Why can't I use the Examine feature using command-line executable quartus_pgm to read back a JTAG Indirect Configuration File (.jic)/ Programmer Object File (.pof)?

Description

Due to a known issue in the Quartus® Prime software version 16.0.2 or earlier, the Examine feature using quartus_pgm for the .jic/.pof may be ignored. An example of the command is below.

quartus_pgm -o ei;file.jic;device_name

Resolution

To work around this problem, perform the following actions.

1. Prepare the Quartus Prime Programmer GUI environment.
2. Save the Chain Description File (.cdf) file in the Programmer GUI before starting examine and after checking the check-box of Examine. (For example, save as file.cdf.)
3. Edit the arguments of Path() and File() in file.cdf as necessary. (The argument File () should be the temporary .jic/.pof which is overwritten.
4. Execute quartus_pgm file.cdf in command-line.

This problem is scheduled to be fixed in a future release of the Quartus Prime software.