a recommended method for doing this. It's covered in detail in the 'max 10 fpga configuration user guide (https://www.altera.com/en_us/pdfs/literature/hb/max-10/ug_m10_config.pdf)' - see the 'remote system upgrade in dual compressed images' section.

    This also refers to the 'remote system upgrade for max 10 fpga devices over uart with the nios ii processor (https://www.altera.com/en_us/pdfs/literature/an/an741.pdf)' app note. Whilst you're not looking to deliver the update over UART, the same principle and methodology can be applied.

    Cheers,

    Alex