What is the jtagserver.exe process that is started on my machine after installing the Quartus® II software, and why do I need it?

Description

The Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) server was developed to facilitate sharing JTAG hardware between the Quartus II software version 2.0 and third-party JTAG application software. Specifically, this process allows the Excalibur^™ device's debug tools to share the Altera^® JTAG download cable with the Quartus II software.

The Altera JTAG server service is initiated when the machine is booted, and the service is discontinued when the machine is shut down. Because other applications, such as the debugger, will also be running when the Quartus II software is not running, the JTAG server software was designed to run at all times.

If you do not plan to use any JTAG hardware, you may stop the JTAG server. You may also configure the server through the Properties dialog box, so that it will not start automatically when the machine is booted up.

In Windows NT, to configure the server so that it will not start automatically when the machine is booted up, do the following:

1. Select Settings > Control Panel (Start menu).
2. Double-click the Services icon.
3. Double-click Altera JTAG Server from the displayed list, then select Stop.
   You may also change the properties at this point by clicking Startup.
4. Click Close when you are finished.

In Windows 2000, to configure the server so that it will not start automatically when the machine is booted up, do the following:

1. Select Settings > Control Panel (Start menu).
2. Double-click the Administrative Tools icon.
3. Double-click Services.
4. Select Altera JTAG Server from the displayed list, right-click on the entry, then select Stop.
   You may also change the properties at this point by right-clicking Altera JTAG Server from the list, selecting Properties, and modifying fields in this window.
5. Click Close when you are finished.

If the service stops, it will automatically be started again by the Quartus II software if you open the Programmer window