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Cables and Adapter Driver Installation Guide

Setting up Programming Hardware in Quartus® II Software Setting up Programming Hardware in MAX PLUS® II Software Altera® FPGA Download Cable (formerly USB-Blaster) Driver for Linux* Altera® FPGA ByteBlaster™ II Driver for Linux Altera® FPGA ByteBlasterMV™ Driver for Linux* Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows XP Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows 2000 Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows 98 ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, and ByteBlaster Driver for Windows* Vista 32-Bit ByteBlaster™ II, ByteBlasterMV™ & ByteBlaster Driver for Windows XP ByteBlaster™ II, ByteBlasterMV™ & ByteBlaster Driver for Windows 2000 ByteBlasterᵀᴹ II, ByteBlasterMVᵀᴹ & ByteBlasterᵀᴹ Driver for Windows NT 4.0 MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows XP MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows 2000 MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows 98 MPU Driver Information for Windows XP T-Guard Driver for Windows T-Guard Driver for Windows 2000 T-Guard Driver for Windows NT 4.0 T-Guard Parallel Port Settings USB-blaster Driver for Windows 7 and Windows Vista USB-Blaster Driver for Windows 2000 USB-Blaster™ and USB-Blaster II Drivers for Windows XP
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Product Discontinuance Notifications

Please read Product Advisory Notices for details about the software versions that have been discontinued.

ADV 2011 - Discontinuance of Selected Altera® Quartus® II Software Subscription & Web Editions ›

ADV 2030 - Discontinuance of MAX+PLUS® II Software ›

Users should upgrade to the latest available software version for their device and follow the technical recommendations to help improve security.

Contact your Altera sales representative for more Information.

Setting up Programming Hardware in Quartus® II Software

Drivers are required for some Altera programming hardware. Check the driver information page Cable and Adapter Drivers Information to determine whether a driver is required. If a driver is required, you should install it before continuing with the steps below.

 

Quartus II Version 4.2 and later

  • Start the Quartus® II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The Programmer window will open.
  • Click the Hardware Setup... button to open the Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by choosing it in the Available hardware items list.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.
 

Quartus II Version 4.0 and 4.1

  • Start the Quartus II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The Programmer window will open.
  • Click the Hardware Setup... button to open the Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by clicking on it in the Available hardware items window then clicking the Select Hardware button. Your choice will be listed as the Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.

 

Quartus II Version 3.0

  • Start the Quartus II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The programmer window will open.
  • Click the Hardware button to open the Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by clicking on it in the Available hardware items window then clicking the Select Hardware button. Your choice will be listed as the Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.

 

Quartus II Version 2.2

  • Start the Quartus II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The programmer window will open.
  • Click the Setup button to open the Programming Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by clicking on it in the Available hardware items window then clicking the Select Hardware button. Your choice will be listed as the Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.

 

Quartus II Version 2.1

  • Start the Quartus II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The programmer window will open.
  • Click the Setup button to open the Programming Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by clicking on it in the Available hardware items window then clicking the Select Hardware button. Your choice will be listed as the Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.

 

Quartus II Version 2.0 and Earlier

  • Start the Quartus II software.
  • Choose Programmer from the Tools menu. The programmer window will open.
  • Click the Setup button to open the Programming Hardware Setup window.
  • The selected programming hardware is identified as Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Programming hardware that is already set up appears in the Available hardware items window.
  • Click the Add Hardware button to open the Add Hardware window if the programming hardware you would like to use is not listed in the Available hardware items window.
  • Select the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type list.
  • Select the appropriate port and baud rate if necessary.
  • Click OK.
  • Select the programming hardware you would like to use by clicking on it in the Available hardware items window then clicking the Select Hardware button. Your choice will be listed as the Currently Selected Hardware.
  • Click Close.
  • Your programming hardware has been set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to Quartus II Help.

Setting up Programming Hardware in MAX PLUS® II Software

Drivers are required for some Altera® FPGA programming hardware. If you have not already done so, check the cable and adapter drivers information to determine whether a driver is required. If a driver is required, install it before continuing with the steps below.

 

Hardware Setup 

  1. Start the MAX+PLUS II software.
  2. Choose Programmer from the MAX+PLUS II menu. The programmer window will open. Note: If you get a message saying "Programming hardware is not installed" click OK.
  3. Choose Hardware Setup from the Options menu.
  4. Choose the appropriate programming cable or programming hardware from the Hardware Type drop-down list. If necessary, choose the appropriate I/O address, RS-232 port, baud rate, or parallel port as well.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Your programming hardware is now set up.

