AN 1013: Using Generic QSPI Flash on Control Block-Based Devices
1. Introduction
Altera control block-based FPGAs support various configuration modes. Among them, the Active Serial configuration mode is commonly used due to its simplicity. In this mode, the FPGA initiates configuration upon power-up after reading the configuration bitstream stored within supported Quad Serial Peripheral Interface (QSPI) flash devices.
Altera-supported QSPI flash manufacturers are Micron* and Macronix*. However, FPGA designers may on occasion require QSPI flash devices from other manufacturers due to unforeseen circumstances, such as component shortage.
This application note provides guidance on assessing other manufacturers’ QSPI flash devices for suitability as the Active Serial configuration flash device for Altera control block-based FPGA devices. In addition, this application note provides the step-by-step guides and examples to generate the programming file, using the compliant QSPI flash device.
This document is applicable to the following Altera FPGA device families.
| Device Families | Active Serial Schemes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Serial x1 (ASx1) | Active Serial x4 (ASx4) | ||
| Cyclone® 10 LP | Yes | – | |
| Cyclone® 10 GX | Yes | Yes | |
| Arria® 10 (including SoC devices) | Yes | Yes | |
| V-series | Arria® V (including SoC devices) | Yes | Yes |
| Cyclone® V (including SoC devices) | Yes | Yes | |
| Stratix® V | Yes | Yes | |
| Cyclone® IV | Yes | – | |