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Hi jaka,
I'm using Quartus 15.0 web edition trying to program the non-volatile key to the Cyclone V device on the SoCKit. SoCKit has the on-board USB Blaster II. But when I tried to program the non-volatile key, Quartus gave me the "Current hardware doesn't support security key programming" error. I tried you commnd line method but still the same. I also tried version 15.1, but still no luck.
You mentioned that Quartus 14.1 is the first version which supports programming of the non-volatile key with USB Blaster II. Do you know if this function in still in version 15.0 or 15.1?
Or is this function only available in paid verion of Quartus?
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Hi jlai,
Your error message is probably caused by older version of USB Blaster II driver which doesn't support key programming. I have seen the same problem if the USB Blaster II was installed with driver from Quartus 14.0 or earlier. It can be very painful to get the driver properly updated to the newer version (I only succeeded by using another computer!)
It might also be that the integrated USB Blaster II is somehow different from the stand-alone USB Blaster II and the integrated does not support key programming? The integrated USB Blaster II was available long before the standalone one.
I haven't used Quartus 15.x but I see no reason why the key programming would have been removed. At least your error message suggests that it would support but the programmer HW or driver is preventing it.
You don't need a paid version of Quartus II to program key. The key can be programmed even with just the free Quartus II programmer software, full Quartus is not needed. You need a license to generate the encrypted programming files, but you don't need a paid Quartus for that either. You need to talk to your local FAE to get the encryption license.
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