User manual | AN 449: External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices

External Memory Interface Design
Guidelines for Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Application Note 449
September 2007, v1.2
Introduction
Stratix® II and Stratix II GX devices offer support for double data rate
(DDR) memories, such as DDR2/DDR SDRAM, QDRII+/QDRII SRAM,
and RLDRAM II interfaces, while Arria® GX devices support DDR2 and
DDR SDRAM interfaces. Applications with these memory interfaces
include PCs, embedded processing, image processing, storage,
communications, and networking.
Designing applications with memory interfaces can be challenging,
considering the different requirements that the memory standards
impose on the controller. Moreover, changing a portion of the interface
can affect many other things in the application, such that designers have
to pay close attention to each step of the design process. Knowing the
proper design flow is crucial in reducing design and debug time to get the
application up and running.
Table 1 summarizes the maximum clock rate Stratix II and Stratix II GX
devices can support with external memory devices. Depending on the
target clock rate performance, you can use either the DLL- or PLL-based
implementation for your memory interface. While both solutions use
pre-determined data read strobe or clock (DQS) and data (DQ) pins listed
in the pin tables, the DLL-based solution also uses dedicated circuitry to
phase-shift the data read strobe to capture the read data. The PLL-based
solution allows the Stratix II side I/O banks to interface with memory
devices. However, this solution ignores the data read strobe and uses a
PLL output to capture the read data. Therefore, the PLL-based solution
has a lower maximum supported clock rate, because the advantage of the
tight skew between data and data read strobe or clock signals from the
memory devices is lost when the data read strobe or clock is not being
used to capture data.
Table 1. Stratix II and Stratix II GX Maximum Clock Rate Support for External Memory Interfaces (Part 1
of 2) Note (1), (2)
-3 Speed Grade (MHz)
-4 Speed Grade (MHz)
-5 Speed Grade (MHz)
Memory
Standards
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
DDR2 SDRAM (3)
333 (4)
200
267
167
233
167
DDR SDRAM (3)
200
150
200
133
200
100
RLDRAM II
300
200
250 (5)
175
200
175
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
1
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Table 1. Stratix II and Stratix II GX Maximum Clock Rate Support for External Memory Interfaces (Part 2
of 2) Note (1), (2)
Memory
Standards
-3 Speed Grade (MHz)
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
-4 Speed Grade (MHz)
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
-5 Speed Grade (MHz)
DLL-Based
PLL-Based
QDRII+ SRAM
300
–
–
–
–
–
QDRII SRAM
300
200
250
167
250
167
Notes to Table 1:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The supported operating frequencies listed here are memory interface maximums for the FPGA device family.
Your design’s actual achievable performance is based on design- and system-specific factors, as well as static
timing analysis of the completed design.
These specifications apply to both commercial and industrial devices.
These specifications are applicable for interfaces with both modules and discrete memory devices.
Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices in the -3 speed grade support DDR2 SDRAM interfaces up to 267 MHz when
using the legacy integrated static data path and controller, and up to 333 MHz when using ALTMEMPHY.
You must underclock a 300-MHz RLDRAM II device to achieve this clock rate.
1
The legacy integrated static data path and controller refers to the
physical interface (PHY) that uses the static resynchronization
clock, available for all DDR memory interfaces supported by
Stratix II and Stratix II GX device families, while ALTMEMPHY
uses a dynamically calibrated resynchronization clock.
ALTMEMPHY is only available for DDR and DDR2 SDRAM
interfaces when using Stratix II, Stratix II GX, or Arria GX
devices.
Table 2 summarizes the maximum clock rate Arria GX devices can
support with external memory devices. Arria GX devices only support
DDR2 and DDR SDRAM interfaces using ALTMEMPHY. This device
family does not support QDRII+/QDRII SRAM or RLDRAM II
interfaces. Furthermore, Arria GX devices do not support DDR2 and
DDR SDRAM interfaces with the legacy integrated static data path and
controller.
Table 2. Arria GX Maximum Clock Rate Support for External Memory Interfaces Notes (1), (2) (Part 1 of 2)
Memory Standards
DDR2 SDRAM (3), (4)
2
Preliminary
–6 Speed Grade (MHz)
233
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Introduction
Table 2. Arria GX Maximum Clock Rate Support for External Memory Interfaces Notes (1), (2) (Part 2 of 2)
Memory Standards
DDR SDRAM (3), (4)
–6 Speed Grade (MHz)
200
Notes to Table 2:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
The supported operating frequencies listed here are memory interface maximums for the FPGA device family.
Your design’s actual achievable performance is based on design- and system-specific factors, as well as static
timing analysis of the completed design.
These specifications are applicable to both commercial and industrial devices, although they are preliminary until
characterization is final.
These specifications are applicable for interfaces with both modules and components.
