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Altera_Forum's avatar
Altera_Forum
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18 years ago

Regenerating the system in SOPC

Hi @ All!

I have a several VHDL design files which are included as a component in the SOPC Builder system and connected with an SDRAM Controller. Everything works except for some bugs.

My question is:

Do I have to delete and add again the components containing my design files and regenerate within the SOPC Builder each time I do any change in my design files?

Isn't it enough if I just recompile within Quartus?

I am not sure, because if I make changes, the hooks in the 'Task' window of Quartus stay instead of changing to '?'

The main problem is that it takes lots of time for compiling and regeneration and I must test the system on the hardware.

Thanks for your help.

6 Replies

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    Hi,

    As far as I know, you must regenerate through the SOPC builder any time you change the SOPC system itself. If the change is only in your other project modules then obviously you don't. Quartus simply uses the module built in SOPC just like any other module.

    Kaz
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    Hi,

    You need to regenerate the SOPC builder everytim you make a new changes to custom compoents whether its hdl based or non-hdl based. I am also doing the same stuff, what interface did you use to connect your componet to NIOS?(avalon master/slave, streaming etc,.). What simulators are you using to verify your components on SOPC?
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    if you didn't change component interface just edit previosly generated sources directly. After verification submit changes to the original component files.

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    You can write an Avalon breakout module that will allow your custom code to be outside of SOPC builder. Then you can just edit your HDL and compile in quartus without having to regenerate your SOPC system.

  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    The answer depends slightly on which version of the tools you are using.

    Prior to 7.1 : After making changes to your HDL code, Right click on your custom component in the IP catalog on the left side of SoPC Builder and click Edit Component. It will bring up the component wizard and automatically re-analyze your HDL files. After saving the component, you SHOULD delete any instances of the component in your system and re-add them. I say should because if the actual avalon interface didn't change at all, you don't really have to remove and re-add the component.

    7.1 and later: If the changes you made to the HDL do not affect the avalon interface or component settings at all, then do nothing. Components in 7.1 and later are compiled in as user libraries under Quartus. You can change the HDL code at will. If the changes you made do affect the avalon interface or component settings, then you should Edit the component to make any necessary changes. However, you do NOT need to remove and re-add any instances of your component. SoPC Bulder 7.1 and later will automatically detect those changes normally.

    Jake
  • Altera_Forum's avatar
    Altera_Forum
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    18 years ago

    --- Quote Start ---

    However, you do NOT need to remove and re-add any instances of your component. SoPC Bulder 7.1 and later will automatically detect those changes normally.

    Jake

    --- Quote End ---

    But you should regenerate whole system!