For detailed information about how to program Altera devices, refer to the MAX+PLUS II Help.

Altera® FPGA Download Cable (formerly USB-Blaster) Driver for Linux*

The Altera® Quartus® Prime software and older versions of Altera Quartus development software use built-in usb_device drivers on Linux to access the Altera FPGA Download Cable and the Altera FPGA Download Cable II. By default, root is the only user allowed to use these devices. You must change the permissions on the ports before you can use the Altera FPGA Download Cable or Altera FPGA Download Cable II to program devices with Altera Quartus development software.

You must have system administration (root) privileges to configure the Altera FPGA Download Cable drivers.

Select the appropriate RedHat Linux* Enterprise version for instructions on changing port permissions:

 

Driver Setup on RedHat Linux Enterprise 5 and Above

  • Add the following lines to the /etc/udev/rules.d/51-usbblaster.rules file.
    # Altera FPGA Download Cable
    SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="09fb", ATTR{idProduct}=="6001", MODE="0666"
    SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="09fb", ATTR{idProduct}=="6002", MODE="0666"
    SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="09fb", ATTR{idProduct}=="6003", MODE="0666"
    # Altera FPGA Download Cable II
    SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="09fb", ATTR{idProduct}=="6010", MODE="0666"
    SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="09fb", ATTR{idProduct}=="6810", MODE="0666"
  • Complete your installation by setting up the programming hardware in the software.
  • Setting up programming hardware in legacy Altera Quartus development software
  • Setting up programming hardware in the Quartus® Prime software

 

Driver Setup on RedHat Linux Enterprise 4 and Below

  • Add the following lines to the /etc/hotplug/usb.usermap file.
    # Altera FPGA Download Cable
    #
    usbblaster 0x03 0x09fb 0x6001 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0
    usbblaster 0x03 0x09fb 0x6002 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0
    usbblaster 0x03 0x09fb 0x6003 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0
    usbblaster 0x03 0x09fb 0x6010 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0
    usbblaster 0x03 0x09fb 0x6810 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0 0x0
  • Create a file named /etc/hotplug/usb/usbblaster and add the following lines to it.
    #!/bin/sh
    # Altera FPGA Download Cable hotplug script
    # Allow any user to access the cable
    chmod 666 $DEVICE
  • Make the file executable.
  • Complete your installation by setting up the programming hardware in the software.
     

Altera® FPGA ByteBlaster™ II Driver for Linux

You must install the Altera FPGA ByteBlaster II download cable driver before you can use the cable to program devices with the Quartus® II software.

You must have root privileges to install the ByteBlaster II download cable driver.

This procedure is described in the ByteBlaster II Download Cable User Guide in the section called "Installing the Driver on a Linux System." Refer to that document for installation instructions.
 

 

Altera® FPGA ByteBlasterMV™ Driver for Linux*

You must install the Altera FPGA ByteBlasterMV download cable driver before you can use the cable to program devices with the Quartus® II software.

You must have root privileges to install the ByteBlasterMV download cable driver.

This procedure is described in the ByteBlasterMV Download Cable User Guide in the section called "Installation on a Linux Workstation." Refer to that document for installation instructions.

 

 

Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows XP

Windows will prompt you to install the APU universal serial bus (USB) driver the first time the APU is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II 2.1 and Later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows XP will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to Quartus® II software>\drivers directory.
  2. Select the apu_usb.inf file and click OK
  3. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation

 

MAX+PLUS® II 10.2 and Later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows XP will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS® II software>\Drivers\apu directory.
  2. Select the apu_usb.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation.

Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows 2000

Windows will prompt you to install the APU universal serial bus (USB) driver the first time the APU is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows 2000 will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to Quartus II software>\drivers directory.
  2. Select the apu_usb.inf file and click OK
  3. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation

 

MAX+PLUS® II 10.11 and later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows 2000 will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS® II software>\Drivers\apu directory.
  2. Select the apu_usb.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation.

MAX+PLUS II software version 10.1 and earlier does not support the APU.

Altera® Programming Unit (APU) USB Driver Information for Windows 98

Windows will prompt you to install the Altera Programming Unit universal serial bus (USB) driver the first time the APU is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows 98 will automatically recognize it and start the Add New Hardware wizard.