These memory interfaces are only supported with the ALTMEMPHY-based memory controllers.
f
For more information about the respective memory interface
implementation, refer to:
■
■
■
■
AN 325: Interfacing RLDRAM II with Stratix II, Stratix, and Stratix GX
Devices
AN 326: Interfacing QDRII SRAM with Stratix II, Stratix, and Stratix GX
Devices
AN 327: Interfacing DDR SDRAM with Stratix II Devices
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and
Arria GX Devices
This application note describes the typical memory interface design flow
for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX devices, and provides literature
links offered by Altera® that are pertinent to the specific point you have
reached in the design cycle.
1
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
Designs targeting the Stratix II device, up to 267 MHz, can be
migrated to HardCopy® II structured ASICs. For the purpose of
this application note, any Altera FPGA discussion referring to a
Stratix II FPGA can also apply to a HardCopy II structured
ASIC. Memory interfaces in HardCopy II structured ASICs,
however, have additional restrictions, such as the usage of the
PLL dedicated clock output pins for CK/CK# signals. These
restrictions are described in AN 463: Using the ALTMEMPHY
Megafunction with HardCopy II Structured ASICs and in AN 413:
Using Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controller
Megafunction with HardCopy II Structured ASICs, depending on
the PHY that you are using.
3
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Stratix II,
Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX
Memory
Interface Design
Flow
4
Preliminary
Altera recommends the design guidelines illustrated in Figure 1 as best
practices for successful memory interface implementation in Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, and Arria GX devices. These guidelines provide the fastest
out-of-the-box experience with external memory interfaces in Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, and Arria GX devices. A detailed discussion of each step
presented in Figure 1 appears in the following sections.
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
Figure 1. Design Flow for Implementing External Memory Interfaces in Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX
FPGAs
Start Design
Select Device
Instantiate PHY and
Controller in
a Quartus II Project
Add Constraints
Optional (1)
Perform RTL /
Functional Simulation
Compile Design and
Generate Timing Report
Change RTL
or
IP Settings
No
Does Simulation
Give Expected
Result?
Yes
Adjust Constraints
No
Does The Design
Have Positive Timing
Margin?
Optional (1)
Perform Gate-Level
Simulation
Yes
No
Does Simulation
Give Expected
Result?
Perform Board Level
Simulations to Verify
Design Constraints
Yes
No
Do Signals
Meet Electrical
Requirements?
Yes
Verify FPGA
Functionality
on Board
No
Debug Design
Is Design Working?
Yes
Design Done
Note to Figure 1:
(1)
Even though this is an optional step, Altera recommends that you perform this step to ensure design functionality.
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
5
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Table 3 shows a summary of collateral reference for each design step in
Figure 1.
1
AN328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices describes each step in the memory design
flow in detail with an example to create a DDR2 SDRAM
interface, using both ALTMEMPHY and the legacy integrated
static data path and controllers, with the Stratix II GX PCI
Express Development Board.
Table 3. Corresponding Collateral with the Memory Interface Design Flow (Part 1 of 3) Note (1), (2)
Design Steps
Select device
Instantiate PHY and
controller in a
Quartus® II project
Variation of Steps
Reference
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
●
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
●
●
●
●
●
Legacy integrated
static data path and
controllers
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
6
Preliminary
Selecting the Right High-Speed Memory Technology for Your
System White Paper
External Memory Interfaces chapter of the Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, or Arria GX Device Handbook
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User
Guide
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
AN 462: Implementing Multiple Memory Interfaces Using the
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler User Guide
QDRII SRAM Controller User Guide
RLDRAM II Controller User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
AN 327: Interfacing DDR SDRAM with Stratix II Devices
AN 326: Interfacing QDRII SRAM with Stratix II, Stratix, and
Stratix GX Devices
AN 325: Interfacing RLDRAM II with Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and
Arria GX Devices
AN 392: Implementing Multiple Legacy DDR/DDR2 SDRAM
Controller Interfaces
AN 398: Using DDR/DDR2 SDRAM with SOPC Builder
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
Table 3. Corresponding Collateral with the Memory Interface Design Flow (Part 2 of 3) Note (1), (2)
Design Steps
Add constraints
Variation of Steps
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
Reference
●
●
●
Legacy integrated
static data path and
controllers
●
●
●
●
●
●
Perform
RTL/functional
simulation
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
●
Compile design and
generate timing
report
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
●
●
●
●
Legacy integrated
static data path and
controllers
Perform gate-level
simulation
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Adjust constraints
ALTMEMPHYbased memory
controllers
●
●
●
Legacy integrated
static data path and
controllers
●
●
●
●
●
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User
Guide
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II Devices
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler User Guide
QDRII SRAM Controller User Guide
RLDRAM II Controller User Guide
DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide
