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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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16 years ago

Prototyping Question

What are the options for loading new code into my FPGA design if I the person testing it is far away? Is there any program that can load an .sof file from a website through a USB blaster or cheaper imitation/kockoff cable without installing QuartusII on the testers computer? I also want to leave open the door for fixes and new parts of the game after I put it on ebay.

Development is happening with a cyclone II dev kit, but I am sure I can make it work on another Altera chip if it simplifies this process.

3 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Your question is a little confusing. Are you talking about remotely debugging or remotely updating an FPGA?

    For remote debugging honestly the best your going to do is remote desktop.

    For remote upgrade, the usual method is to put functionality into your design such that a new FPGA configuration can be dowloaded to the board ( via Ethernet or USB or something). The altremote_update core is used for this purpose.

    Jake
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    Remote desktop is always an option. You would need at least ASAP (Altera stand alone programmer) installed at the target system and an Altera supported programming Adapter connected.

    Having remote update capabilty designed to the product would be better way, however.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    16 years ago

    The debugging I will continue here. Thanks for the altremote_update info, thats what I needed.