  1. Click Next in the Add New Hardware Wizard window
  2. Click Next
  3. Choose Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location and click Next
  4. Choose Universal Serial Bus controller from the list of devices and click Next
  5. Click the Have Disk... button
  6. Click Browse in the Install From Disk window
  7. Browse to the <Path to Quartus® II software>\drivers directory and click OK
  8. Click OK in the Install From Disk window
  9. Choose APU - Altera Programming Unit in the Models list and click Next
  10. Click Next to install the driver
  11. Click Finish
  12. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation.

 

MAX+PLUS® II 10.12 - Driver Installation

When you plug in the APU USB cable, Windows 98 will automatically recognize it and start the Add New Hardware wizard.

  1. Click Next in the Add New Hardware Wizard window
  2. Click Next
  3. Choose Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location and click Next
  4. Choose Universal Serial Bus controller from the list of devices and click Next
  5. Click the Have Disk... button
  6. Click Browse in the Install From Disk window
  7. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS® II software>\Drivers\apu directory and click OK
  8. Click OK in the Install From Disk window
  9. Choose APU - Altera Programming Unit in the Models list and click Next
  10. Click Next to install the driver
  11. Click Finish
  12. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation

MAX+PLUS II software version 10.11 and earlier does not support the APU.

ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, and ByteBlaster Driver for Windows* Vista 32-Bit

You must install the ByteBlasterMV™, ByteBlaster™ II, or ByteBlaster download cable driver separately from Quartus® II software before you can use them to program devices with Quartus II software.

You must have system administration (administrator) privileges to install the ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster download cable drivers. You do not need to connect the ByteBlaster II/ByteBlaster MV download cable before installing the Altera® ByteBlaster kernel driver.

You must use the BBLPT utility toinstall or remove the Altera® ByteBlaster driver. The BBLPT utility supports Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP 32-bit, and Windows Vista 32-bit. (Note: You cannot use the Windows Add/Remove Hardware Wizard to install or remove Altera® ByteBlaster driver in Windows Vista 32-bit.)

Note: Before you begin, make sure the User Account Control (UAC) setting is disabled. To do so, perform the following steps:

  1. Go to the Control Panel. At Control Panel Home, select User Accounts.
  2. Select User Accounts again. Then, select Turn User Account Control on or off.
  3. Uncheck Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer to disable the UAC settings for the OS.
  4. Click OK and exit Control Panel.

 

Driver Installation

  • From the Start menu, choose Run.
  • In the Open field, type cmd and then click OK. The command prompt window appears.
  • To install the Altera® ByteBlaster driver with the BBLPT utility, type the following command at the command prompt:
  • <Quartus II Installation Path>\bin\bblpt /i ↵
  • When the ByteBlaster Device Driver Installation window appears, click OK.
  • You may now connect the Altera® ByteBlaster download cable to the PC. Complete the installation by setting up programming hardware:
  • Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software ›
  • Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS® II software ›
  • To remove the Altera® ByteBlaster driver with the BBLPT utility, type the following command at the command prompt:
  • <Quartus II Installation Path>\bin\bblpt /r ↵
  • When the ByteBlaster Device Driver Installation window appears, click OK.

ByteBlaster™ II, ByteBlasterMV™ & ByteBlaster Driver for Windows XP

You must install the ByteBlasterMV, ByteBlaster II, or ByteBlaster download cable driver before you can use them to program devices with the Quartus® II or MAX+PLUS® II software. MAX+PLUS II software version 10.1 and later supports Windows XP.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster download cable drivers.

 

Driver Installation

  • From the Start menu, choose Run.
  • In the Open field, type cmd and then click OK. The command prompt window appears.
  • To install the Altera® FPGA ByteBlaster driver with the BBLPT utility, type the following command at the command prompt:
  • <Quartus II Installation Path>\bin\bblpt /i ↵
  • When the ByteBlaster Device Driver Installation window appears, click OK.
  • You may now connect the Altera FPGA ByteBlaster download cable to the PC. Complete your installation by setting up programming hardware
  • Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software ›
  • Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software ›
  • To remove the Altera FPGA ByteBlaster driver with the BBLPT utility, type the following command at the command prompt:
  • <Quartus II Installation Path>\bin\bblpt /r ↵
  • When the ByteBlaster Device Driver Installation window appears, click OK.

