Altera® Programming Unit (APU)
The Altera® Programming Unit (APU) provides the hardware and software needed for programming Intel® FPGA devices, when used with the appropriate programming adapters.
Introduction
The Altera Programming Unit (APU) provides the hardware and software needed for programming Altera devices, when used with the appropriate download cables. The APU can also connect to the USB port of Windows-based PCs and compatible computers running Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Windows 98 operating systems. Programming and functional test information is transmitted from the PC through the USB port connection to the APU. A programming status light on the APU lights up when the unit is active.
When used with the appropriate adapter, the APU automatically tests for continuity between the device leads and the programming socket before programming. It can also apply test vectors to functionally test and verify programmed Altera devices. Test vectors can be created in waveform or text format in the MAX+PLUS® II Waveform Editor or Text Editor and applied to the device. Results can be viewed in waveform or text format.
Both the Quartus® II software and the MAX+PLUS II software provide software interfaces to the APU.