Altera has revised its SDKs (software development kits) for PLDs (programmable logic devices). Both free and subscription versions of Quartus II 4.1 support Altera's new Cyclone II FPGA family, and both can be used to develop custom logic devices that run uClinux. Additionally, the subscription version supports Linux development hosts.

Quartus II can be used to program Altera FPGAs (field programmable logic devices), CPLD (complex programmable logic devices), and structured ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) devices. For example, it could be used with Stratix or Cyclone FPGAs to develop a uClinux system using the Nios II soft core launched in May with much fanfare.

According to Altera, version 4.1 of the Quartus II SDK introduces a suite of optimization, verification, and ease-of-use features aimed at shortening development cycles. Additionally, the free Web Edition (Windows hosting only) now supports density levels more than three times greater than previous free versions, enabling it to be used with all devices in the Cyclone family as well as some Stratix devices, according to Altera.

Altera lists new features as follows:

• Timing and resource optimization “advisors,” which Altera likens to “virtual application engineers” that guide users on how to use software features to best effect. Includes a feature for “integrated synthesis” users that optimizes multiplexer usage to reduce area usage up to 30 percent, according to Altera.
• New verification features, such as:

  • In-system updating of RAM/ROM and constants enables engineers to perform “what-if” experiments in-system without recompiling a design or reconfiguring the rest of the FPGA.
  • A technology map viewer allows users to cross-probe from the timing analyzer to graphically display critical timing paths and timing information in the technology map viewer and to cross-probe back to design source files or other Quartus II optimization tools.
  • SignalTap II includes a new event counter trigger condition function, and a SignalTap II embedded logic analyzer viewer is now included in the free Quartus II programmer software, allowing deployment of in-system verification to multiple lab locations and field service personnel.

• Altera software subscribers will also receive OpenCore Plus versions of Altera's MegaCore IP library, including the Nios II processor and the Nios II integrated development environment (IDE). OpenCore Plus IP allows designers to simulate and evaluate Altera IP in hardware prior to license purchasing. Also, beginning with version 4.1, Quartus II software will now allow forward version support for design projects, which will give designers the ability to easily access future versions of Quartus II software without having to make any changes to their project files.

Quartus II features a new Timing Advisor
(Click to enlarge)
Dr. Greg Caso, vice president of engineering at Escape Communications, said, “Quartus II software is superior compared to other programmable logic tool offerings.”

Altera competitor Xilinx in March announced programmable logic tools capable of generating MontaVista Linux board support packages.

The free Web Edition of Quartus II 4.1 is available for download from Altera. The Subscription Edition costs $2,000 fo a node-locked PC license, and is shipping now to current subscribers.

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