9–4
Chapter 9: Configuration, Design Security, and Remote System Upgrades in the Cyclone III Device Family
Configuration Features
When you enable compression, the Quartus II software generates configuration files
with compressed configuration data. This compressed file reduces the storage
requirements in the configuration device or flash memory and decreases the time
needed to send the bitstream to the Cyclone III device family. The time needed by a
Cyclone III device family to decompress a configuration file is less than the time
needed to send the configuration data to the device. There are two methods for
enabling compression for Cyclone III device family bitstreams in the Quartus II
software:
■
■
Before design compilation (using the Compiler Settings menu).
After design compilation (use the
Convert Programming Files
dialog box).
To enable compression in the compiler settings of the project in the Quartus II
software, perform the following steps:
1. On the Assignments menu, click
Device.
The
Settings
dialog box appears.
2. Click
Device and Pin Options.
The
Device and Pin Options
dialog box appears.
3. Click the
Configuration
tab.
4. Turn on
Generate compressed bitstreams
5. Click
OK.
6. In the
Settings
dialog box, click
OK.
Figure 9–1. Enabling Compression for Cyclone III Device Family Bitstreams in Compiler Settings
To enable compression when creating programming files from the
Convert
Programming Files
window, follow these steps:
1. On the File menu, click
Convert Programming Files.
Cyclone III Device Handbook
Volume 1
August 2012 Altera Corporation
ALTERA [ ALTERA CORPORATION ]
