Introduction
Agilex™ 3 supports multiple configuration modes, controlled by the Secure Device Manager (SDM) .
For AS x4 configuration, the SDM loads the initial firmware from an external QSPI Flash and executes the configuration.
QSPI Flash is available from several manufacturers, but Altera® supports only certain model numbers.
Table 4 - Supported Third Party Configuration Devices
When used with Agilex™ 3 , the .sof to .jic conversion is required using Quartus® Prime Programming File Generator , but only a limited number of devices are initially registered.
Figure 1. Configuration Device QSPI Flash Registration List
Although there are QSPI Flash devices that can be configured using the registered models, this time we will register the original QSPI Flash, generate the programming file, and introduce the procedures up to successful programming and configuration.
The environment used in this study is as follows.
Tool: Quartus® Prime Pro Edition V25.1.1
Development kit: Terasic , Inc: Atum A3 Nano
Point: Although Agilex™ 3 is used as an example, the procedure is common for other Agilex™ family and Stratix® 10 and other device families that use SDM.
Point: Programming File Generator display and settings may vary depending on the version of Quartus® Prime Pro Edition.
1. sample design
The attached sample design (golden_top_25_1_1_125.qar) is a simple design that adds a counter and LED lighting circuit to the golden_top project included in the kit.
Figure 2. circuit image ( RTL Viewer )
2. .sof Generation
Unzip golden_top_25_1_1_125.qar with Quartus Prime and execute full compilation.
3. Programming File Generator Operation
3-1. Launching the Programming File Generator
Click "File => Programming File Generator" from the menu bar of Quartus® Prime.
Confirm that :
Device family: Agilex 3
Configuration mode: Active Serial x4
Figure 3. Startup procedure and display
3-2. Setting Output Files Tab
Set the destination and file name of the generated file.
In this case,
Output directory: .
Name: golden_top
Check JTAG indirect Configuration File (.jic) .
(Memory Map File (.map) is automatically checked, so you can leave it as it is.)
Figure 4. Output Files setting
3-3. Input Files Tab Settings
Click on the Add Bitstream... button. button to register the .sof file.
Figure 5. Input Files setting
3-4. Configuration Device tab settings
Click the Add Device... button, and in the Custom database directory: field, specify as the folder where you want to save the custom configuration (.xml) to be created.
Figure 6. Configuration Device directory: Setting 1
In the Configuration Device tab, set the following
1) Highlight <<new device>> (settings on the right side will be changed to editable)
2) Device name: Enter the original model number
3) Device ID: Register the Manufacture ID and Device ID from the QSPI Flash data sheet
Atum Since A3 Nano is equipped with Micron MT25QU128 , 0x20 0xBB 0x18
4) Device density: Select the memory capacity of QSPI Flash
5) Click Apply button to save the registration information
6) Highlight the original model number registered in the Configuration Device list and click OK button.
Figure 7. Configuration Device directory: Setting 2
7) Highlight the original model number => Add Partition => Select .sof from the Input file: pull-down list, and click OK .
Figure 8. Configuration Device directory: Setting 3
8) Click the Select button to select the target FPGA model number in the Flash loader: field.
Select Agilex 3 for Device family and A3CY135BB16A for Device name, and click OK
Figure 9. Configuration Device directory: Setting 4
9) Click the Generate button
Successfully generated output file(s) is displayed, .jic is generated in the specified folder.
4. Programming
Connect the Atum A3 Nano to the PC with the supplied USB cable, then connect the AC adapter and turn on the power.
Start Quartus® Prime Programmer and make the following settings.
・Hardware Setup: Atum A3 Nano [USB-1]
・Add the .jic file you created by clicking Add files button
・Check Program/Configure andVerify (see figure below)
Figure 10. Programmer setting
Click the Start button to start the program.
If the Factory SDM helper image pop-up message appears, click Yes .
Figure 11. Pop-up message
If Progress: shows 100% (Successful) , the program has succeeded.
Reference material: What I did with Agilex 3 - FPGA Configuration
Turn the Atum A3 Nano off and on , and if the LEDs light up in sequence, the operation was successful.
Figure 12. Operation image
Summary
In this article, we have introduced how to register QSPI Flash using the Programming File Generator , how to create a programming file, and how to operate in user mode.
Even if a QSPI Flash is not yet registered, you can create a programming file for use in AS x4 configuration by registering new QSPI Flash information with the Programming File Generator .
Note: All released QSPI Flash Note: Not all released QSPI Flash are supported.
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