Altera Corporation
7–1
January 2008
7. Configuring Stratix II and
Stratix II GX Devices
Introduction
Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices use SRAM cells to store configuration
data. Because SRAM memory is volatile, configuration data must be
downloaded to Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices each time the device
powers up. Stratix II and Stratix II GX devices can be configured using
one of five configuration schemes: the fast passive parallel (FPP), active
serial (AS), passive serial (PS), passive parallel asynchronous (PPA), and
Joint Test Action Group (JTAG) configuration schemes. All configuration
schemes use either an external controller (for example, a MAX II device
or microprocessor) or a configuration device.
Configuration Devices
The Altera enhanced configuration devices (EPC16, EPC8, and EPC4)
support a single-device configuration solution for high-density devices
and can be used in the FPP and PS configuration schemes. They are
ISP-capable through its JTAG interface. The enhanced configuration
devices are divided into two major blocks, the controller and the flash
memory.
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For information on enhanced configuration devices, refer to the Enhanced the Configuration Handbook.
The Altera serial configuration devices (EPCS64, EPCS16, and EPCS4)
support a single-device configuration solution for Stratix II and
Stratix II GX devices and are used in the AS configuration scheme. Serial
configuration devices offer a low cost, low pin count configuration
solution.
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For information on serial configuration devices, refer to the Serial Data Sheet chapter in volume 2 of the Configuration Handbook.
The EPC2 configuration devices provide configuration support for the PS
configuration scheme. The EPC2 device is ISP-capable through its JTAG
interface. The EPC2 device can be cascaded to hold large configuration
files.
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For more information on EPC2 configuration devices, refer to the
volume 2 of the Configuration Handbook.
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