Quartus Prime Pro 26.1 - Where to find Documentation of new Signaltap features
Hello, Quartus Prime Pro 26.1 is advertizing new SignalTap Python API. But there's no 26.3 Signaltap User Guide yet available. Where to find a documentation of Python interface or example code? Regards FrankSolved113Views0likes7CommentsAgilex3 dcio parsing issue with RSU
Dear support, I am facing with the following issue: Environment: Quartus prime pro 26.1.0 build 110 (03/26/2026) on windows 11 Target board: Agilex3C evaluation kit (non-hps) Cosigned SDM + Authentication enabled Quartus pfg config file attached (manual.pfg.txt) I can successfully program the flash (the rbf helper signed) via Quartus programmer so the generated jic image is there. When I power-cycle the board and check in configuration debugger the RSU status, I get the following picture: attached rsu_dcio_issue.png I tried to generate the boot.rbf: from sof with -o rsu_boot=ON without injecting sdm without signing the rbf from sof with -o rsu_boot=ON with injecting a signed sdm, with signing the rbf (and basically all the combination with/without signing) In all cases I get back this same issue. QSF file also attached. I validated if I can load from configuration debugger the 1) Factory image (entered base address) --> OK 2) P1 image --> OK 3) P2 image --> OK so it looks like the error is either in the tables or in the decision firmware image itself. The decision firmware.rbf image I signed with permission 0x6, the agilex3.zip with permission 0x1 Today I basically iterated through all the possible way and it still fails. If anyone has any idea where to debug it further (online help again not helping too much), please let me know. Since the issue happening at commands those were in the normal and security guideline and where there are not so much parameters I believe it is either: 1) qsf issue, i am missing some assignment or have false setting --> but which one?? 2) quartus sw issue One last thing: Permission for signing SDM was 0x1 Permission for signing BOOT_INFO / FACTORY_IMAGE / User partitions were 0x6 quartus_sign did not allow me to sign BOOT_INFO with 0x1 permission Signing chains: root0 -> 2x QKY: firmware signing key (0x1) + design signing key (0x6) Update: Is this related to the following entry?! Error(22650): File <filename>.jic is corrupted. DCIO/Main section data information is not found | Altera Community - 351710 Update2: After disabling in the .pfg file the factory fallback: <partition reserved="1" fixed_s_addr="1" s_addr="0x00000000" factory_fallback="0" e_addr="0x0020FFFF" fixed_e_addr="1" id="BOOT_INFO" size="0"/> the issue did not happen anymore --> confirming the issue in 351710 still exists with Quartus 26.1 Thank you for your help in advance! Kind regards, PeterSolved99Views0likes4CommentsSystem-Console 26.1 java.io.IOException: Cannot run program "ps": CreateProcess error=2
System-Console 26.1 throws this error. Yet it runs fine. Any fix for it? Tried on multiple computers: Windows 10, 11, ... FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.issp.internal.ISSPPluginProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.monitor.internal.MonitorPluginProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2 run FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.monitor.internal.MonitorPluginProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.pli.PliDeviceProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2 run FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.pli.PliDeviceProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelPluginProvider May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2 run FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelPluginProvider java.io.IOException: Cannot run program "ps": CreateProcess error=2, The system cannot find the file specified at java.base/java.lang.ProcessBuilder.start(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.ProcessBuilder.start(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.Runtime.exec(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.Runtime.exec(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.Runtime.exec(Unknown Source) at com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelTclExtension.isScmdRunning(RemoteChannelTclExtension.java:88) at com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelTclExtension.<init>(RemoteChannelTclExtension.java:43) at com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelPluginProvider.installTclExtension(RemoteChannelPluginProvider.java:54) at com.altera.systemconsole.plugin.remotechannel.RemoteChannelPluginProvider.install(RemoteChannelPluginProvider.java:39) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2.run(SystemFilesystem.java:334) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler.pluginEnabled(SystemFilesystem.java:341) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler.childrenAdded(SystemFilesystem.java:367) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemNode.fireChildrenAdded(SystemNode.java:291) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemNode.addChildren(SystemNode.java:265) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery.loadPlugins(SystemConsole.java:246) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery.run(SystemConsole.java:213) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemExecutor$4.run(SystemExecutor.java:551) at com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemExecutor$ComparableTask.run(SystemExecutor.java:151) at java.base/java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor.runWorker(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source) Caused by: java.io.IOException: CreateProcess error=2, The system cannot find the file specified at java.base/java.lang.ProcessImpl.create(Native Method) at java.base/java.lang.ProcessImpl.<init>(Unknown Source) at java.base/java.lang.ProcessImpl.start(Unknown Source) ... 21 more May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole logWarning WARNING: Debug Server failed to start May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.scripting.UserScriptSupport May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2 run FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.scripting.UserScriptSupport May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.scripting.ui.ConsolePlugin May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemFilesystem$PluginHandler$2 run FINE: Enabling plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.scripting.ui.ConsolePlugin May 07, 2026 2:39:29 PM com.altera.systemconsole.internal.core.SystemConsole$PluginDiscovery loadPlugins FINE: Discovered plugin: com.altera.systemconsole.sldhubchannel.SldHubPluginProvider38Views0likes5CommentsLicensing ‘Know-How’ Guide
