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Programming Altera Devices

Home > Support > Design Software > Programming Altera Devices

Once you have successfully compiled and simulated a project with the MAX+PLUS II software, you can program an Altera device and test it in the target circuit. Figure 1 shows the device programming flow for MAX+PLUS II software.

Figure 1. MAX+PLUS II Device Programming Flow

Altera-provided items are shown in blue.

Figure 1. MAX+PLUS II Device Programming Flow

You can program devices with Altera programming hardware and MAX+PLUS II Programmer software installed on a 486- or Pentium-based PC or a UNIX workstation, or with programming hardware and software available from other manufacturers. Table 1 shows the available Altera programming hardware options on PCs and UNIX workstations.

Table 1. Altera Programming Hardware
Programming
Hardware
Option
PCs UNIX
Work-
stations
MAX® 3000A
Devices
Classic®
&
MAX 5000
Devices
MAX 7000
&
MAX 7000E
Devices
MAX 7000A,
MAX 7000AE,
MAX 7000B,
MAX 7000S
MAX 9000
&
MAX 9000A
Devices
FLEX® 6000,
FLEX 6000A,
FLEX 8000,
FLEX 10K,
FLEX 10KA,
FLEX 10KB,
&
FLEX 10KE Devices
In-System
Programming/
Configuration
Logic Programmer
card, PL-MPU
Master
Programming
Unit, and
device-specific
adapters
Step:   Step: Step: Step: Step:    
BitBlaster
Download Cable
Step: Step: Step:     Step: Step: Step:
ByteBlasterMV
Download Cable
Step:   Step:     Step: Step: Step:
MasterBlaster™ Download Cable Step: Step: Step:     Step: Step: Step:

If you wish to transfer programming files from a UNIX workstation to a PC over a network with File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or other similar transfer programs, be sure to select binary transfer mode.

Programming hardware from other manufacturers varies, but typically consists of a device connected to one of the serial ports on the workstation. Various vendors, such as Data I/O and BP Microsystems, supply hardware and software for programming Altera devices.

Related Links:

  • Go to Compiling Projects with MAX+PLUS II Software for information on creating programming files.
  • Go to the following topics, which are available on the web, for additional information:
    • MAX+PLUS II Development Software
    • Altera Programming Hardware
    • FLEX Devices
    • MAX Devices
    • Classic Device Family
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