POF file format specification

Question

Hello all,I'm a IC support engineer. I would like to understand better the POF file format in order to support the 10M08SA device.I found the fmt_pof.pdf, but it provides just a short overview.  Is there any other document available? For example, the packet with tag 17 (Logical address and data32) has an additional header of 12 bytes. It should be composed as follows:long address;short ?;long size_in_bits;short ?;Is it correct?Which is the meaning of the two short fields?Thanks in advance.

shafiqy_intel · Answer

Hi LZANU,The is no other document available for details explanation on POF file format. I'm apologize for inconvenience.Basically, the POF file is used to program an external flash device configuration, like a flash or EEPROM device (maintain its contents once power is disconnected)And SOF file is used to programs the FPGA fabric directly (FPGA is SRAM cell). (its contents not maintain once power is disconnected)Cheers

lzanu · Answer

Hi ShafiqY,Thank you for your reply. If I am not wrong the Max 10 family provides also an internal flash memory (CFM and UFM) to be programmed. In fact, Quartus programmer allows to program it once the pof file si loaded (please see the attached screenshot).What can I do to have such information? If I open a support case, then they suggest to ask the community.

shafiqy_intel · Answer

Hi LZANU,Yes, you're right. MAX 10 Family have internal flash memory.(you no need to buy extra flash :) )If you program the POF file, the design maintain its contents once power is disconnectedIf you program the SOF file, the design do not maintain its contents once power is disconnectedIf you have a concern about UFM &amp; CFM, you may refer to this link (https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/programmable/us/en/pdfs/literature/hb/max-10/ug_m10_ufm.pdf)Basically, the size of UFM smaller compare to CFM. If you have any specific question, you can ask here.Cheers

lzanu · Answer

Hi ShafiqY,Thank you for your reply. Anyway, my question was about the POF format (especially on the packet with tag 17). Who should I ask for such information?Thanks in advance.

ak6dn · Answer

You aren't going to get much of an answer from Altera/Intel on the POF file format without an NDA.That being said, this document:  http://matthieu.benoit.free.fr/dataio/2900/2939u_book1.pdf  provides as detailed a description of the POF file format as exists in public.Look under 'Translation Formats' for the POF Code 14 section.What you won't find tho is detailed per device descriptions of the format of type 17 records. Only Altera/Intel can give you that.

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POF file format specification

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