FPGA Configuration Memory Programming

By Paul Goossens, Elektor Electronics design labs

The JTAG interface on Elektor’s Versatile FPGA Module is compatible with Altera’s BytelasterMV. The advantage of this compatibility is that the interface can be used straight from Quartus.

Programming the configuration memory, called ‘P-ROM’ below, normally employs a dedicated interface instead of the JTAG port. Users in possession of a ByteBlasterII can program the P-ROM directly by way of connector K5 (PROGRAM).

It is, however, also possible to program the P-ROM using Altera software and the JTAG interface. This can be done by configuring the FPGA as a bridge between JTAG and the AS interface of the P-ROM.

This sounds more complex than it is in reality. Here we show how example no. 3 of the FPGA Course is transferred to the P-ROM.
 

Conversion

The P-ROM is normally programmed using a *.pof file, while programming the JTAG interface calls for a *.jic file. Fortunately Quartus contains a conversion program.

 Step 1. Go to File and select Convert Programming Files.

 Step 2. With Programming File Type, select JTAG Indirect Configuration File (.jic)

 Step 3. In the Configuration Device selection area, select the P-ROM we are using, in this case

EPCS4.

 This screen should come up:

Next, indicate the FPGA type to act as a bridge between JTAG and AS. Here we are using the EP1C12F256 device.

Step 4. Click on Flash loader at the bottom of the window. The Add device button will pop up. Click on Add device. In the window that pops up, first select Cyclone and then EP1C12F256. Close the window by clicking on Ok.

 Finally we need to indicate the original programming file, in this case, ex3.sof in the folder c:\altera\FPGA_course\ex3. This is done as shown below.

 Step 5. Click on the text SOF Data and then on the button Add file. In the new window, select the file c:\altera\FPGA_course\ex3 in the usual way.

 The screen should look as follows:
 

Step 6. Click on Generate to start the conversion. Click on Ok to close the window.

Programming

Step 7. Launch the normal programming tool in Quartus. If one or several devices are still shown in the list, delete them.

 Step 8. Click on de FPGA in the list and then click on Add file. Select the previously converted file (default is output_file.jic). The list will show the FPGA as well as the P-ROM.

 Step 9. Tick the Program/Configure box to indicate you want to program the FPGA and the P-ROM.

Step 10. Click on Start. The FPGA will be configured and the P-ROM will be programmed.
 

RESET

When the P-ROM has been programmed, the board needs to be reset. The FPGA will then be configured from the P-ROM.