AN 408: DDR2 Memory Interface Termination, Drive Strength
and Loading Design Guidelines
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
AN 380: Test DDR or DDR2 SDRAM Interfaces on Hardware
Using the Example Driver
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User
Guide
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
Verification section of the Quartus II Software Handbook,
Volume 3
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User
Guide
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler User Guide
QDRII SRAM Controller User Guide
RLDRAM II Controller User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User
Guide
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler User Guide
QDRII SRAM Controller User Guide
RLDRAM II Controller User Guide
DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide
AN 408: DDR2 Memory Interface Termination, Drive Strength
and Loading Design Guidelines
7
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Table 3. Corresponding Collateral with the Memory Interface Design Flow (Part 3 of 3) Note (1), (2)
Design Steps
Variation of Steps
Perform board-level
simulation to verify
design constraints
Reference
●
●
●
●
●
Verify functionality
on hardware
●
●
●
AN 408: DDR2 Memory Interface Termination, Drive Strength
and Loading Design Guidelines
AN 444: Dual DIMM DDR2 SDRAM Memory Interface Design
Guidelines
AN 315: Guidelines for Designing High-Speed FPGA PCBs
AN 224: High-Speed Board Layout Guidelines
AN 75: High-Speed Board Designs
Chapter 13: Design Debugging Using the SignalTap II
Embedded Logic Analyzer of the Quartus II Software Handbook,
Volume 3
AN 380: Test DDR or DDR2 SDRAM Interfaces on Hardware
Using the Example Driver
AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices
Note to Table 3:
(1)
(2)
Go to Altera’s External Memory Solutions Center at http://www.altera.com/technology/memory/mem-index.jsp
for the most up-to-date collateral for Stratix II devices.
For specific information on instantiating a memory controller or closing timing in a memory interface design, refer
to the Quartus II Release Notes of the version of the Quartus II software you are using.
Step 1: Select Device
Prior to the start of designing any memory interface, determine the
required bandwidth of the memory interface. Bandwidth can be
expressed as:
Bandwidth = Data width (bits) × data rate transfer (1/sec) × efficiency
The efficiency is the percentage of time the data bus is transferring data.
It is dependent on the type of memory and the design's access profile. For
example, in a memory interface with separate read and write ports, the
efficiency is 100% when there is an equal amount of reads and writes on
these memory interfaces. On the other hand, when the read and write
ports are shared, the efficiency of the interface is less than 50% due to the
time to switch from a read to a write operation, or vice versa.
1
8
Preliminary
After calculating the bandwidth of the memory interface,
determine which memory and FPGA to use. Altera has a
memory selection white paper, which highlights the differences
between the memory types. Refer to the Selecting the Right
High-Speed Memory Technology for Your System white paper for
information about selecting the different memory types.
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
Altera's FPGA device families support various data widths and
maximum performance for different memory interfaces. The memory
interface support between density and package combinations differs, so
you must determine which FPGA device density and package
combination best suits your application.
f
Refer to the External Memory Interfaces chapter of the Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, or Arria GX Device Handbook for information about the
respective device density and package support for the different memory
types.
Consider memory interface target performance, device resource
availability, and PHY implementation support when choosing a target
device for your memory controller. Decide whether all the memory
interface signals can fit in the top or bottom I/O banks to take advantage
of the dedicated DQS phase-shift circuitry in the FPGAs. You also need at
least one PLL per memory interface depending on the PHY
implementation that you use.
Table 4 shows a summary of the number of pins required for various
memory interfaces.
1
Table 4 assumes that series OCT with calibration or parallel OCT
with calibration, or dynamic calibrated OCT is used, which is
shown by the usage of RU P and RDN pins.
Table 4. Pin Counts for Various Memory Interfaces Notes (1), (2) (Part 1 of 2)
Memory
Interface
DDR2
SDRAM (4)
DDR
SDRAM (6)
Number Number
Number Number of
Number
RUP/RDN
of
of
of DQS DM/BWSn
of Clock
Address Command
Pins
Pins
Pins
Pins
Pins (3)
Pins
Bus
Width
Number
of DQ
Pins
×4
4
1
0 (5)
15
9
2
2
33
×8
8
1
1
15
9
2
2
38
×16
16
2
2
14
9
2
2
47
×72
72
9
9
14
12
6
2
124
×4
4
1
0 (5)
14
7
2
2
28
×8
8
1
1
14
7
2
2
33
×16
16
2
2
14
7
2
2
43
×72
72
9
9
13
9
6
2
118
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
Total
Pins
9
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Table 4. Pin Counts for Various Memory Interfaces Notes (1), (2) (Part 2 of 2)
Memory
Interface
QDRII+
SRAM
QDRII
SRAM
RLDRAM II
Common
(CIO)
RLDRAM II
Separate
(SIO)
Number Number
Number Number of
Number
RUP/RDN
of
of
of DQS DM/BWSn
of Clock
Address Command
Pins
Pins
Pins
Pins
Pins (3)
Pins
Bus
Width
Number
of DQ
Pins
×9
18
2
1
19
3 (7)
4
2
49
×18
36
2
2
18
3 (7)
4
2
67
×36
72
2
4
17
3 (7)
4
2
104
×9
18
2
1
19
2
4
2
48
×18
36
2
2
18
2
4
2
66
×36
72
2
4
17
2
4
2
103
×9
9
2
1
22
7
4
2
47
×18
18
2
1
21
7
6
2
57
Total
Pins
×36
36
2
1
20
7
8
2
76
×9
18
2
1
22
7
4
2
56
×18
36
2
1
21
7
6
2
75
×36
72
2
1
20
7
8
2
112
Notes to Table 4:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
These pin counts example pin numbers are derived from memory vendor data sheets. You need to check the exact
number of addresses and command pins of the memory devices in the configuration that you are using.