#sharing #debug #altera #alldevices #license Disclaimer: This article is provided as-is for educational purposes only, without warranty of any kind. Use the information at your own risk. Always verify implementations in your specific environment and consult official Altera documentation for production deployments. Introduction Licensing issues are one of the most common reasons FPGA tools fail to start. The good news is that most problems are configuration related and can be fixed quickly by following a simple, step-by-step approach. Sections 1: Start with the Error Message (Most Important!) Always look at the first licensing error message shown by the tool. This is usually the real issue. Any errors that appear later are usually caused by the first problem. Here’s are common error messages and what they usually mean: Invalid hostid → License does not match your machine ID Cannot find license file → Invalid or missing license path Unable to checkout a license → License not found, in use, or server issue 300: License version is outside the range of the contract → license file generated with blank FLEXlm error: Vendor daemon version is too old → daemon used mismatch or too old Cannot checkout uncounted license in Windows Terminal Services → Questa does not support remote desktop. Most common errors already have known fixes. Try searching the error message or key issue at: Altera Knowledge Base: https://community.altera.com/category/top/kb/knowledge-base Altera Community Forums: https://community.altera.com/category/forums For floating licenses, you can also check the FlexNet error code list: Error Code Descriptions Don’t try to fix everything at once. Fix the first error, then retry. In many cases, the rest will disappear automatically. 2: Check Your License (.dat) File Open the .dat license file using a text editor (for example, Notepad) and verify the following. i. Machine ID (NIC / HOST ID) The license is locked to a specific machine ID. Example in the license file: # Primary Machine ID-NIC ID 12AB34C56EF7 If the Host ID doesn’t match your machine ID, the license will not work. Helpful Tips 1: ----------------------------------------------------- START ----------------------------------------------------- Quartus software can automatically detect the Machine ID. To view this, go to Tools → License Setup, then check Local System Information and select one of the detected NIC IDs. ------------------------------------------------------ END ------------------------------------------------------ ii. License Type Licenses are set up differently, so confirm which type you have.Look for one of these lines: # Fixed Node License → Nodelocked license # Floating Server License → Floating license Nodelocked: Locked to one machine Floating: Served from a license server and shared Make sure you’re following the setup steps that match your license type. iii. Product License Summary Find the Product License Summary section and confirm it lists the tools/IP you’re planning to use. Examples: Quartus® Prime Software (Standard / Pro) Questa® FPGA Starter Edition (SWQUESTA) If a tool or IP is not listed here, it won’t be able to check out a license—even if the license file setup successfully. iv. License Expiration & Maintenance Licenses can look similar but behave very differently. We have: a. Perpetual License Has a Maintenance Expiration date You can use tool versions released before that date Example shown in license file: # Maintenance Expiration of 2026.06 # No license expiration date b. NonPerpetualLicense Has a hard expiration date License stops working after this date Example shown in license file: # License Expires 20Jun2026 Always doublecheck the license expiration & maintenance date before moving on. 3. Verify Environment Variables The tools use environment variables to find the license. If these are wrong, the tools may not find your license—or may use an old license file. Common environment variables: Different tools use different environment variables to locate the license. LM_LICENSE_FILE → Quartus® Prime SALT_LICENSE_SERVER → Questa* FPGA Edition Depending on the license type, they should point to: Nodelocked license: Full path to the .dat file Floating license: port@hostname Examples: LM_LICENSE_FILE=C:\licenses\license.dat LM_LICENSE_FILE=25000@licenseserver Next verify the environment variable. Open Command Prompt and run: echo %LM_LICENSE_FILE% If nothing is printed, the environment variable is either not set or the changes have not taken effect. If it is the latter, close and reopen the command prompt after making the changes. If the variable points to an incorrect location, update it accordingly. Note that outdated or incorrect environment variables are a very common source of issues. Helpful Tips 2: ----------------------------------------------------- START ----------------------------------------------------- There is a quick way to set using command line. Open Command Prompt and run: Windows: setx LM_LICENSE_FILE <path_to_license_file> Linux: setenv LM_LICENSE_FILE "<path_to_license_file>" ------------------------------------------------------ END ------------------------------------------------------ 4. Check the License Server (Floating Licenses Only) If you’re using a floating license, verify the server. On the client machine: Server hostname resolves correctly Network is working Firewall is not blocking the license port On the license server: License server process is running Vendor daemon is running Server log shows no fatal errors Licenses are available (not all checked out) If the server isn’t running properly, clients won’t be able to get licenses. 