Functional Description
Page 11
Multiple FPGAs can be configured using a single EPC device in FPP mode. In this
mode, multiple Stratix series FPGAs, APEX II FPGAs, or both, are cascaded together
in a daisy chain.
After the first FPGA completes configuration, its nCEOpin asserts to activate the nCE
pin for the second FPGA, which prompts the second device to start capturing
configuration data. In this setup, the FPGAs CONF_DONEpins are tied together, and
hence all devices initialize and enter user mode simultaneously. If the EPC device or
one of the FPGAs detects an error, configuration stops (and simultaneously restarts)
for the whole chain because the nSTATUSpins are tied together.
1
While Altera FPGAs can be cascaded in a configuration chain, the EPC devices cannot
be cascaded to configure larger devices or chains.
f For more information about configuration schematics and multi-device FPP
configuration, refer to the configuration chapter in the appropriate device handbook.
Passive Serial Configuration
APEX 20KC, APEX 20KE, APEX 20K, APEX II, Cyclone series, FLEX 10K, and Stratix
series devices can be configured using EPC devices in the PS mode. This mode is
similar to the FPP mode, with the exception that only one bit of data (DATA[0]) is
transmitted to the FPGA per DCLKcycle. The remaining DATA[7..1]output pins are
unused in this mode and driven low.
The configuration schematic for PS configuration of a single FPGA or single-serial
chain is identical to the FPP schematic, with the exception that only DATA[0]output
from the EPC device connects to the FPGA DATA0input pin and the remaining
DATA[7..1]pins are left floating.
f For more information about configuration schematics and multi-device PS
configuration, refer to the configuration chapter in the appropriate device handbook.
Concurrent Configuration
EPC devices support concurrent configuration of multiple FPGAs (or FPGA chains) in
PS mode. Concurrent configuration is when the EPC device simultaneously outputs n
bits of configuration data on the DATA[n-1..0]pins (n = 1, 2, 4, or 8), and each DATA[]
line serially configures a different FPGA chain. The number of concurrent serial
chains is user-defined using the Quartus II software and can be any number from 1 to
8. For example, for three concurrent chains, you can select the 4-bit PS mode and
connect the least significant DATAbits to the FPGAs or FPGA chains. Leave the most
significant DATAbit (DATA[3]) unconnected. Similarly, for 5-, 6-, or 7-bit concurrent
chains you can select the 8-bit PS mode.
f For more information about configuration interface connections including pull-up
resistor values, supply voltages, and MSELpin settings, refer to the configuration
chapter in the appropriate device handbook.
January 2012 Altera Corporation
Enhanced Configuration (EPC) Devices Datasheet
ALTERA [ ALTERA CORPORATION ]
