Intel® FPGA Software Download and Installation Support

Getting Started: Your Path to FPGA Success

Thank you for selecting Intel® as your trusted technology partner. Embarking on your FPGA development venture has never been easier. This guide is crafted to accompany you through every step of the installation process, ensuring that you have a solid foundation to build upon. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, we've got you covered.

Step 1: Verifying System Requirements

1. Verifying the Intel® Quartus® Prime Release:
   • Prior to installation, it's crucial to confirm that the edition and release version of the Intel® Quartus® Prime software you're planning to install are compatible with the platform you intend to utilize. Intel strongly recommends using the latest Quartus version for development, as it addresses bugs and enhances performance.
2. Determining Hardware Requirement:
   • Before proceeding with the installation of Intel® Quartus® Prime software, it's imperative to ensure that your hardware meets the Minimum Hardware Requirements outlined by Intel. This step guarantees optimal performance and a seamless development experience.
3. Checking Operating System Compatibility:
   • It's recommended to consult the Operating System Support page and Operating System Requirement documentation for all Intel® FPGA Software. These resources provide the most up-to-date information on operating system requirements, guaranteeing a stable and well-supported software environment.
4. Verifying Disk Space Requirements:
   • At least 36 GB of free disk space to contain copies of uncompressed version installation files. For disk space requirements for individual software components or Intel® FPGA IP cores, follow these instructions:
     1. Visit the Intel® FPGA Software Download Center.
     2. Select the desired software product from the collection.
     3. Within the selected software product landing page, see System Requirements section. For additional memory recommendations, refer to the release notes under Documentation Links section.

Step 2: Selecting the Download Method

1. Using the Intel® Quartus® Prime Installer (coming with 23.3)
   • Intel® Quartus® Prime Installer is a lightweight installer that allows you to download and install various development tools and FPGA device files that the Intel Quartus Prime software supports.
2. Downloading Software Packages Manually
   • You can download software packages manually using one of the following options:
     1. Downloading a bundled set of software and device files in .tar format
     2. Downloading individual executable files for customized download and installation
     3. Downloading and installing additional device support and software

If you want the complete Intel® FPGA software package and device support for all supported families, you should use the .tar. If you want to download select elements of the software, additional software, or additional device support, you should use the individual executable files.

Step 3: Installation

1. Using the Intel® Quartus® Prime Installer (coming with 23.3)
   • When the "Auto install after download" and "After-install actions" options are enabled, the installer will automatically initiate the installation process once the download is complete.
2. Manual Installation of Intel® FPGA Software
   • If you have manually downloaded the software package, please follow the instructions provided in this user guide section to install those packages.

Step 4: Understanding Licensing

1. You can evaluate the Intel® Quartus® Prime software at no cost for a specific period of time. Upon the conclusion of the evaluation period, you will be required to obtain a license file from the Intel® FPGA Self-Service Licensing Center.
2. Navigate to the Intel® FPGA Licensing Support Center for information regarding license types, obtaining and configuring a license file, and resolving license-related issues.

Additional Resources

1. Documentation/User Guide:
   • Intel® FPGA Software Installation and Licensing User Guide
   • AN 320: Using Intel® FPGA IP Evaluation Mode
   • Questa*-Intel® FPGA Edition Quick-Start: Intel® Quartus® Prime Pro Edition
2. FPGA Knowledge Base
   • Does the Questa*-Intel® FPGA Starter Edition software require a license file?
   • Why can't I check out a floating license for Questa*-Intel® FPGA Edition version 10.3c?
   • Why doesn't my Intel® Quartus® Prime software/OpenCL™ license work on RedHat 7.x?
   • Why my OpenCL™ license is not detected in 17.0 when my maintenance date still valid?
   • Why does the Intel® Quartus® Prime software fail to detect a floating license?
   • How do I determine whether the Intellectual Property (IP) that I used in my design is licensed?
   • How can I stop older versions of the Intel® Quartus® Prime software or IP from using newer floating network licenses?
   • When is a license checked out by the Intel® Quartus® Prime software, IP cores, and Questa*-Intel® FPGA Edition software?
   • Is there a specific environment variable that I can use for Intel® Quartus® Prime software licensing, such as ALTERAD_LICENSE_FILE?
   • How do I get my license if it does not show in the self-service licensing center because the maintenance expired before January 1, 2009?
3. Intel® FPGA YouTube Channel
   • How to Setup Intel® Quartus® Licenses
   • Setting up and debugging Intel® Quartus® floating licenses
4. Intel® FPGA Support Resources
5. IP Base Suite Licenses
6. Intel® Authorized Distributor
7. DSP builder for Intel® FPGAs installation and licensing