5. Scenario / Walkthrough i) Floating License Setup Walkthrough A floating license setup walkthrough (Know-How: Set Up a Floating License) is available to guide you through the complete process of configuring a floating license. Know-How: Set Up a Floating License (Step-by‑Step Walkthrough) | Altera Community - 352000 ii) Manual License File Download (License Email Not Received) If you generate a license but do not receive the license email within 5 minutes, you can manually download the license file using the steps below: Log in to SSLC. Navigate to Computers and License Files. Click the Primary Computer ID. Go to the ENTITLEMENTS tab. Select the relevant license (for example, LR‑****). Click the license file link to download the license file. Example shown below: iii) SSLC Access Denied Error Resolution If you encounter the message below when attempting to sign in to SSLC, please refer to the community thread linked below for the solution: Message:“You do not currently have access to this site. Please follow the instructions on the help page to request access.” Self service license server doesn't work | Altera Community - 352404 iv) Changing License Type (Fixed ↔ Floating) To change an existing license type: Log in to SSLC. Navigate to Computers and License Files. Navigate to the license file and click Edit in the drop-down menu. Change the License Type to FIXED or FLOAT, click Save. Now you can generate the license file with the Existing Computer. For your reference, this error occurs when you attempt to create a computer with the same NIC ID. You cannot create two computers with the same NIC ID, even with different license types. *Additionally, changing the license type will use up one rehost count. If all 3 rehost count have been used up, you can not change the license type for the specific computer anymore. Conclusion Licensing issues are almost always setup or configuration problems. Following this guide step-by-step starting with the error message will resolve most issues. If you’re still stuck after trying all the steps, feel free to post your issue on the Altera Community Forum (https://community.altera.com/category/forums) for help. When posting, please try to include the following: i. Error Details The exact licensing error message, copied as is If there are multiple errors, include the first one shown ii. Tool Information Product name (example: Quartus/Questa) Tool version (example: Quartus Pro 25.3/ Questa Altera FPGA Edition 2025.2) Operating system (Windows or Linux, version if known) iii. License Information License type: Nodelocked (fixed)/ Floating (network) Purchased / Evaluation license If possible, a copy of the license file (.dat) iv. What You’ve Already Tried Steps you have already checked or attempted Any workaround that partially worked The more complete your post, the faster the community (and Altera support staff) can help. Additional Altera Support Webpages For further information related to licensing, you may check out Altera Licensing Webpages for the wholesome experiences to get your FPGA licensing product setup and running with minimal hassle: FPGA Licensing Support Center Quartus® Prime Software Licensing Questions and Answers Additionally, we have FPGA Software Download and Installation Support webpage: FPGA Software Download and Installation Support Self Service Licensing Center (SSLC) Issues For issue related to the SSLC, please contact Customer Service if you encounter any of the following: Can’t find a product in SSLC Errors when generating a license file Errors when renewing a license file Unable to generate a companion or temporary license Unable to update license users or delegate administrators Need to transfer license ownership between accounts Contact Altera Customer Service here: https://licensing.altera.com/sslc/s/contact-customer-service For account login issue, please mail to: loginsupport@altera.com License Purchase Inquiries For purchasing licenses, pricing questions, or commercial inquiries, please contact an Altera Authorized Distributor: https://www.altera.com/contact160Views0likes0CommentsQuestion about VGA parameter in Transceiver Toolkit (Quartus Std 23.1)
Hello, I am using Transceiver Toolkit in Quartus Prime Standard 23.1 (Build 993). I can get and configure the Variable Gain Amplifier (VGA) parameter in the GUI, but I cannot find any corresponding command in the documented Transceiver Toolkit scripting API. From the documentation (683552 - 2018.09.24), I can use the following commands (get & set): transceiver_channel_rx_get_dcgain transceiver_channel_rx_get_eqctrl transceiver_channel_rx_get_dfe_tap_value However, there is no mention of VGA. Could you please clarify whether VGA is mapped to another parameter, or if it is not accessible via scripting? Thank you for your support. Best regards, Huy HO.75Views0likes3Comments- 66Views0likes1Comment
How to Handle Altera IP in SBOM and Tool Suggestions?
We are currently establishing an SBOM process, and our current tool is Black Duck. The scope includes: Altera IP Reference code that uses Altera IP We would like to ask if there are any suggestions or recommended alternative tools.52Views0likes3Commentsstarting to learn FPGAs
Hello everyone, I want to start learning FPGA development on my own. My operating system is Linux.Could you please tell me what software/tools I need to download to begin? Do I need a hardware programmer or a specific board? I’m a beginner, so I’d appreciate any advice on the easiest setup.64Views0likes5CommentsRegarding the issue of UFM not starting
I am trying to implement a remote system update feature using Quartus version 23.1 on an FPGA (MAX10 10M16SA). I have set the configuration mode to Dual Compressed Images, and writing to CFM0 and CFM1 of the on-chip flash is working correctly. However, I am having trouble starting the Nios II software that I stored in the UFM. There are no errors reported. I have already performed the following steps: ・Configured the HEX file in the On-Chip Flash settings in Platform Designer ・Added the HEX file when generating the .pof file using Convert Programming File ・Added the meminit.qip file to the project ・Verified that the BSP Editor settings are correct I have also confirmed that the software itself runs correctly when executed in other environments. Are there any other possible reasons why the software stored in UFM would not start correctly? I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions.44Views0likes4Comments