PLL and DLL input reference clock pins are not counted in this calculation.
The number of address pins depend on the memory device density.
Numbers are based on 2-GB memory devices without using differential DQS, RDQS, and RDQS# pin support.
Altera FPGAs do not support DM pins in ×4 mode.
Numbers are based on 1-GB memory devices.
QVLD pin is included in this number.
Expanding your memory interfaces for width or depth with the same
memory controller (and shared address and command bus) is supported
natively by the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
Creating multiple memory controllers with independent memory
transactions (independent address and command buses) and shared
device resources between multiple memory interfaces may require RTL
and design constraint modifications.
The maximum number of interfaces you can implement on any given
device is limited by resource availability (number of DQ groups of
desired width, user I/O pins, PLLs, DLLs, clocks, and FPGA core
resources). For example, the Stratix II GX EP2SGX90FF1508C3 FPGA
supports nine ×8 DQ groups each on the top and bottom I/O banks. The
10
Preliminary
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
DLL located on the top (or bottom) can be shared amongst all nine DQ
groups on that side of the device as long as they are implementing
memory interfaces running at the same frequency and using the same
base phase-shift.
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX devices allow a base phase-shift of
22.5°, 30°, or 36°. You can use one to four delay buffers to get a maximum
of 90°, 120°, or 144° from this base phase shift. In a multiple memory
controller design, you can then have one controller using 90° phase-shift
and another controller using the 67.5° phase shift with the 22.5° base
phase shift. Each memory interface requires at least one PLL, but you can
share the clocks between multiple interfaces if they are running at the
same frequency and using the same PLL phase-shift.
f
For multiple controller considerations, refer to AN 462: Implementing
Multiple Memory Interfaces Using the ALTMEMPHY Megafunction or
AN 392: Implementing Multiple Legacy DDR/DDR2 SDRAM Controller
Interfaces, depending on the physical interface (PHY) chosen.
Step 2: Instantiate PHY and Controller in a Quartus II Project
When instantiating the data path for your memory interface, Altera
recommends that you use the data path from the Altera memory
controller MegaCore® functions and megafunctions listed in Table 5 with
their corresponding user guides.
Table 5. Altera Memory Controller MegaCore Functions and Megafunctions
Memory Interface
DDR and DDR2
SDRAM
MegaCore Function or Megafunction
User Guide
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance
Controller
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM HighPerformance Controller User Guide
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction (1)
ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler
(2)
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller
Compiler User Guide
QDRII SRAM
QDRII SRAM Controller (2)
QDRII SRAM Controller MegaCore
Function User Guide
RLDRAM II
RLDRAM II Controller (2)
RLDRAM II Controller MegaCore
Function User Guide
Note to Table 5:
(1)
(2)
The ALTMEMPHY megafunction is the data path used in the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance
Controller. This is unlike the integrated static data path and controllers where the data path is not offered as a
stand-alone megafunction.
These MegaCore functions, also known as the legacy integrated static data path and controllers, are not available
for Arria GX devices.
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
11
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Table 6 lists the differences between the legacy integrated static data path
and controller and the ALTMEMPHY-based controller.
Table 6. Comparing the Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controller Compiler and the
ALTMEMPHY-Based Controller
Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controller
ALTMEMPHY-Based Controller
Up to 267 MHz in Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices
Not supported in Arria GX devices
Up to 333 MHz in Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices
Up to 233 MHz in Arria GX devices
Integrated data path and controller
Separate datapath (available in the ALTMEMPHY
megafunction) and controller
Static phase-shift selection for resynchronization
Auto-calibrated resynchronization clock
Requires board trace length measurements
Does not require board trace length information
1-PLL or 2-PLL mode
1-PLL solution
DLL-based or PLL-based read capture
DLL-based read-capture only
Full-rate controller
Full-rate or half-rate controller
Classic Timing Analyzer and TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer support
TimeQuest Timing Analyzer support only
DDR2/DDR SDRAM, RLDRAM II,
QDRII+/QDRII SRAM
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM only
As listed in Table 5 on page 11, there are three different functions
available for DDR and DDR2 SDRAM interfaces in Stratix II and
Stratix II GX devices. The ALTMEMPHY megafunction, however, is
included in the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance controller,
and is only to be instantiated separately when you are going to use your
own controller. Therefore, Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices actually
offer two different PHYs for DDR and DDR2 SDRAM interfaces:
■
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance Controller with
ALTMEMPHY
Use this controller for all new designs, especially if you are planning
to migrate to a Stratix III device or if you are running at a frequency
higher than 200 MHz. If latency is more important than ease of
timing closure, however, use the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller
Compiler MegaCore function.
