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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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21 years ago

Example project for Altera dev. kit and Linux

Hello all,

Is there an example Quartus II project for Altera Cyclone development kit, which would be good for running Linux 2.6?

Or is there any documentation that would explain how to create own configuration that can run Linux 2.6?

All I can find is the linux_time_limited.sof for testing Linux 2.6 on Altera Cyclone development kit.

(Which I, by the way, can't program on the device, probably because of the byteblaster cable I'm using. USB-version is in the mail)

And that .sof file doesn't help if I need to configure some logic in the FPGA too...

Thanks for any information, in advance!

-Tervis

5 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    That's a good question. I don't think there are any sources for designs that can run the microtronix uclinux port. I know exatly what you mean, when you use the example .sof file you are limited to that specific configuration. If you want to add extra logic you jsut can't.

    -Thomas
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    Hello Tervis.

    You can try this:

    1. Create a new project in Quartus and copy the ptf-file linux_1c20.ptf to your new project-directory.

    2. Open the SOPC-builder by picking: Tools->SOPC builder.

    .... and hopefully the SOPC-builder opens with the Microtronix-settings. This is a start anyway ;-)

    .... remember to delete the cf-interface before compiling in SOPC-builder.

    If you are having any problems compiling your Linux kernel afterwards and error says something like "IDE error" try removing IDE support in the kernel builder.

    Hope you make it work.

    Please let me hear how it works out for you.

    Regards

    Goon
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    Hi, the Nios II Linux Distribution works with the standard_32 projects for each of the Altera Dev Boards. The only difference between their standard_32 and the time limited sof that we provide is the compact flash device.

    So, try the standard_32 as a start point. BTW, goon is absolutely correct, don't forget to remove the ATA/IDE stuff from the kernel config before trying to build a kernel for a standard_32 project.

    See the reference guide for more information.
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    Okay, I got my custom configuration to run Linux ok. Thank you very much for the advice.

    Next question is that can I easily enable the compact flash too?

    -Tervis
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    21 years ago

    It should be a matter of adding the altera_avalon_cf component to your SOPC Builder system and hooking up the correct pins within the Block Diagram for your Quartus project.

    Don&#39;t quote me on that though... I&#39;m a software guy. http://forum.niosforum.com/work2/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

    Take a look at the following link. It contains the cf component that I talked about and some instructions.

    altera avalon cf component (http://www.niosforum.com/forum/index.php?act=st&f=16&t=254)

    Hope it helps...