ByteBlaster™ II, ByteBlasterMV™ & ByteBlaster Driver for Windows 2000

You must install the ByteBlasterMV, ByteBlaster II, or ByteBlaster download cable driver before you can use them to program devices with the Quartus® II software or MAX+PLUS® II software. MAX+PLUS II software version 10.1 and later support Windows 2000.

Note: Beginning with version 10.0, the Quartus II software no longer supports Windows 2000. For operating system (OS) support information, refer to the Operating System Support page.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster download cable drivers.

 

Driver Installation

  1. Click on the Start menu, choose Settings, and click on Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Add/Remove Hardware icon to start the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard and click Next to continue.
  3. Select the Add/Troubleshoot a Device radio button in the Choose a Hardware task panel, and click Next to continue. Windows 2000 will search for new plug-and-play hardware in the New Hardware Detection window.
  4. Select Add a New Device in the Choose a Hardware Device window, and click Next to continue.
  5. Select the No, I want to select the hardware from a list radio button in the Find New Hardware window, and click Next to continue.
  6. Select Sound, Video and Game Controllers in the Hardware Type window, and click Next to continue.
  7. Select Have Disk ... in the Select a Device Driver window.
  8. Browse to the win2000.inf file in the \drivers\win2000 directory of your Quartus II software or MAX+PLUS II software installation and click OK.
  9. Click Yes at the Digital Signature Not Found warning dialog box.
  10. Select Altera® FPGA ByteBlaster or Altera FPGA ByteBlaster II in the Select a Device Driver window, and click Next to continue.
  11. Click Next after the Start Hardware Installation window displays the hardware being installed.
  12. Click Yes at the Digital Signature Not Found warning dialog box.
  13. Click Finish in the Completing the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard window.
  14. Reboot the computer.
  15. Complete your installation by setting up programming hardware.
  • Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software ›
  • Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software ›

ByteBlasterᵀᴹ II, ByteBlasterMVᵀᴹ & ByteBlasterᵀᴹ Driver for Windows NT 4.0

You must install the ByteBlasterMV, ByteBlaster II, or ByteBlaster download cable driver before you can use them to program devices with the Quartus® II software or MAX+PLUS® II software.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the ByteBlaster II, ByteBlasterMV, or ByteBlaster download cable drivers.

 

Driver Installation

  1. Click on the Start menu, choose Settings, and click on Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the Multimedia icon in the Control Panel window.
  3. Click the Devices tab.
  4. Click the Add button.
  5. Select Unlisted or Updated Driver from the List of Drivers list box and click OK.
  6. Browse to the drivers directory of your Quartus II software or MAX+PLUS II software installation and click OK.
  7. Click OK in the Install Driver window.
  8. Select Altera® FPGA ByteBlaster or Altera FPGA ByteBlaster II in the Add Unlisted or Updated Driver window and click OK.
  9. Restart the PC.
  10. Complete your installation by setting up programming hardware
  • Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software ›
  • Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software ›

MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows XP

Windows will prompt you to install the MasterBlaster universal serial bus (USB) cable driver the first time the MasterBlaster programmer is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II 2.1 and Later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows XP will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to Quartus II software>\drivers directory.
  2. Select the mblaster.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation.

 

MAX+PLUS® 10.2 and Later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows XP will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS II software>\Drivers\i386 directory.
  2. Select the mblaster.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation.

 

Related Information

Solution for the following error:

Why isn't my MasterBlaster auto-detected after plugging it into the USB port?

MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows 2000

Windows will prompt you to install the driver for the MasterBlaster USB cable the first time the MasterBlaster programmer is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II—Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows 2000 will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to Quartus II software>\drivers directory.
  2. Select the mblaster.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation.

 

MAX+PLUS® II 10.1 & Later—Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows 2000 will automatically recognize it and prompt you for the location of the driver.

  1. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS II software>\Drivers\i386 directory.
  2. Select the mblaster.inf file and click OK.
  3. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation.

MAX+PLUS II software version 10.0 and earlier does not support the MasterBlaster USB interface.

MasterBlaster™ USB Driver Information for Windows 98

Windows will prompt you to install the MasterBlaster Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable driver the first time the MasterBlaster programmer is plugged in.

 

Quartus® II - Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows 98 will automatically recognize it and start the Add New Hardware wizard.

