December 2007, ver. 1.0

Using FPGA-Based Parallel

Flash Loader with the

Quartus II Software

Application Note 478

Introduction

f

This application note explains the use of the FPGA-based parallel flash loader (PFL) in programming a parallel flash device before configuring an FPGA through the active parallel (AP) configuration scheme.

The AP configuration scheme configures Altera

®

FPGAs using industry-standard parallel flash devices. For high-density FPGAs, such as the Altera Cyclone

®

III devices, the parallel flash device reduces the configuration time through the parallel interface and provides a higher memory capacity to store configuration data. However, the parallel flash device does not support the Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) interface, and therefore does not support direct device programming through JTAG.

With the FPGA-based PFL, you can use the FPGA’s JTAG interface to perform in-system programming for the parallel flash device. The PFL enables you to program the flash device indirectly before configuring an

Altera FPGA with the AP configuration scheme.

For more information about Cyclone III devices and the supported parallel flash devices, refer to the

Configuring Cyclone III Devices

chapter in volume 1 of the

Cyclone III Device Handbook

.

FPGA-Based

Parallel Flash

Loader

The FPGA-based PFL is a soft intellectual property (IP) core within the

FPGA that bridges the JTAG and parallel flash interfaces. With the PFL, you can use the serial programming bitstream from the JTAG interface to control the flash data, address, and control pins for flash programming.

The JTAG interface simplifies the flash programming process because it reduces the number of pins required and shares the same interface as the flash device.

Figure 1 shows the PFL interface in relation to the JTAG interface and

parallel flash device during flash programming.

Altera Corporation

AN-478-1.0

1

Preliminary

Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 1. PFL Interface During Flash Programming

Quartus II

Software via

JTAG

JTAG

Interface

Altera FPGA

Parallel

Flash

Loader

Flash

Programming

Parallel

Flash

Device

PFL

Programming

Flow

To configure the FPGA and program the flash device using the PFL, perform the following first two steps. The third step is optional.

1.

PFL Configuration

Configure the FPGA with the PFL to establish a bridge between the

JTAG and parallel flash device interfaces. You may bypass this step if the FPGA is already configured with the PFL.

2.

Flash Programming

Use the serial programming bitstream from the Quartus

®

II software, through the JTAG interface, to program the parallel flash device.

3.

Reconfiguration (Optional)

After programming the flash, you may choose to reset the FPGA and configure the updated design using the AP configuration scheme.

Figure 2 shows the flow of programming a flash device using the PFL.

2

Preliminary

Quartus II

Software

Support

Quartus II Software Support

Figure 2. Programming Flash Device Using PFL

Start

Yes

PFL exists in FPGA?

No

Step 1

PFL Config u ration

Yes

Step 2

Flash Programming

Step 3 (Optional)

Reconfig u ration

Finish

The Quartus II software provides the Quartus II Programmer tool for you to configure the FPGA or program the parallel flash device or perform both functions together. In the case of a single-step operation, the

Programmer will first configure the FPGA before programming the flash device.

To program the flash device, use either one of the following methods:

■

■

“Factory Default PFL”

“PFL in User Design”

Factory Default PFL

The Quartus II software provides a factory default PFL for flash programming.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Using a factory default PFL eliminates the need to create a PFL design, but you must first configure the FPGA with the PFL before programming the flash device.

Figure 3 shows the programming flow in the Quartus II software for a

factory default PFL.

Figure 3. Programming Flow for Factory Default PFL

Add SOF(s) for conversion to POF

Convert

POF for flash device

Attach POF to the

Quartus II Programmer for flash programming

The Quartus II software automatically enables factory default PFL in Programmer

Configure PFL

Program parallel flash device

PFL in User Design

Alternatively, you can instantiate the PFL logic in the user design. The

PFL programming logic can be generated in the Quartus II software by using the PFL megafunction. If the FPGA already contains the PFL logic in the user design, you do not have to reconfigure the FPGA. This enables the PFL to program the flash without interrupting the operation of the

FPGA.

4

Preliminary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Figure 4 shows the programming flow in the Quartus II software for a

PFL in user design.

Figure 4. Programming Flow for PFL in User Design

Add SOF(s) for conversion to POF and make pin assignments

Compile and obtain

SOF of the PFL

Attach SOF to the

Quartus II Programmer for PFL configuration

Convert

POF for flash device

Attach POF to the

Quartus II Programmer for flash programming

Configure PFL if the FPGA does not have PFL

Program parallel flash device

Using the PFL in the Quartus II

Software

The following three major steps describe how to use the PFL with the

Quartus II software. Each step is further explained in the subsections that follow.

1.

Instantiation of PFL logic in user design using the PFL megafunction. This procedure also explains the functions of PFL input and output ports.

2.

Conversion of the SRAM object file (SOF) that contains FPGA configuration data to a Programmer object file (POF) for parallel flash programming.

