Noob help req - how to program (any) CPLD with ModelSim starter ed 10.1e ?

Question

Hi all,

I've read the ModelSim tutorial 10.1e PDF that covers loading an example design (counter), compiles it and simulates the waveform. M'kay, all that kind of made sense.

Now what do I do ?

Is there a Part 2 that covers pin assignment and programming or whatever?

I've found a 'Quartus II Handbook Ver14.0a10.0' which mentions a 'New Project Wizard' which I can't see anywhere. And the rest is going waaaaay over my head.

All I want is to be able to download their counter.v example into a chip and think "yeh this really works". I don't want to build a DeathStar on day one.

Altera's software must surely win the Vertical Learning Curve award :/

altera_forum · Answer

ModelSim only deals with simulations. You need to use the Altera Quartus II software, which is separate from ModelSim to create files that are used to load into a CPLD or FPGA. Note that there are some things in that will simulate but cannot be included in code that is to be loaded in to hardware.

There should be some example projects that came with the development board you are using. I'd work with these as you are getting started.

altera_forum · Answer

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ModelSim only deals with simulations. You need to use the Altera Quartus II software

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Oh, right, I was confused because the program title says "ModelSim-Altera 10.1e (Quartus II 14.0)" and I thought that was both. Actually I had no idea I needed both...

OK I've installed Quartus II Web Edition 14.0.0 Build 200 06/17/2014 SJ Web edition,

but after a lot of head scratching I've discovered it doesn't support MAX 3000A (or 7000) any more. Not sure why Altera did that, they look great for replacing GAL's ? :confused:

(http://dl.altera.com/devices/, look under MAX series)

but apparently 13.0sp1 does

so back to http://dl.altera.com/?edition=web

and there is a drop down that you can select the release of QII Web you want (currently 14.0)

picking 13.0sp1 then adds "MAX 3000, MAX 7000 device support" under devices

So, back to installing v14 and trying v13

Thanks for the help Galfonz, appreciated :)

I'm just documenting what I've tried in case this process confuses other people, I hate it when the OP leaves a thread hanging.

also, this is a related thread which might be relevant to someone

http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45070

and this is a MAX 3000A breakout board that people might like

http://dangerousprototypes.com/docs/jose:_altera_max3000a_cpld_breakout_v1