Article ID: 000078679 Content Type: Troubleshooting Last Reviewed: 10/07/2016

What is the difference between USERCODE and UESCODE?

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Description USERCODE is a Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) instruction defined in the IEEE 1149.1-1990 JTAG specification that allows you to program a 32-bit user electronic signature into the device during programming (typically for design version control). When the USERCODE instruction is loaded into the device, you can shift the signature out of the device. You can specify any 32-bit pattern in this signature.

Although UESCODE is not defined in the JTAG specification, this instruction uses the JTAG state machine to shift a signature out of the device, thus providing the same version control capability as the USERCODE instruction. UESCODE can use one or more instructions to read a signature out of the device. Since UESCODE is an Altera® instruction, you must use a Jam file (.jam) generated by the MAX PLUS® II software to read out the instruction.

You can set the USERCODE or UESCODEregister in the MAX PLUS II software via the User Code option (Assign menu -> Global Project Device Options). Table 1 lists the USERCODE or UESCODE register length for Altera devices.

Table 1. USERCODE & UESCODE Register Lengths
DeviceInstructionLength (bits)
APEX 20KUSERCODE32
FLEX® 10KUSERCODE32 (1)
FLEX 10KEUSERCODE32 (1)
FLEX 8000NANA
FLEX 6000NANA
MAX® 9000AUESCODE16
MAX 7000AUESCODE16
MAX 7000AEUSERCODE32
MAX 7000BUSERCODE32
MAX 3000AUSERCODE32
Configuration devicesUSERCODE32

Note:
(1) Seven bits determined by the user, 25 bits predetermined.

For more information on USERCODE and UESCODE, refer to AN 39: IEEE 1149.1(JTAG) Boundary-Scan Testing in Altera Devices (PDF).

 

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