3.

Programming the parallel flash device using a POF in the Quartus II

Programmer.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

1

This application note applies to the Quartus II software version

7.1 and later, but the screenshots shown are captured using the

Quartus II software version 7.2.

Instantiation of PFL Logic in User Design Using the Parallel

Flash Loader Megafunction

The following procedure describes how to instantiate the PFL logic in user design with the PFL megafunction. You may skip this procedure if you are using a factory default PFL to program the flash device.

Perform the following steps to generate the PFL instantiation:

1.

On the Tools menu in the Quartus II software, click

MegaWizard

Plug-In Manager

.

2.

On page 1, click

Create a new custom megafunction variation

.

3.

Click

Next

. Page 2a appears ( Figure 5

).

Figure 5. MegaWizard Plug-In Manager [page 2a] Dialog Box

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Preliminary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

4.

In the megafunction list, expand the

JTAG-accessible Extensions

folder and select

Parallel Flash Loader

.

5.

In the device family list, select

Cyclone III

.

6.

In the output file list, select the HDL output file type (Verilog HDL

was chosen for the example in Figure 5

).

7.

Specify the output file name as <

project directory

>\<

file name

>.

8.

Click

Next

. Page 3 appears (

Figure 6

).

Figure 6. Setting the PFL Megafunction Parameters

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

9.

Specify values for the PFL megafunction parameters listed in

Table 1 . For FPGA-based PFL, the Operating Mode parameter

settings are grayed out.

Table 1. PFL Megafunction Parameter Settings

Megafunction Parameter Description

Flash de v ice

Flash interface data w idth

Density of the de v ice to b e programmed.

Data w idth of the de v ice to b e programmed.

Tri-state flash bu s

Flash programming IP optimization target The flash programming IP can b e optimized for speed or area. An

IP optimized for speed means that the time req u ired for flash programming is shorter, bu t the megaf u nction u ses more logic elements. An IP optimized for area means that the IP req u ires less logic elements, bu t the time req u ired for flash programming is longer.

FIFO size

Tri-state all pins interfacing w ith the flash de v ice w hen the PFL does not need to access the flash de v ice.

If the flash programming IP is optimized for speed, the PFL u ses additional logic elements to implement FIFO as a temporary storage for the programming data u sed d u ring flash programming.

There is a 16w ord or 32w ord option for the FIFO size. With a larger FIFO size, the programming time is shorter.

10. Click

Next

. Page 4 appears, listing the simulation files needed for the PFL megafunction. No simulation file will be listed for the megafunction because the PFL does not have any simulation files and it cannot be simulated.

11. Click

Next

. Page 5, the Summary page, appears (

Figure 7

). This page shows the files that will be created for the megafunction. Choose any additional file types that you want to create.

8

Preliminary

Figure 7. PFL Megafunction Summary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Altera Corporation

12. Click

Finish

. The Quartus II software generates the PFL megafunction in the form of the HDL file selected on Page 2a and any additional files selected on Page 5.

Input and Output Ports of the Parallel Flash Loader Megafunction

This section explains the functions of the input and output ports of the

PFL megafunction.

Figure 8 shows the symbol for the PFL megafunction.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 8. PFL Megafunction Symbol

Table 2 describes the functions of the PFL input and output ports.

Table 2. Functions of the PFL Input and Output Ports

Port

pfl_nreset pfl_flash_access_granted plf_flash_access_request flash_addr[23..0] flash_data[15..0] flash_nce flash_nwe flash_noe

Description

Inp u t

Inp u t

O u tp u t

O u tp u t

O u tp u t

O u tp u t

O u tp u t

O u tp u t

Function

Reset pin. P u ll lo w to reset PFL.

Used for system-le v el synchronization. This pin can b e dri v en b y an external host that controls access to the flash de v ice. P u ll this acti v e-high pin permanently high if yo u w ant to u se the PFL as the flash master. P u lling it lo w pre v ents JTAG from accessing the flash de v ice.

Used for system-le v el synchronization. This pin can b e connected to an external host if needed. The PFL dri v es this pin high w hene v er JTAG accesses the flash de v ice.

Connects to PADD[23..0] bu s of the FPGA.

Connects to

DATA[15..0] bu s of the FPGA.

Connects to the flash_nCE

pin of the FPGA. A lo w signal ena b les the flash de v ice.

Connects to the nWE pin of the FPGA. Dri v ing the nWE pin lo w d u ring w rite operation indicates to the flash de v ice that data on the DATA[15..0] bu s is v alid.

Connects to the nOE

pin of the FPGA. Dri v ing the nOE

pin lo w d u ring read operation ena b les the flash de v ice o u tp u ts on the

DATA[15..0] bu s.

