Error Running Nios II Project: ‘Downloading ELF Process failed’

Description

If the Nios II processor’s cpu.data_master port is not connected to all program memories (memories to which the .elf file is downloaded) the software project fails to run on Nios II hardware.

Failure to connect cpu.data_master to all program memories is a design error that the Nios II SBT does not detect.

Resolution

Connect cpu.data_master to all program memories.