Introduction to the
Quartus® II Software
Version 10.0
Introduction to the
Quartus®II
Software
Altera Corporation
101 Innovation Drive
San Jose, CA 95134
(408) 544-7000
www.altera.com
®®
Introduction to the Quartus II Software
Altera, the Altera logo, HardCopy, MAX, MAX+PLUS, MAX+PLUS II, MegaCore, MegaWizard, Nios, OpenCore,
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ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■III
Preface ............................................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Design Flow.................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 2
Graphical User Interface Design Flow .......................................................................... 3
Command-Line Executables........................................................................................... 7
Using Standard Command-Line Commands & Scripts ............................. 10
Using Tcl Commands ...................................................................................... 12
Design Methodologies and Planning .......................................................................... 14
Incremental Design Flows .............................................................................. 14
Using LogicLock Regions ............................................................................... 15
Using LogicLock Regions in Incremental Compilation Flows.................. 16
Chapter 2: Design Entry............................................................................................................... 19
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 20
Creating a Project............................................................................................................ 21
Creating a Design ........................................................................................................... 22
Using the Quartus II Block Editor ................................................................. 22
Using the Quartus II Symbol Editor.............................................................. 22
Using the Quartus II Text Editor.................................................................... 23
Using Verilog HDL, VHDL, & AHDL........................................................... 23
Using the State Machine Editor ..................................................................... 24
Using Altera Megafunctions......................................................................................... 24
Using Intellectual Property (IP) Megafunctions.......................................... 25
Using the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager..................................................... 27
Instantiating Megafunctions in the Quartus II Software............................ 27
Instantiation in Verilog HDL & VHDL........................................... 28
Using the Port & Parameter Definition .......................................... 28
Inferring Megafunctions................................................................... 28
Instantiating Megafunctions in EDA Tools .................................................. 28
Using the Black Box Methodology.................................................. 29
Instantiation by Inference................................................................. 29
Using the Clear Box Methodology.................................................. 29
Constraint Entry ............................................................................................................. 31
Using the Assignment Editor......................................................................... 32
Using the Pin Planner...................................................................................... 33
The Settings Dialog Box .................................................................................. 35
Making Timing Constraints............................................................................ 36
Creating Design Partitions.............................................................................. 36
Creating Design Partitions with the Design Partitions Planner................ 37
Chapter 3: Synthesis ..................................................................................................................... 39
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 40
Using Quartus II Verilog HDL & VHDL Integrated Synthesis................................ 41
Using Quartus II Synthesis Netlist Optimization Options ........................ 43
Using the Design Assistant to Check Design Reliability.......................................... 44
Analyzing Synthesis Results With the Netlist Viewers ............................................ 45
Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IV ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
The RTL Viewer................................................................................................ 45
The State Machine Viewer ..............................................................................47
The Technology Map Viewer..........................................................................48
Chapter 4: Place and Route.......................................................................................................... 51
Introduction.....................................................................................................................52
Using Incremental Compilation ...................................................................................53
Analyzing Fitting Results..............................................................................................54
Using the Messages Window to View Fitting Results ................................55
Using the Report Window or Report File to View Fitting Results............56
Using the Chip Planner to Analyze Results .................................................56
Using the Design Assistant to Check Design Reliability............................58
Optimizing the Fit .......................................................................................................... 58
Using Location Assignments..........................................................................58
Setting Options that Control Place & Route.................................................59
Setting Fitter Options ........................................................................ 59
Setting Physical Synthesis Optimization Options ........................59
Setting Individual Logic Options that Affect Fitting.................... 60
Using the Resource Optimization Advisor ..................................................60
Using the Design Space Explorer...................................................................63
Chapter 5: Timing Analysis and Design Optimization ........................................................... 65
Introduction.....................................................................................................................66
Running the TimeQuest Timing Analyzer..................................................................66
Specifying Timing Constraints.........................................................68
Viewing Timing Information for a Path........................................................70
Viewing Timing Delays with the Technology Map Viewer ....................... 72
Timing Closure................................................................................................................73