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Preliminary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Conversion of SRAM Object File to Programmer Object File for

Parallel Flash Devices

To create a POF for the flash device, use the SOF(s) generated from the

FPGA device. You can also add other non-configuration data into the POF by selecting the hexadecimal (HEX) file that contains the user data when you create the POF of the flash device.

Perform the following steps to combine multiple SOFs into one POF.

1.

On the File menu in the Quartus II software, click

Convert

Programming Files

. The

Convert Programming Files

dialog box

appears ( Figure 9 ).

Figure 9. Converting Programming Files for Single-Device Configuration Chain

Altera Corporation

2.

In the

Programming file type

list, select

Programmer Object File

(.pof)

.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

3.

In the

Configuration device

list, select the common flash interface

(CFI) device with the correct density. For example, CFI_256 denotes a parallel flash memory with 256-Mbit capacity.

4.

In the

Mode

list, choose

Active Parallel

for the configuration scheme.

5.

In the

File name

box, specify the name of the output file.

Under

Input files to convert

, you can see the

SOF Data

hierarchy expanded to Configuration Master, Low Byte [D[7...0]] and

High Byte [D[15...8]].

6.

To add the SOF for a single-device configuration chain, select

Configuration Master

and click

Add File

.

7.

Select the SOF to add and click

Open

.

For a multi-device configuration chain, you can add more than one

SOF into the same page. The order of the SOFs should follow the order of the devices in the chain.

For devices in a byte-wide, multi-device configuration chain, add the

SOFs to

Low Byte [D[7...0]]

, according to the order of the devices in the chain.

For devices in a word-wide, multi-device configuration chain, add the SOFs to

Low Byte [D[7...0]]

and

High Byte [D[15...8]]

, as shown

in Figure 10 , according to the order of the devices connected to the

DATA[7..0]

and

DATA[15..8]

buses respectively.

1

Word-wide device configuration is available only in the

Quartus II software version 7.2 and later.

If you want to store the data from a SOF in another page, click

Add

SOF Data

. A new line for SOF_Data appears under the

Input files to convert

list. Add the SOF for the new page.

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Preliminary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Figure 10. Converting Programming Files for Word-Wide Multi-Device Configuration Chain

8.

To set the page number and page name for the SOF_Data, select the

SOF_Data and click

Properties

. The

SOF Data Properties

dialog

box appears ( Figure 11 ).

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 11. SOF Data Properties Dialog Box

14

Preliminary

9.

In the

Address mode for selected pages

list, select

Start

.

10. In the

Start address

box, type

0x20000

to specify the start address using byte addressing.

1

The Cyclone III AP configuration scheme configures from the default boot address at

0x20000

using byte addressing or

0x10000

using word addressing. To configure the AP configuration scheme from a different boot address, execute the JTAG instruction

APFC_BOOT_ADDR

to change the boot address of the Cyclone III device. f

For more information on how to use the JTAG instruction, refer to the

Configuring Cyclone III Devices

chapter in volume 1 of the

Cyclone III Device Handbook

.

11. Click

OK

. The Start Address for the SOF data indicates

0x20000

, as shown in

Figure 12 .

Figure 12. Start Address at 0x20000 Using Byte Addressing

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Altera Corporation

12. Alternatively, you can also store user data in a HEX file. Perform the following steps to store user data in a HEX file.

a.

Under

Input files to convert

, click

Add Hex Data

. The

Add

Hex Data

dialog box appears.

b.

Under

Addressing mode

, select the addressing mode you require. Turn on

Set start addess

and specify the start address.

c.

In

Hex file

box, specify the name of the HEX file.

d.

Click

OK

.

1

You cannot create the POF of the flash device by using only the HEX file. You must also add in a SOF for the FPGA when creating the POF.

15

Preliminary

Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 13. Adding SOF for PFL

13. Click

Generate

to create the POF.

Programming the Parallel Flash Device Using Factory Default

PFL

Perform the following steps to program the flash device in the Quartus II

Programmer:

1.

On the Tools menu in the Quartus II software, click

Programmer

.

2.

In the Programmer window, click

Add Device

. The

Select Devices

dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 13 .

16

Preliminary

3.

Under

Device Name

, select the device name to add.

4.

Click

OK

. The device name appears in the Programmer window.

5.

Select and right-click the device name you just added and click

Attach Flash Device

, as shown in

Figure 14

. The

Select Flash

Device

dialog box appears ( Figure 15 ).

Figure 14. Attaching Flash Device

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

Figure 15. Selecting Flash Device

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

6.

Under

Device family

, turn on

Flash Memory

.

7.

Under

Device name

, select the density of the flash device.

8.

Click

OK

to go back to the Programmer window.

9.

Select and right-click the device name. Click

Change File

. The

Select New Programming File

dialog box appears ( Figure 16 ).

Figure 16. Adding POF for Flash Programming Device

18

Preliminary

10. Select the POF of the flash device and click

Open

.