  1. Click Next in the Add New Hardware Wizard window.
  2. Click Next again.
  3. Choose Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location and click Next.
  4. Choose Universal Serial Bus controller from the list of devices and click Next.
  5. Click the Have Disk... button.
  6. Click Browse in the Install From Disk window.
  7. Browse to the <Path to Quartus II software>\drivers directory and click OK.
  8. Click OK in the Install From Disk window.
  9. Choose MasterBlaster in the Models list and click Next.
  10. Click Next to install the driver.
  11. Click Finish.
  12. Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software to complete your installation.

 

MAX+PLUS® II 10.0 and later - Driver Installation

When you plug in the MasterBlaster USB cable, Windows 98 will automatically recognize it and start the Add New Hardware Wizard.

  1. Click Next in the Add New Hardware Wizard window.
  2. Click Next again.
  3. Choose Display a list of all the drivers in a specific location and click Next.
  4. Choose Universal Serial Bus controller from the list of devices and click Next.
  5. Click the Have Disk... button.
  6. Click Browse in the Install From Disk window.
  7. Browse to the <Path to MAX+PLUS II software>\Drivers\i386 directory and click OK.
  8. Click OK in the Install From Disk window.
  9. Choose MasterBlaster in the Models list and click Next.
  10. Click Next to install the driver.
  11. Click Finish.
  12. Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software to complete your installation.

MAX+PLUS II software version 9.64 and earlier does not support the MasterBlaster cable USB interface.

MPU Driver Information for Windows XP

You must install the MPU (Master Programming Unit) driver before you can use it to program devices with the MAX+PLUS® II software.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the MPU driver.

 

Driver Installation

  1. Click on the Start menu, and click on Control Panel.
  2. Click the Switch to Classic View link.
  3. Double-click the Add Hardware icon to start the Add Hardware Wizard and click Next to continue.
  4. Select Yes, I have already connected the hardware and click Next.
  5. Select Add a new hardware device in the Installed hardware list, and click Next to continue.
  6. Select Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced) and click Next to continue.
  7. Select Sound, video and game controllers, and click Next to continue.
  8. Select Have Disk ....
  9. Browse to the win2000.inf file in the \Drivers\win2000 directory of your MAX+PLUS II software installation and click OK.
  10. Click Yes at the Digital Signature Not Found warning dialog box.
  11. Click Continue Anyway when the hardware installation warning appears.
  12. Select Altera® FPGA Programmer, and click Next to continue.
  13. Click Continue Anyway when the hardware installation warning appears.
  14. Click Finish in the Completing the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard window.
  15. Reboot the computer.
  16. Complete your installation by setting up programming hardware
  • Set up programming hardware in the MAX+PLUS II software

The MPU is not supported by the Quartus® II software.

T-Guard Driver for Windows

The T-guard driver may not be installed automatically on your Windows* operating system.

If you have not installed the T-guard, you must configure the Sentinel driver so that the T-guard can be recognized.

The Sentinel driver is available after you install the Altera® Quartus® Prime software in the <Quartus® Prime Installation Directory>\drivers directory.

Note: Some cable drivers are not available for download on this page. They are available after you install the Quartus® Prime software in the <Quartus® Prime Installation Directory>\drivers directory.

 

Driver Installation

You can install the driver manually by executing the sentinst.exe file found in the drivers/sentinel directory of your Quartus® Prime software.

  1. Browse to the drivers/sentinel directory of your Quartus® Prime software.
  2. Double-click the sentinst.exe file.
  3. The Sentinel Protection Installer 7.6.6 InstallShield Wizard will open.
  4. Click Next.
  5. Accept the terms in the license agreement, and click Next.
  6. Choose the Complete setup type and click Next.
  7. Click Install.
  8. After installation is complete, restart the computer.

T-Guard Driver for Windows 2000

The driver for the T-Guard is installed and started automatically on Windows 2000.

If you have not installed the T-Guard on LPT1, you must configure the Sentinel driver so the T-Guard can be recognized.

 

Driver Installation

You can install the driver manually by executing the setupx86.exe file in the drivers directory of your Quartus® II software or MAX+PLUS® II software installation.

  1. Browse to the drivers directory of your Quartus II software or MAX+PLUS II software installation.
  2. Double-click the setupx86.exe file.
  3. Click on the Functions menu and choose Install Sentinel Driver.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Choose Quit from the Functions menu.
  7. Restart the computer.

T-Guard Driver for Windows NT 4.0

The driver for the T-Guard is installed and started automatically on Windows NT.

If you have not installed the T-Guard on LPT1 (the first parallel port), you must configure the Sentinel driver so the T-Guard can be recognized.

