Configuration & Testing
Configuring Stratix FPGAs with JRunner
JRunner is a software driver that configures Altera FPGAs, including
Stratix FPGAs, through the ByteBlaster II or ByteBlasterMV cables in
JTAG mode. The programming input file supported is in Raw Binary File
(.rbf) format. JRunner also requires a Chain Description File (.cdf)
generated by the Quartus II software. JRunner is targeted for embedded
JTAG configuration. The source code is developed for the Windows NT
operating system (OS), but can be customized to run on other platforms.
For more information on the JRunner software driver, see the JRunner
Software Driver: An Embedded Solution to the JTAG Configuration
White Paper and the source files on the Altera web site (www.altera.com).
Configuration Schemes
You can load the configuration data for a Stratix device with one of five
configuration schemes (see Table 3–5), chosen on the basis of the target
application. You can use a configuration device, intelligent controller, or
the JTAG port to configure a Stratix device. A configuration device can
automatically configure a Stratix device at system power-up.
Multiple Stratix devices can be configured in any of five configuration
schemes by connecting the configuration enable (nCE) and configuration
enable output (nCEO) pins on each device.
Table 3–5. Data Sources for Configuration
Configuration Scheme
Data Source
Configuration device
Passive serial (PS)
Enhanced or EPC2 configuration device
MasterBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster II
download cable or serial data source
Passive parallel
Parallel data source
asynchronous (PPA)
Fast passive parallel
JTAG
Parallel data source
MasterBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster II
download cable, a microprocessor with a Jam or
JBC file, or JRunner
Partial Reconfiguration
The enhanced PLLs within the Stratix device family support partial
reconfiguration of their multiply, divide, and time delay settings without
reconfiguring the entire device. You can use either serial data from the
logic array or regular I/O pins to program the PLL’s counter settings in a
serial chain. This option provides considerable flexibility for frequency
Altera Corporation
July 2005
3–7
Stratix Device Handbook, Volume 1
ALTERA [ ALTERA CORPORATION ]
