JTAG vs. Passive Serial Config speed

Dec 15, 2004 1 Replies
K

Hi



Is there a significant difference in the time it takes to download a configuration to an Altera Cyclone (EP1C6) using JTAG, vs. the Passive Serial Configuration method?



In January, Greg Steinke here mentioned a program to program a Serial Configuration Device (e.g. EPCS1) _through_ a Cyclone, with the programmer attached only to the Cyclone's JTAG port. It was beta, then. Is this option available in e.g. Quartus today, or even available as source code (a "combined" Jrunner + Srunner?).



Thanks for info Kolja



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J

yes, the new Quartus can now program an EPCS1/4 through the FPGA. You have to convert the SOF file by using the 'Convert Programming Files' in the Files Menu. Select JTAG Indirect (*.JIC). Then add the necessary SOF file. Open the programmer and use the generated JIC file. Works excellent, and quite speedy. It's takes around one minute depending on the size of the SOF file. It even works with multiple devices. Don't forget to check the checkbox for EPCS in the programmer, it defaults to off.

This was previously done using the ByteJammer software, which is extremely slow and cumbersome. Basically because the JAM file is some kind of simple BASIC looking language (STAPL) that's being interpreted runtime.

Configuring a device over JTAG at full speed (10MHz) takes only half a second or so. That's with hardware assisted JRunner software running on a NIOS.

Jeroen

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