Error (210027): Can't use configuration device EPCQL256 with selected programming mode

Description

You may see this error message when compiling an Arria® 10 design in Intel® Quartus® Prime or Prime Pro Edition Software version 17.0 or later when you are not using Active Serial (AS) configuration mode.

The error is caused by the .qsf assignment below, which appears in the .qsf file by default.

set_global_assignment -name USE_CONFIGURATION_DEVICE ON

Resolution

To work around this error, change the above .qsf assignment to

set_global_assignment -name USE_CONFIGURATION_DEVICE OFF

The USE_CONFIGURATION_DEVICE assignment is for AS configuration only.