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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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15 years ago

SFL for loading EPCS

Hello,

I have several questions before designing a new board with cyclone device and I'll be happy if you could help with this issue.

I would like to configure cyclone III EPCS via JTAG, there is an option to do that via SFL. Couldn’t understand exactly how to use this option. I want to make sure I understood it correctly.

1. Case I want to configure EPC via JTAG interface and

If resetting the FPGA is not an issue for me during the EPCS

programming all I need is to convert .sof to .jic file in quartus II

software, set the EPCS type and program .jic file via quartus

programmer. Am I right????? All the process is automatic.

2. Case I want to allow EPCS programming without resetting my design

I will use SFL megafunction and instantiate the SFL image into my

VHDL design.

The SFL megafunction in vhdl has I/Os (dclk_in,

ncso_in,asdo_in,noe_in,asmi_access_granted,

data0_out,asmi_access_request). Where sould I connect

these I/Os ???? Where should I place SFL megafunction?

3. Can I use 1,2 options with FTDI-FT2232H's JTAG interface, Instead of USB

Blaster download cable?

5 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    15 years ago

    As far as I see, there's no solution from Altera that can access a user EPCS programmer inside the master FPGA by the Quartus programmer. In my view, a JTAG chain containing both FPGAs would be the most simple Altera programmer conformant solution.

    P.S.: Using a single EPCS device for both FPGA according to Device Manual Figure 9.4 would be another option, requires however merging of the configuration files.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    15 years ago

    Hello,

    I have 2 boards(master,slave). both have Cyclone IV and EPCS.

    board1 (master) EPCS will be configured via FT2232H JTAG interface - using SFL core (using FTDI's DLL or quartus like you mentioned in previously.

    I would like Board1 Cyclone to configure Board2 Cyclone's EPCS.

    What is the best way to do that?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    15 years ago

    2. You don't the Share ASMI option for a simple SFL design. It's required, if additional designfunctions are accessing the EPCS device.

    3. Review the said thread. The Arrow driver links the FTDI driver to the Quartus JTAG stack.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    15 years ago

    1. agree.

    2. So why do I need the "share asmi interface in the design" option?

    3. Can I use Quartus to configure EPCS via FT2232?

    IF NOT?

    Can I do it using FTDI's DLLs?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    15 years ago

    1. You have to load the default SFL image for the respective device

    2. The basic altserial_flash_loader only exposes noe, which has to be pulled down. The component can be instantiated anywhere in your design, typically in the top entity.

    3. The FT2232 programming solution provided with the first BeMicro stick can do (using the jtag_hw_arrow_usb_blaster driver).

    See http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20490