Using the Chip Planner ...................................................................................74
Chip Planner Tasks And Layers ...................................................... 74
Making Assignments.........................................................................74
Using the Timing Optimization Advisor......................................................75
Using Netlist Optimizations to Achieve Timing Closure...........................75
Using LogicLock Regions to Preserve Timing .............................................77
Using the Design Space Explorer to Achieve Timing Closure .................. 78
Power Analysis with the PowerPlay Power Analyzer ...............................78
PowerPlay Early Power Estimator Spreadsheets ........................................80
Chapter 6: Programming & Configuration ............................................................................... 83
Introduction.....................................................................................................................84
Creating and Using Programming Files......................................................................85
Chapter 7: Debugging and Engineering Change Managment...............................................89
Introduction..................................................................................................................... 90
Using the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer........................................................................ 91
Analyzing SignalTap II Data...........................................................................92
Using an External Logic Analyzer ............................................................................... 93
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■V
Using SignalProbe .......................................................................................................... 94
Using the In-System Memory Content Editor ........................................................... 94
Using the In-System Sources and Probes Editor........................................................ 96
Using the RTL Viewer & Technology Map Viewer For Debugging........................ 97
Using the Chip Planner for Debugging ...................................................................... 97
Identifying Delays & Critical Paths With the Chip Planner ...................... 99
Modifying Resource Properties With the Resource Property Editor.................... 101
Viewing & Managing Changes with the Change Manager ................................... 103
Verifying ECO Changes ................................................................................ 104
Chapter 8: EDA Tool Support ................................................................................................... 105
Introduction................................................................................................................... 106
EDA Synthesis Tools .................................................................................................... 108
EDA Simulation Tools.................................................................................................. 109
Generating Simulation Output Files ........................................................... 110
Simulation Libraries.........................................................................111
Timing Analysis with EDA Tools ............................................................................... 112
Using the PrimeTime Software .................................................................... 113
Using the Tau Software ................................................................................. 113
Formal Verification....................................................................................................... 114
Using the Cadence Encounter Conformal Software ................................. 116
Chapter 9: System Requirements, Licensing & Technical Support ..................................... 117
Installing the Quartus II Software.............................................................................. 118
Licensing the Quartus II Software ............................................................................. 119
Getting Technical Support........................................................................................... 119
Getting Online Help..................................................................................................... 121
Starting the Quartus II Interactive Tutorial .............................................................. 122
Other Quartus II Software Documentation .............................................................. 123
Other Altera Literature ................................................................................................ 124
Documentation Conventions .................................................................................................... 125
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VI ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■VII
Preface
This manual is designed for the novice Altera® Quartus®II design software
user and provides an overview of the capabilities of the Quartus II software
in programmable logic design. The Altera Quartus II software is the most
comprehensive environment available for system-on-a-programmable-chip
(SOPC) design. It is not, however, intended to be an exhaustive reference
manual for the Quartus II software. Instead, it is a guide that explains the
features of the software and how these can assist you in FPGA and CPLD
design. This manual is organized into a series of specific programmable
logic design tasks. Whether you use the Quartus II graphical user interface,
other EDA tools, or the Quartus II command-line interface, this manual
guides you through the features that are best suited to your design flow.
The first two chapters give an overview of the major graphical user interface,
EDA tool, and command-line interface design flows. Each subsequent
chapter begins with an introduction to the specific purpose of the chapter,
and leads you through an overview of each task flow. In addition, the
manual refers you to other resources that are available to help you use the
Quartus II software, such as Quartus II online Help, the Quartus II
interactive tutorial, application notes, and other documents and resources
that are available on the Altera website.
Use this manual to learn how the Quartus II software can help you increase
productivity and shorten design cycles; integrate with existing
programmable logic design flows; and achieve design, performance, and
timing requirements quickly and efficiently.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
VIII ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
INTRODUCTION
2■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
The Altera Quartus II design software provides a complete, multiplatform
design environment that easily adapts to your specific design needs. It is a
comprehensive environment for system-on-a-programmable-chip (SOPC)
design. The Quartus II software includes solutions for all phases of FPGA
and CPLD design (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Quartus II Design Flow
In addition, the Quartus II software allows you to use the Quartus II
graphical user interface and command-line interface for each phase of the
design flow. You can use one of these interfaces for the entire flow, or you
can use different options at different phases.
