Enhanced Configuration Devices (EPC4, EPC8 & EPC16) Data Sheet
Figure 2–1. Enhanced Configuration Device Block Diagram
JTAG/ISP Interface
Enhanced Configuration Device
Shared Flash
Interface
FPGA
Flash
Controller
Shared Flash Interface
The enhanced configuration device features multiple configuration
schemes. In addition to supporting the traditional passive serial (PS)
configuration scheme for a single device or a serial device chain, the
enhanced configuration device features concurrent configuration and
parallel configuration. With the concurrent configuration scheme, up to
eight PS device chains can be configured simultaneously. In the FPP
configuration scheme, 8-bits of data are clocked into the FPGA each cycle.
These schemes offer significantly reduced configuration times over
traditional schemes.
Furthermore, the enhanced configuration device features a dynamic
configuration or page mode feature. This feature allows you to
dynamically reconfigure all the FPGAs in your system with new images
stored in the configuration memory. Up to eight different system
configurations or pages can be stored in memory and selected using the
PGM[2..0]pins. Your system can be dynamically reconfigured by
selecting one of the eight pages and initiating a reconfiguration cycle.
This page mode feature combined with the external flash interface allows
remote and local updates of system configuration data. The enhanced
configuration devices are compatible with the Stratix Remote System
Configuration feature.
Altera Corporation
August 2005
2–3
Configuration Handbook, Volume 2
ALTERA [ ALTERA CORPORATION ]
