Real-Time ISP and ISP Clamp for Altera MAX Series
2014.09.22
AN-630
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This document describes the real-time in-system programmability (ISP) and ISP Clamp programming
modes and their usage in the Quartus
®
II software, the Jam
Standard Test and Programming Language
(STAPL) Player, and the Jam STAPL Byte-Code Player for Altera
®
MAX
®
II, MAX V, and MAX 10
devices.
Real-Time ISP
You can program the supported device while the device is still in operation with real-time ISP. The new
design replaces the existing design only after the device goes through a power cycle. This feature enables
you to perform in-field updates to the device without affecting the operation of the whole system.
How Real-Time ISP Works
In a normal ISP operation, the new design data is downloaded from the configuration flash memory
(CFM) to the SRAM after the completion of CFM programming. During the programming and
downloading processes, the I/O pins remain tri-stated. After the download is completed, the device resets
and enters user mode operation.
Figure 1: Normal ISP Operation
Programming
Data
CFM
SRAM
(Logic Array)
1 1
2
JTAG
In real-time ISP mode, the user flash memory (UFM), programmable logic, and I/O pins remain
operational during the progress of the CFM programming. After programming is successful, the device
waits for a power cycle to occur, and then the CFM contents are downloaded to SRAM as part of a normal
power-up sequence. After t
CONFIG
time, the device enters user mode.
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Figure 2: Real-Time ISP Operation
Programming
Data
Programming of CFM
(Device Remains Operational)
CFM Contents Downloaded
(Device I/Os Tri-Stated)
CFM
SRAM
(Logic Array)
JTAG
Power
Cycle
CFM
SRAM
(Logic Array)
JTAG
Related Information
DC and Switching Characteristics for MAX II Devices
Provides more information about the tCONFIG value for a specific MAX II device.
DC and Switching Characteristics for MAX V Devices
Provides more information about the tCONFIG value for a specific MAX V device.
MAX 10 Device Datasheet
Provides more information about the tCONFIG value for a specific MAX 10 device.
Real-Time ISP with the Quartus II Software
The Quartus II software generates these programming file formats that support the real-time ISP and ISP
clamp features:
Programmer Object File (.pof)
JEDEC JESD71 STAPL Format File (.jam)
JAM Byte Code File (.jbc)
You can use these programming files in the Quartus II Programmer. You can also use the .jam and .jbc
files in other programming tools.
You must enable the real-time ISP feature before programming a device with the Quartus II Programmer.
To enable this feature, in the Quartus II Programmer window, turn on Enable real-time ISP to allow
background programming.
The device will go into real-time ISP mode when the Quartus II Programmer starts the programming
operation with .pof, .jam, or .jbc files.
Real-Time ISP with the Jam STAPL
You can use the .jam or .jbc created from the .pof to program a device in real-time ISP mode with the Jam
STAPL or Jam STAPL Byte-Code Player.
2
Real-Time ISP with the Quartus II Software
AN-630
2014.09.22
Altera Corporation
Real-Time ISP and ISP Clamp for Altera MAX Series
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