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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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17 years ago

Stratix IV Serial Configuration Device

I am beginning a design that is built around the Stratix IV, and I have been looking at the configuration schemes to determine the best option for us. We have decided that we need to be able to use the Remote Upgrade feature, which requires us to use the AS scheme. However, it appears that the EPCS devices require 3.3V I/O, and we are not using 3.3V anywhere on our FPGA. Are there other devices that can be used for the scheme, or other possible options?

Thanks!

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  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
    Icon for Honored Contributor rankHonored Contributor
    17 years ago

    Not that I can recommend this to you but on my Stratix II GX designs that use Active Serial, I've gone ahead and connected it to the FPGA with the I/O voltage set at 1.8V and it's always worked fine.

    The datasheet recommends you use a level translator.

    Remember of course that you are not required to use Active Serial for remote update. You can do passive serial or passive parallel but you have to have an intelligent external controller to program the FPGA.