This is the only MegaCore function supported in Arria GX devices.
This DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance Controller
MegaCore function requires the use of the TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer and only supports memory interfaces on the top and
bottom I/O banks of the Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX
devices, as it requires a DLL for read capture.
12
Preliminary
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
This MegaCore function instantiates the ALTMEMPHY
megafunction for its datapath with two options:
●
Full-rate mode
In this mode, the system clock for the PHY and the memory
interface clock are of the same frequency.
●
Half-rate mode
In this mode, the system clock of the PHY is half of the frequency
of the memory interface clock. The read and write data are
demultiplexed and multiplexed, respectively, to run at half the
frequency in the FPGA core. This mode uses more device
resources than the full-rate mode because of the data
multiplexing and demultiplexing. This mode also incurs more
latency than the full-rate mode.
f
ALTMEMPHY-based controllers use one DLL and one PLL per instance.
You can share the DLL and some of the clock outputs from the PLL in a
multiple-interfaces design. Refer to AN 462: Implementing Multiple
Memory Interfaces Using the ALTMEMPHY Megafunction for more
information on sharing resources when designing for multiple
ALTMEMPHY-based controllers.
Table 7 shows the maximum clock rate supported for the
ALTMEMPHY-based memory interfaces in Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX devices. DDR SDRAM interfaces are supported up to
200 MHz in all speed grades of these device families.
Table 7. Maximum Clock Rate Support for ALTMEMPHY-Based DDR2
SDRAM Interfaces in Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Device Family
Stratix II and
Stratix II GX
Arria GX
Speed Grade
Half-Rate Mode
(MHz) (1)
Full-Rate Mode
(MHz)
-3
333
267
-4
267
233
-5
233
200
-6
233
200
Note to Table 7:
(1)
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
These specifications are also listed in Table 1 on page 1 and Table 2 on page 2.
13
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
There are two ways to instantiate the ALTMEMPHY megafunction:
using the ALTMEMPHY MegaWizard® Plug-In Manager or using
Altera’s DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller,
which already includes the ALTMEMPHY megafunction. Even if
you plan to use your own controller, Altera recommends that you
first create a design using Altera’s DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High
Performance Controller and then replace the Altera controller with
your own controller. In this way, you get an example design which
you can simulate and verify.
f
For more information on the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM
High-Performance Controller MegaCore function or the ALTMEMPHY
megafunction, refer to the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance
Controller User Guide or the ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide,
respectively.
■
DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller Compiler
Use this controller only if you cannot use the ALTMEMPHY or the
High-Performance controllers, for example, if you need a lower
latency memory controller than offered by the ALTMEMPHY-based
controllers, or if you want to use the PLL-based read capture. This
implementation offers both DLL-based and PLL-based read capture.
In PLL-based read capture, the DLL is not used, allowing the side
I/O banks to interface with memory devices. The PLL-based read
capture has lower maximum performance compared to the
DLL-based read capture as the DQ timing has to be referenced to the
memory clock, since DQS is ignored, in the PLL-based read capture.
1
The Arria GX device family does not support this
implementation, hence does not support memory interfaces in
side I/O banks.
The DLL-based read capture implementation of this controller is
offered with two options:
●
One-PLL implementation
This implementation, limited to 200-MHz performance, uses
one of the system PLL output clocks to resynchronize data from
the DQS domain to the system clock domain.
●
Two-PLL implementation
This implementation, limited to 267 MHz, uses a second PLL,
called the fedback PLL, to generate the resynchronization and
postamble clocks, in addition to the system PLL.
14
Preliminary
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
The PLL-based read capture implementation also offers one- and
two-PLL implementation options:
●
One-PLL implementation
In this implementation, the system PLL generates all the clocks
needed for the interface including system, write, read-capture,
and resynchronization clock.
●
Two-PLL implementation
In this implementation, the system PLL generates all the clocks
needed for the interface including system, write, and
resynchronization clock, while the fedback PLL generates the
read-capture clock.
1
f
Since the DQS is ignored, postamble clock is not needed in a
PLL-based read capture implementation.
