Read binary file to binary vector array

--- Quote Start ---

Hmm I don't think I'm quite trying to do that?

--- Quote End ---

You just don't think that is what you are asking :)

The Quartus synthesis tool generates an .sof image for the FPGA. You were asking how to get Quartus to use a file - the only reason to do that would be to have that file used for synthesis.

--- Quote Start ---

I don't have any contents in SDRAM right now. My data is an external binary txt file and I need to figure out how to read that into a binary vector array (thereby initializing it) and then use that inside a process where I write the data to SDRAM. Is that what you're referring to which can't be done?

--- Quote End ---

What "can be done" depends on your hardware.

Assuming your FPGA is sitting on a board with only a JTAG connection connecting it to your host PC, how many ways can you think of to get data from a text file on your hard-drive onto the FPGA?

If however your FPGA is on a PCIe board sitting inside a PC, and you know how to write device drivers, then you could transfer data over PCI to the SDRAM (via the FPGA), and have your FPGA logic access the SDRAM after the data is written.

If you describe your hardware, I'll try to help you figure out what you can do. You should first read the tutorial I provide the link for, things may become a little clearer to you then.

Cheers,

Dave