EP3C16F256I7N Altera, EP3C16F256I7N Datasheet - Page 163

• Manufacturer Part Number: EP3C16F256I7N
• Description: Cyclone III
• Manufacturer: Altera

Chapter 9: Configuration, Design Security, and Remote System Upgrades in the Cyclone III Device Family
Configuration Features
Configuration Data Decompression
© December 2009
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Altera Corporation
When using a serial configuration scheme such as PS or fast AS, the configuration
time is the same whether or not you have enabled the design security feature. A ×4
DCLK is required if you use the FPP scheme with the design security feature.
Cyclone III devices support remote system upgrade in AS and AP configuration
schemes. Cyclone III LS devices only support remote system upgrade in the AS
configuration scheme.
This section only describes the decompression feature. For more information about
the design security and remote system upgrade, refer to
page 9–73
Cyclone III device family supports configuration data decompression, which saves
configuration memory space and time. This feature allows you to store compressed
configuration data in configuration devices or other memory and send the
compressed bitstream to Cyclone III device family. During configuration, Cyclone III
device family decompress the bitstream in real time and program SRAM cells. The
decompression feature is not supported when you have enabled the design security
feature.
Preliminary data indicates that compression reduces configuration bitstream size by
35 to 55%.
Cyclone III device family supports decompression in the AS and PS configuration
schemes. Decompression is not supported in the AP, FPP, or JTAG-based
configuration schemes. In PS mode, use the Cyclone III device family decompression
feature to reduce configuration time.
Altera recommends using the Cyclone III device family decompression feature during
AS configuration if you must save configuration memory space in the serial
configuration device.
When you enable compression, the Quartus II software generates configuration files
with compressed configuration data. This compressed file reduces the storage
requirements in the configuration device or flash memory and decreases the time
needed to send the bitstream to the Cyclone III device family. The time needed by a
Cyclone III device family to decompress a configuration file is less than the time
needed to send the configuration data to the device. There are two methods for
enabling compression for Cyclone III device family bitstreams in the Quartus II
software:
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To enable compression in the compiler settings of the project in the Quartus II
software, perform the following steps:
1. On the Assignments menu, click Device. The Settings dialog box appears.
2. Click Device and Pin Options. The Device and Pin Options dialog box appears.
3. Click the Configuration tab.
Before design compilation (using the Compiler Settings menu).
After design compilation (use the Convert Programming Files dialog box).
and
“Remote System Upgrade” on page
9–77.
“Design Security” on
Cyclone III Device Handbook, Volume 1
9–3