For more information on the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM Controller
Compiler MegaCore function, refer to the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM
Controller Compiler User Guide.
The legacy integrated static data path and controllers for DDR SDRAM,
DDR2 SDRAM, QDRII SRAM, and RLDRAM II include an integrated
clear-text data path (or PHY) and encrypted controller, supporting both
DLL-based and PLL-based implementations. These legacy integrated
static data path and controllers are not supported in Arria GX devices.
When using your own memory controller with the legacy integrated
static data path and controllers, you must manually extract the PHY from
the encrypted controller. Maximum frequency for the legacy integrated
static data path and controller depends on the timing reported by DTW
in the Quartus II software, which in turn depends on:
■
■
■
FPGA density
Memory speed grade
Board trace length skew
After selecting the appropriate FPGA device, memory type, and PHY
implementation (wherever applicable), create a project in the Quartus II
software and instantiate the PHY and controller for your design.
You can use either the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager or the SOPC Builder
to instantiate and customize your memory controller. Use SOPC Builder
if you are going to use the external memory as a peripheral of a NIOS soft
processor.
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
15
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
f
Refer to AN 398: Using DDR/DDR2 SDRAM with SOPC Builder for more
information about instantiating a legacy integrated static data path and
controller with the SOPC Builder.
f
Refer to the respective MegaCore User Guide for information on
instantiating a memory controller in the FPGA. In addition, AN 328:
Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX
Device includes step-by-step information on instantiating a DDR2
SDRAM memory interface targeted to the Stratix II GX PCI
Development Board.
f
If you plan to have multiple memory controllers, refer to AN 462:
Implementing Multiple Memory Interfaces Using the ALTMEMPHY
Megafunction when using ALTMEMPHY-based controllers, or
AN 392: Implementing Multiple Legacy DDR/DDR2 SDRAM Controller
Interfaces when using the legacy integrated static data path and
controllers.
The following sections cover design flow steps for both the legacy
integrated static data path and controllers and ALTMEMPHY-based
controllers.
Step 3: Add Constraints
The next step in the design process is to add all timing, location, and
physical constraints related to the external memory interface. This
includes timing, pin locations, I/O standards, termination, drive
strength, and pin loading assignments.
f
Refer to AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Devices for step-by-step information on adding constraints
to a DDR2 SDRAM interface targeted to the Stratix II GX PCI
Development Board.
f
To determine which drive strength and termination to use, refer to
AN 408: DDR2 Memory Interface Termination, Drive Strength and Loading
Design Guidelines.
ALTMEMPHY-Based Controllers
The top level of the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance
Controller design is fully timing-constrained using Synopsys design
constraints (SDC), which are analyzed by the TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer. These timing assignments are a function of the parameters you
enter in the ALTMEMPHY MegaWizard Plug-In or the DDR and DDR2
SDRAM High Performance Controller MegaWizard Plug-In, and are
derived from the memory datasheet and tolerances from your board
16
Preliminary
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
layout. The ALTMEMPHY megafunction uses TimeQuest timing
constraints and the timing-driven fitter to achieve timing closure. After
you instantiate the ALTMEMPHY megafunction, the MegaWizard PlugIn Manager generates the following script files that you must use in order
to properly constrain the design.
■
■
<variation_name>_phy_ddr_timing.sdc
<variation_name>_pin_assignments.tcl
These script files are based on the output file name used when generating
the ALTMEMPHY megafunction or the DDR and DDR2 SDRAM High
Performance Controller MegaCore function. If you plan to use your own
top-level design, you will need to edit the pin names in the
<variation_name>_pin_assignments.tcl script to match your custom
top-level design.
f
For more information on ALTMEMPHY or the high performance
controller, refer to the ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide or the DDR
and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User Guide.
Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controllers
When using the legacy integrated static data path and controller
MegaCore functions, in the MegaWizard window, select the DQS and DQ
pin location from the Constraints dialog box. When you click Generate,
the MegaWizard creates the pin location, I/O standard, and loading
assignments based on the memory device, FPGA device, and board
information in a .tcl file called add_constraints_for_<variation_name>.tcl.
In addition, the MegaWizard generates a .tcl file called
auto_add_<ddr|qdrii|rldramii>_constraints.tcl that contains all the
constraints for multiple memory controllers of the same type in the
project. For example, if the project has two DDR2 SDRAM memory
controllers, constraints for both controllers can be sourced using the
auto_add_ddr_constraints.tcl file.
To add timing constraints for the legacy integrated static data path and
controllers, run the DDR Timing Wizard (DTW).
Although DTW supports both the classic timing analyzer and the
TimeQuest Timing Analyzer, Altera recommends using the TimeQuest
Timing Analyzer for more accurate results, as the DTW-generated SDC
file covers the constraints for both fast and slow timing models.
f
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
For more information about how to use the DTW, refer to the DDR
Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide.
