EthernetBlaster Cable Definition

An Ethernet-based download cable that allows you to program and configure devices in-system. The EthernetBlaster cable provides configuration support for FPGA devices and programming support for CPLD devices, such as MAX 3000 and MAX 7000 devices, configuration devices, such as the EPC2 and EPC16, and serial configuration devices, such as the EPCS1 and EPCS4. You can also use the EthernetBlaster cable to run Signal Tap logic analysis. The EthernetBlaster cable provides support for Passive Serial, JTAG, and Active Serial Programming modes. The EthernetBlaster cable requires a 12V power supply and between 1.5V and 5.0V from the target circuit board.

The EthernetBlaster cable is connected to an Ethernet LAN via an Ethernet cable, and to a 10-pin male header on the circuit board containing the target device (s) via a 10-pin female plug. Programming or configuration data can be downloaded with the Intel® Quartus® Prime Programmer.

The EthernetBlaster cable has the same functionality as the ByteBlasterMV cable, with additional functionality that provides programming support for serial configuration devices. The EthernetBlaster cable has the same functionality as the ByteBlasterII cable and the USB-Blaster cable, except the EthernetBlaster cable uses an Ethernet connection while the ByteBlasterII cable uses a parallel port and the USB-Blaster cable users a USB port.

Note: More information is available on the EthernetBlaster communications cable on the Altera website.