1

You can only program one flash device in the chain at one time as the Quartus II Programmer only allows you to attach the POF of the flash device to one FPGA in the chain at a time. To program the flash device of another FPGA in the chain, you must delete the flash device POF for the first

FPGA and add in the flash device POF for the next FPGA in the chain.

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

11. Under

Program/Configure

column, turn on the check box for

Page_0

of the POF you added.

The Quartus II Programmer automatically enables a factory default

PFL image, as shown in

Figure 17

. To bypass PFL configuration, disable the factory default PFL image by turning off its associated check box under the

Program/Configure

column, as shown in

Figure 18

.

1

To erase or program the entire flash device, turn on the check box associated with the POF. To erase or program a particular page of the flash device, turn on the check box associated with the page.

Figure 17. Quartus II Programmer Showing Factory Default PFL Image and POF of Flash Device

Altera Corporation 19

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 18. Disabling Factory Default PFL Image

12. Click

Start

to configure the PFL and program the flash device.

Programming the Parallel Flash Device Using PFL in User

Design

Perform the following steps to program the flash device in the Quartus II

Programmer:

1.

On the Tools menu in the Quartus II software, click

Programmer

.

2.

In the Programmer window, click

Add File

. The

Select

Programming File

dialog box appears, as shown in Figure 19 .

20

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Figure 19. Adding SOF for PFL

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

3.

Select the SOF of the user design that contains the PFL logic.

4.

Click

Open

. The SOF name appears in the Programmer window.

5.

Select and right-click the SOF you just added. Click

Attach Flash

Device

, as shown in

Figure 20

. The

Select Flash Device

dialog box

appears ( Figure 21 ).

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Figure 20. Attaching Flash Device

Figure 21. Selecting Flash Device

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Preliminary

Using the PFL in the Quartus II Software

6.

Under

Device family

, turn on

Flash Memory

.

7.

Under

Device name

, select the density of the flash device.

8.

Click

OK

to go back to the Programmer window.

9.

Select and right-click the device name. Click

Change File

. The

Select New Programming File

dialog box appears ( Figure 22 ).

Figure 22. Adding POF for Flash Programming Device

Altera Corporation

10. Select the POF of the flash device and click

Open

.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

1

You can only program one flash device in the chain at one time as the Quartus II Programmer only allows you to attach the POF of the flash device to one FPGA in the chain at a time. To program the flash device of another FPGA in the chain, you must delete the flash device POF for the first

FPGA and add in the flash device POF for the next FPGA in the chain.

11. Under

Program/Configure

column, turn on the check box for the

SOF and

Page_0

of the POF you just added, as shown in

Figure 23

.

With this set-up, the Quartus II Programmer configures the SOF of the user design with PFL logic first before programming the flash device. To bypass PFL configuration, disable the SOF by turning off its associated check box under the

Program/Configure

column, as shown in

Figure 24 .

1

To erase or program the entire flash device, turn on the check box associated with the POF. To erase or program a particular page of the flash device, turn on the check box associated with the page.

Figure 23. Quartus II Programmer Showing PFL Image of User Design and POF of Flash Device

24

Preliminary

Figure 24. Disabling PFL Image in User Design

Conclusion

Conclusion

12. Click

Start

to configure the PFL and program the flash device.

With the Quartus II Programmer, you can program, verify, erase, or blank-check the configuration data pages and user-data page separately, provided the FPGA contains the PFL. You can bypass the

PFL configuration step if the FPGA already contains the PFL configuration.

The PFL feature available in Altera FPGAs that support the AP configuration scheme enables you to use in-system programming to program parallel flash devices. The Quartus II software provides the tools necessary for you to program the parallel flash device through the

FPGA’s JTAG interface.

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Using FPGA-Based Parallel Flash Loader with the Quartus II Software

Referenced

Documents

This application note references the following document:

■

Configuring Cyclone III Devices

Device Handbook

chapter in volume 1 of the

Cyclone III

Document

Revision History

Table 3 shows the revision history for this application note.

Table 3. Document Revision History

Date and Document

Version

Decem b er 2007 v 1.0

Initial release.

Changes Made Summary of Changes

—

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Literature Services: [email protected]

Copyright © 2007 Altera Corporation. All rights reserved. Altera, The Programmable Solutions Company, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations, and all other words and logos that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera

Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective holders. Altera products are protected under numerous U.S. and foreign patents and pending applications, maskwork rights, and copyrights. Altera warrants performance of its semiconductor products to current specifications in accordance with Altera's standard warranty, but reserves the right to make changes to any products and services at any time without notice. Altera assumes no responsibility or liability arising out of the application or use of any information, product, or service described herein except as expressly agreed to in writing by Altera Corporation. Altera customers are advised to obtain the latest version of device specifications before relying on any published information and before placing orders for products or services

.

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