17
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
f
For more information on the add_constraints_for_<variation_name>.tcl
script, refer to the respective legacy integrated static data path and
memory controller user guides.
Step 4: Perform RTL/Functional Simulation (Optional)
Simulating the design to verify functionality is crucial in ensuring that the
application performs as designed in your system. Therefore, Altera
recommends that you perform this optional step for your memory
interface designs.
The test bench file for both implementations is saved in the
<project_directory>/testbench folder.
The models work with Altera-supported VHDL and Verilog HDL
simulators. Download the model for the actual memory device that you
are using from the vendor’s website.
f
Refer to AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Device for step-by-step information on performing
RTL/functional simulation for DDR2 SDRAM interfaces in Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, and Arria GX devices.
ALTMEMPHY-Based Controllers
In the ALTMEMPHY MegaWizard Plug-In Manager, there is an option to
generate a simulation model of the design in either Verilog HDL or
VHDL. This IP functional simulation model is a cycle-accurate HDL
model file produced by the Quartus II software. Altera's DDR and DDR2
SDRAM High Performance Controller generates an example design and
a testbench, in addition to the ALTMEMPHY-megafunction simulation
model.
Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controllers
Similarly, when you instantiate the memory controller using the Altera
legacy integrated static data path and memory controller MegaCore
functions, you can select a cycle-accurate Verilog HDL or VHDL
functional simulation model and generate a test bench for the example
design.
f
18
Preliminary
For more information on simulating the controller, refer to the
Appendix C. Perform Functional Simulation section of AN 380: Test DDR or
DDR2 SDRAM Interfaces on Hardware Using the Example Driver or the
respective memory controller user guides.
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
Step 5: Compile Design to Generate Timing Report
Once the constraints are added to your design, compile the design to
ensure that it meets timing requirements.
f
Refer to AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Device for step-by-step information on closing timing for a
DDR2 SDRAM interface targeted to the Stratix II GX PCI Development
Board.
ALTMEMPHY-Based Controllers
During the generation of the ALTMEMPHY megafunction or the High
Performance SDRAM Memory Controller, the MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager generates a report timing script called
<variation_name>_report_timing.tcl, which you can run after compiling
the design to produce a timing report for different paths, such as write
data, read data and command/address, and controller timing paths in the
design. You can also run the Report DDR macro in the TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer module to get the timing report for all memory interfaces in
your design.
f
For more information on ALTMEMPHY or the high performance
controller, refer to the ALTMEMPHY Megafunction User Guide or the DDR
and DDR2 SDRAM High Performance Controller User Guide.
Legacy Integrated Static Data Path and Controllers
For memory interfaces constrained using DTW, use the
dtw_timing_analysis.tcl script, which is included with the DDR Timing
Analysis (DTW User Guide). This allows the Quartus II software to report
the margin for different timing paths in the interface and to recommend
the ideal phase shift settings for PLL-based read capture,
resynchronization, and DLL-based postamble clocks. After compiling the
design, run the dtw_timing_analysis.tcl script to verify timing closure.
You can change the clock cycles and phase shifts of the design to the
script-recommended results if timing is not met.
f
For more information on how to use the script and DTW, refer to the
DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide.
1
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
When using DTW, the verify_timing.tcl script generated by
MegaWizard for legacy integrated static data path and
controllers is ignored. The DTW and dtw_timing_analysis.tcl
provide a more complete timing analysis and report compared
with the verify_timing.tcl script.
19
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Step 6: Perform Gate Level Simulation (Optional)
This optional step allows you to ensure that your system meets the proper
timing requirements needed by each module of the design in a graphical
waveform. Altera recommends that you perform this optional step for
your memory interface designs.
f
Refer to AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Device for information on performing gate-level simulation
on a DDR2 SDRAM interface.
f
Refer to the Verification section of the Quartus II Software Handbook,
Volume 3 or the respective memory controller User Guides for more
information on simulating your controller.
Step 7: Adjust Constraints
f
Refer to AN 328: Interfacing DDR2 SDRAM with Stratix II, Stratix II GX,
and Arria GX Device and the DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide for
step-by-step information on closing timing for a DDR2 SDRAM interface
targeted to the Stratix II GX PCI Development Board.
In the timing report of the design, you can see the worst-case setup and
hold margins for the different paths in the design. If the setup and hold
margins are unbalanced, and you wish to achieve balanced setup and
hold margins, adjust the phase setting of the clocks that are used to clock
these paths. For example, if the report timing script (either from
<variation_name>_report_timing.tcl for controllers with the
ALTMEMPHY data path, or from dtw_timing_analysis.tcl for legacy
integrated static data path and controllers) indicates that the current
resynchronization clock phase shift results in more hold time than setup
time, you can add more phase shift to the resynchronization clock with
respect to the system clock so that there will be less hold margin.