 

Driver Installation

You can install the driver manually by executing the setupx86.exe file in the drivers directory of your Quartus® II software or MAX+PLUS® II software installation.

  1. Browse to the drivers directory of your Quartus II software or MAX+PLUS II software installation.
  2. Double-click the setupx86.exe file.
  3. Click on the Functions menu and choose Install Sentinel Driver.
  4. Click OK.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Choose Quit from the Functions menu.
  7. Restart the computer.

T-Guard Parallel Port Settings

To use the T-guard on a parallel port other than LPT1, you must configure the Sentinel driver.

Note: Some cable drivers are not available for download on this page. They are available after you install the Altera® Quartus® Prime software in the <Quartus Prime Installation Directory>\drivers directory.

 

Installing the Driver

If you have not installed the Sentinel driver yet, follow these instructions:

  • Installing the Sentinel driver on Windows* 10
  • Installing the Sentinel driver on Windows 2000

Installing the Sentinel driver on Windows NT

 

Configuring the Driver

  1. Double-click the setupx86.exe file in the drivers directory of your Quartus Prime software or MAX®+PLUS® II software installation.
  2. Choose Configure Sentinel Driver from the Functions menu.
  3. Configure all the LPT ports in your machine. Make sure that the Use? field is set to "Yes" only for the parallel port your T-guard is connected to.
  4. Exit the utility after all the LPT ports have been configured.
  5. Reboot the system.

USB-blaster Driver for Windows 7 and Windows Vista

You must install the Altera® FPGA USB-Blaster™ or AlteraFPGA USB-Blaster II download cable driver before you can use it to program devices with Quartus® Prime software.

The first time the USB-Blaster download cable is plugged in, the Windows Found New Hardware dialog box prompts you to install the driver. (Note: Do not use the Add Hardware Wizard from the Control Panel.)

The USB-Blaster II device drivers require manual installation so that the cable will be properly recognized. Refer to the instructions below.

The Altera FPGA On-Board USB-Blaster II cable appears as Altera FPGA USB-Blaster (unconfigured) when first attached to your system. After it has been configured by the Quartus® Prime software, it will appear as Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (JTAG interface) and then Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (System Console interface). You might need to install drivers for each of these interfaces; follow the steps below to install the drivers.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the USB-Blaster and USB-Blaster II download cable driver.

 

Driver Installation for Altera FPGA USB-Blaster

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster download cable into your PC. The Found New Hardware dialog box appears.
  2. Select Locate and install driver software (recommended).
  3. Select Don't search online.
  4. When you are prompted to Insert the disc that came with your USB-Blaster, select I don’t have the disc. Show me other options.
  5. Select Browse my computer for driver software (advanced) when you see the Windows couldn’t find driver software for your device dialog box.
  6. Click Browse, and browse to the <Path to Quartus Prime installation>\drivers\usb-blaster directory. Note: Do not select the x32 or x64 directories.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Select the Include subfolders option, and click Next.
  9. If you are prompted Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software, select Install this driver software anyway in the Window Security dialog box. The installation wizard guides you through the installation process.
  10. When The software for this device has been successfully installed dialog box appears, click Close.
  11. To complete your installation, set up programming hardware in the Quartus Prime software.

 

Driver Installation for Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster II cable into your PC.
  2. Open the Device Manager, and right-click on the Unknown device under the Other devices branch.
  3. Select Update Driver Software.
  4. Select Browse my computer for driver software.
  5. Enter the location of the Quartus® Prime software USB-Blaster II driver files directory (<Path to Quartus Prime installation>\drivers\usb-blaster-ii) in the Search for driver software in this location field.
  6. Click Next.
  7. Click Install in the Would you like to install this device software? Windows security dialog box.
  8. Close the Update Driver Software - Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (Unconfigured) successful installation notification. The Device Manager now shows a new branch called JTAG cables with an Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (Unconfigured) node.
  9. Open the Altera® Quartus® Prime Programmer. Within a few seconds, the JTAG cables branch displays two nodes: Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (JTAG interface) and Altera FPGA-USB Blaster II (System Console interface).

USB-Blaster Driver for Windows 2000

You must install the USB-Blaster™ download cable driver before you can use it to program devices with the Quartus® II software.

The first time the USB-Blaster download cable is plugged in, the Windows Found New Hardware Wizard prompts you to install the driver.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the USB-Blaster download cable driver.

