Configuration
Table 3–4 summarizes which configuration features can be used in each
configuration scheme.
f
For more information about configuration schemes in Arria GX devices,
refer to the Configuring Arria GX Devices chapter in volume 2 of the
Arria GX Device Handbook.
Table 3–4. Arria GX Configuration Features
Configuration
Remote System
Upgrade
Configuration Method
Decompression
Scheme
FPP
MAX II device or microprocessor and
flash device
v(1)
v
Enhanced configuration device
Serial configuration device
v(2)
v
v
v(3)
v
AS
PS
MAX II device or microprocessor and
flash device
v
Enhanced configuration device
v
v
—
v
—
v
Download cable (4)
PPA
MAX II device or microprocessor and
flash device
JTAG
Download cable (4)
—
—
—
—
MAX II device or microprocessor and
flash device
Notes for Table 3–4:
(1) In these modes, the host system must send a DCLKthat is 4× the data rate.
(2) The enhanced configuration device decompression feature is available, while the Arria GX decompression feature
is not available.
(3) Only remote update mode is supported when using the AS configuration scheme. Local update mode is not
supported.
(4) The supported download cables include the Altera USB-Blaster universal serial bus (USB) port download cable,
MasterBlaster serial/USB communications cable, ByteBlaster II parallel port download cable, and the
ByteBlasterMV parallel port download cable.
Device Configuration Data Decompression
Arria GX FPGAs support decompression of configuration data, which
saves configuration memory space and time. This feature allows you to
store compressed configuration data in configuration devices or other
memory and transmit this compressed bitstream to Arria GX FPGAs.
During configuration, the Arria GX FPGA decompresses the bitstream in
real time and programs its SRAM cells. Arria GX FPGAs support
decompression in the FPP (when using a MAX II device or
Altera Corporation
May 2008
3–7
Arria GX Device Handbook, Volume 1
ALTERA [ ALTERA CORPORATION ]