Similarly, you use less resynchronization clock phase shift with respect to
the system clock if there is more setup margin.
When using the legacy integrated static data path and controller, the
dtw_timing_analysis.tcl script recommends the ideal clock cycles and
phase shifts for the resynchronization and postamble clocks, whenever
applicable. The report_timing.tcl for controllers with the ALTMEMPHY
data path only reports the margin of the interface.
f
20
Preliminary
Refer to the DDR Timing Wizard (DTW) User Guide for more information
on the dtw_timing_analysis.tcl script.
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Memory Interface Design Flow
Step 8: Perform Board Simulation to Verify Design Constraints
To ensure you determine the correct board constraints, run board level
simulations with your preferred board simulator software to see if the
settings provide the optimal signal quality. With many variables that can
affect the signal integrity of the memory interface, simulating the
memory interface provides you with an initial indication of how well the
memory interface performs. The simulations should be performed on the
data, data strobe, command, and address signals. If the memory interface
does not have good signal integrity, adjust the settings, such as the drive
strength setting, termination scheme, or termination values to improve
the signal integrity (realize that changing these settings affects your
timing and you may have to revise the memory interface constraints if
these change). There are various electronic design automation (EDA)
simulation tools available to perform board level simulations.
1
Changing the settings for the memory interface affects the
timing. If you change them, it may be necessary to re-adjust the
constraints in order to achieve timing closure.
Once you close the timing for the design, evaluate the trade-offs posed by
various board design choices. Different factors contribute to signal
integrity and affect the overall timing margin for the memory and the
FPGA. Some factors to consider that can affect the signal integrity include
the termination scheme used, the drive strength setting on the FPGA, and
the loading seen by the driver. Learn the trade-offs between the different
types of termination schemes, the effects of output drive strengths, and
loading, so that you can swiftly navigate through the multiple
combinations and choose the best possible settings for your designs.
f
Refer to AN 408: DDR2 Memory Interface Termination, Drive Strength and
Loading Design Guidelines for detailed information about understanding
the different effects on signal integrity design.
f
For systems with two DIMMs connected in parallel, refer to AN 444:
Dual DIMM DDR2 SDRAM Memory Interface Design Guidelines.
f
Altera offers the following application notes regarding high-speed board
design:
■
■
■
f
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
AN 315: Guidelines for Designing High-Speed FPGA PCBs
AN 224: High-Speed Board Layout Guidelines
AN 75: High-Speed Board Designs
For more information on Stratix II Signal Integrity, go to:
http://www.altera.com/technology/signal/devices/stratix2/sgl-st2.html
21
External Memory Interface Design Guidelines for Stratix II, Stratix II GX, and Arria GX Devices
Step 9: Verify FPGA Functionality
Perform system-level verification to ensure the functionality of the
memory interfaces within your FPGA design. You can use Altera's
SignalTap® II Embedded Logic Analyzer to help in this effort.
f
Refer to Chapter 13: Design Debugging Using the SignalTap II Embedded
Logic Analyzer of the Quartus II Software Handbook in Volume 3 for detailed
information about using SignalTap II.
f
If you would like step-by-step instructions on how to hardware-test the
example design for the legacy integrated static data path and memory
controller using the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer, refer to AN 380: Test
DDR or DDR2 SDRAM Interfaces on Hardware Using the Example Driver.
Conclusion
Memory interfaces are useful in many different applications. Stratix II,
Stratix II GX, and Arria GX FPGAs offer a complete solution, including
hardware, software, and documentation, that can be used to help build a
robust, high-performance memory interface.
Stratix II and Stratix II GX device families allow memory interfaces to run
up to 333 MHz (666 Mbps), while Arria GX device family can run up to
233 MHz, with Altera’s newest memory controller that implements the
ALTMEMPHY data path.
With a straightforward design flow, empowered with collateral and
design examples, customers can easily implement their memory interface
with confidence.
101 Innovation Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
www.altera.com
Technical Support:
www.altera.com/support
Literature Services:
www.altera.com/literature
22
Preliminary
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.
Altera Corporation
September 2007
Document Revision History
Document
Revision History
Table 8 shows the revision history for this document.
Table 8. Document Revision History
Date and Document Version
September 2007 v1.2
Changes Made
●
●
●
Added Arria GX information
Updated the design flowchart and each step
information to reflect the new flowchart
Fixed typos/hyperlink problems
Summary of Changes
—
July 2007 v1.1
Change title of referenced AN 413, Using Legacy
Integrated Static Data Path and Controller Megafunction
with HardCopy II Structured ASICs, from title,
Implementing External Memory Interfaces in HardCopy II
Devices. Added links to all reference documentation.
Changed revision number and date.
—
February 2007 v1.0
Initial Release
—
Altera Corporation
AN-449-1.2
23

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