 

Driver Installation for Quartus II Software Version 6.1 and Later

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster into the PC. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
  2. Click Next.
  3. Select Search for a Driver and click Next.
  4. Select Specify a Location and click Next.
  5. Click Browse... and browse to the <Path to Quartus II installation>\drivers\usb-blaster directory.
  6. Browse to the \x32 directory (Windows 2000/XP standard 32-bit).
  7. Click Open. The wizard automatically chooses the required file.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Click Next in the wizard.
  10. Click Finish.
  11. To complete your installation, Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software.

 

Driver Installation for Quartus II Software Version 6.0 SP1 and Earlier

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster into the PC. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
  2. Click Next.
  3. Select Search for a Driver and click Next.
  4. Select Specify a Location and click Next.
  5. Click Browse... and browse to the <Path to Quartus II installation>\drivers\usb-blaster directory.
  6. Select the file usbblst.inf.
  7. Click Open.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Click Next in the wizard.
  10. Click Finish.
  11. To complete your installation, Set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software.

USB-Blaster™ and USB-Blaster II Drivers for Windows XP

You must install the Altera® FPGA USB-Blaster or Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II download cable driver before you can use the cable to program devices with Quartus® II software.

The first time you plug in the USB-Blaster or USB-Blaster II download cable, the Windows XP Found New Hardware Wizard prompts you to install the driver. (Note: Do not use the Add Hardware Wizard from the Control Panel.)

The Altera FPGA on-board USB-Blaster II cable appears as Altera FPGA USB-Blaster (unconfigured) when first attached to your system. After it has been configured by the Quartus II software, it will appear as Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (JTAG interface), and then Altera FPGA USB-Blaster II (SystemConsole interface). You may need to install drivers for each of these interfaces in the same was as described below.

You must have system administration (Administrator) privileges to install the USB-Blaster or USB-Blaster II download cable driver.

 

Driver Installation for All Versions of Quartus II Software Except Versions 6.1 to 7.2

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster or USB-Blaster II download cable into the PC. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
  2. If you are prompted to answer a question about Windows XP Update, choose No, not this time and click Next.
  3. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
  4. Select Don't search. I will choose the driver to install and click Next.
  5. If you are prompted to Select a hardware type, keep the default selection Show All Devices, and click Next.
  6. Select Altera FPGA USB-Blaster from the wizard list of hardware devices, then click Have Disk... If the device is not available in the list, click Have Disk... without selecting any device from the wizard list.
  7. Click Browse... and browse to the <Path to Quartus II installation>\drivers\<cable type> directory. For USB-Blaster cables the driver is in the usb-blaster directory and for USB-Blaster II cables the driver is in the usb-blaster-ii directory.
  8. Select the *.inf file in the driver directory: usbblst.inf for USB-Blaster and usb-blaster2.inf for USB-Blaster II.
  9. Click Open.
  10. If the hardware Altera FPGA USB-Blaster appears in the Model list, select the device.
  11. Click Next in the wizard.
  12. Click Continue Anyway in the warning dialog box.
  13. Click Finish.
  14. To complete your installation, set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software.

 

Driver Installation for Quartus II Software Versions 6.1 to 7.2

  1. Plug the USB-Blaster or USB-Blaster II download cable into the PC. The Found New Hardware Wizard appears.
  2. If you are prompted to answer a question about Windows XP Update, choose No, not this time and click Next.
  3. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.
  4. Select Don't search. I will choose the driver to install and click Next.
  5. If you are prompted to Select a hardware type, keep the default selection Show All Devices, and click Next.
  6. Select Altera FPGA USB-Blaster from the wizard list of hardware devices, then click Have Disk... If the device is not available in the list, click Have Disk... without selecting any device from the wizard list.
  7. Click Browse... and browse to the <Path to Quartus II installation>\drivers\<cable type> directory. For USB-Blaster cables the driver is in the usb-blaster directory and for USB-Blaster II cables the driver is in the usb-blaster-ii directory.
  8. Browse to the \x32 directory (Windows 2000/XP standard 32-bit) or \x64 directory (Windows XP 64-bit).
  9. Click Open. The wizard automatically chooses the required file.
  10. If the hardware Altera FPGA USB-Blaster appears in the Model list, select the device.
  11. Click Next in the wizard.
  12. Click Continue Anyway in the warning dialog box.
  13. Click Finish.
  14. To complete your installation, set up programming hardware in the Quartus II software.
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