EP2AGX95EF29C6N Datasheet, PDF (334/380 Pages) Altera Corporation – Device Interfaces and Integration

9–48
Chapter 9: Configuration, Design Security, and Remote System Upgrades in Arria II Devices
Remote System Upgrades
When multiple Arria II devices are cascaded, you can selectively enable the
compression feature for each device in the chain if you are using a serial configuration
scheme. Figure 9–20 shows a chain of two Arria II devices. The first Arria II device has
compression enabled; therefore, receives a compressed bitstream from the
configuration device. The second Arria II device has the compression feature disabled
and receives uncompressed data.
In a multi-device FPP configuration chain (with a MAX II device or
microprocessor + flash), all Arria II devices in the chain must either enable or disable
the decompression feature. You cannot selectively enable the compression feature for
each device in the chain because of the DATA and DCLK relationship.
Figure 9–20. Compressed and Uncompressed Serial Configuration Data in the Same
Configuration File
Serial Configuration Data
Compressed
Configuration
Data
Decompression
Controller
Uncompressed
Configuration
Data
Serial Configuration
Device
Arria II Device
nCE
nCEO
GND
Arria II Device
nCE
nCEO
N.C.
You can generate programming files for this setup by clicking Convert Programming
Files on the File menu in the Quartus II software.
Remote System Upgrades
This section describes the functionality and implementation of the dedicated remote
system upgrade circuitry. It also defines several concepts related to remote system
upgrades, including factory configuration, application configuration, remote update
mode, and user watchdog timer. Additionally, this section provides design guidelines
for implementing remote system upgrades with the supported configuration
schemes.
System designers sometimes face challenges such as shortened design cycles,
evolving standards, and system deployments in remote locations. Arria II devices
help overcome these challenges with their inherent reprogrammability and dedicated
circuitry to perform remote system upgrades. Remote system upgrades help deliver
feature enhancements and bug fixes without costly recalls, reduce time-to-market,
extend product life, and help to avoid system downtime.
Arria II Device Handbook Volume 1: Device Interfaces and Integration
July 2012 Altera Corporation