Active Serial Configuration (Serial Configuration Devices)
When multiple Cyclone II devices are cascaded, the compression feature
can be selectively enabled for each device in the chain. Figure 13–2
depicts a chain of two Cyclone II devices. The first Cyclone II device has
compression enabled and therefore receives a compressed bitstream from
the configuration device. The second Cyclone II device has the
compression feature disabled and receives uncompressed data.
Figure 13–2. Compressed & Uncompressed Configuration Data in a
Programming File
Serial Data
Serial or Enhanced
Configuration
Device
Compressed
Uncompressed
V
CC
Decompression
Controller
Decompression
Controller
10 kΩ
Cyclone II
Device
Cyclone II
Device
nCE
nCEO
nCE
nCEO
N.C.
GND
You can generate programming files (for example, POF files) for this
setup in the Quartus II software.
In the AS configuration scheme, Cyclone II devices are configured using
a serial configuration device. These configuration devices are low-cost
devices with non-volatile memory that feature a simple, four-pin
interface and a small form factor. These features make serial
Active Serial
Configuration
(Serial
configuration devices an ideal low-cost configuration solution.
Configuration
Devices)
f
For more information on serial configuration devices, see the Serial
Configuration Devices Data Sheet in the Configuration Handbook.
13–6
Cyclone II Device Handbook, Volume 1
Altera Corporation
February 2007