In System Programmability
Parallel Flash Loader
The JTAG block ability to interface JTAG to non-JTAG devices is ideal for
general-purpose flash memory devices (such as Intel or Fujitsu based
devices) that require programming during in-circuit test. The flash
memory devices can be used for FPGA configuration or be part of system
memory. In many cases, the MAX II device is already connected to these
devices as the configuration control logic between the FPGA and the flash
device. Unlike ISP-capable CPLD devices, bulk flash devices do not have
JTAG TAP pins or connections. For small flash devices, it is common to
use the serial JTAG scan chain of a connected device to program the non-
JTAG flash device. This is slow and inefficient in most cases and
impractical for large parallel flash devices. Using the MAX II device’s
JTAG block as a parallel flash loader, with the Quartus II software, to
program and verify flash contents provides a fast and cost-effective
means of in-circuit programming during test. Figure 3–1 shows MAX II
being used as a parallel flash loader.
Figure 3–1. MAX II Parallel Flash Loader
MAX II Device
Flash
Memory Device
Altera FPGA
CONF_DONE
nSTATUS
nCE
DQ[7..0]
A[20..0]
OE
DQ[7..0]
A[20..0]
OE
WE
WE
CE
CE
RY/BY
RY/BY
DATA0
nCONFIG
DCLK
TDO_U
TDI_U
Parallel
TDI
TMS
TCK
Flash Loader
Configuration
Logic
TMS_U
TCK_U
SHIFT_U
CLKDR_U
(1),(2)
TDO
UPDATE_U
RUNIDLE_U
USER1_U
Notes to Figure 3–1:
(1) This block is implemented in LEs.
(2) This function is supported in the Quartus II software.
MAX II devices can be programmed in-system via the industry standard
4-pin IEEE Std. 1149.1 (JTAG) interface. In system programmability (ISP)
offers quick, efficient iterations during design development and
In System
Programmability
3–4
Core Version a.b.c variable
Altera Corporation
June 2005
MAX II Device Handbook, Volume 1
INTEL [ INTEL ]