Debugging
Engineering
Change
Management
Programming &
Configuration
Timing
Closure
Simulation
Includes block-based design,
system-level design &
software development
Timing
Analysis
Place & Route
Synthesis
Design Entry
Power
Analysis
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE DESIGN FLOW
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■3
Graphical User Interface Design
Flow
You can use the Quartus II software graphical user interface (GUI) to
perform all stages of the design flow. Figure 2 shows the Quartus II GUI as
it appears when you first start the software.
Figure 2. Quartus II Graphical User Interface
The Quartus II software includes a modular Compiler. The Compiler
includes the following modules (modules marked with an asterisk are
optional during a compilation, depending on your settings):
■Analysis & Synthesis
■Partition Merge*
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE DESIGN FLOW
4■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
■Fitter
■Assembler*
■TimeQuest Timing Analyzer*
■Design Assistant*
■EDA Netlist Writer*
■HardCopy® Netlist Writer*
To run all Compiler modules as part of a full compilation, on the Processing
menu, click Start Compilation. You can also run each module individually
by pointing to Start on the Processing menu, and then clicking the command
for the module you want to start.
In addition, you can use the Tasks window to start Compiler modules
individually (Figure 3). The Tasks window also allows you to change
settings or view the report file for the module, or to start other tools related
to each stage in a flow.
Figure 3. Tasks Window
The Quartus II software also provides other predefined compilation flows
that you can use with commands on the Processing menu. Table 1 lists the
commands for some of the most common compilation flows.
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE DESIGN FLOW
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■5
The following steps describe the basic design flow for using the Quartus II
GUI:
1. To create a new project and specify a target device or device family, on
the File menu, click New Project Wizard.
2. Use the Text Editor to create a Verilog HDL, VHDL, or Altera
Hardware Description Language (AHDL) design.
3. Use the Block Editor to create a block diagram with symbols that
represent other design files, or to create a schematic.
4. Use the MegaWizard® Plug-In Manager to generate custom variations
of megafunctions and IP functions to instantiate in your design, or
create a system-level design by using SOPC Builder or DSP Builder.
5. Specify any initial design constraints using the Assignment Editor, the
Pin Planner, the Settings dialog box, the Device dialog box, the Chip
Planner, the Design Partitions window, or the Design Partition Planner.
Table 1. Commands for Common Compiler Flows
Flow Description Quartus II Command
from Processing Menu
Full compilation
flow
Performs a full compilation of the
current design.
Start Compilation
command
SignalProbe™
flow
Routes user-specified signals to output
pins without affecting the existing
fitting in a design, so that you can debug
signals without completing a full
compilation.
Start SignalProbe
Compilation command
Early timing
estimate flow
Performs a partial compilation, but stops
and generates early timing estimates
before the Fitter is complete.
Start Early Timing
Estimate command
fFor Information About Refer To
Using compilation flows “About Compilation Flows” in Quartus II
Help
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE DESIGN FLOW
6■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
6. (Optional) Perform an early timing estimate to generate early estimates
of timing results before fitting.
7. Synthesize the design with Analysis & Synthesis.
8. (Optional) If your design contains partitions and you are not
performing a full compilation, merge the partitions with partition
merge.
9. (Optional) Generate a functional simulation netlist for your design and
perform a functional simulation with an EDA simulation tool.
10. Place and route the design with the Fitter.
11. Perform a power estimation and analysis with the PowerPlay Power
Analyzer.
12. Use an EDA simulation tool to perform timing simulation for the
design.
13. Use the TimeQuest Timing Analyzer to analyze the timing of your
design.
14. (Optional) Use physical synthesis, the Chip Planner, LogicLock™
regions, and the Assignment Editor to correct timing problems.
15. Create programming files for your design with the Assembler, and then
program the device with the Programmer and Altera programming
hardware.
16. (Optional) Debug the design with the SignalTap® II Logic Analyzer, an
external logic analyzer, the SignalProbe feature, or the Chip Planner.
17. (Optional) Manage engineering changes with the Chip Planner, the
Resource Property Editor, or the Change Manager.
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■7
Command-Line Executables
The Quartus II software includes separate executables for each stage of the
design flow. Each executable occupies memory only while it is running. You
can use these executables with standard command-line commands and
scripts, with Tcl scripts, and in makefiles. See Table 2 for a list of all available
command-line executables.
Figure 4. Command-Line Design Flow
Programmer
quartus_pgm
TimeQuest
Timing Analyzer
quartus_sta
Analysis &
Synthesis
quartus_map
Design Assistant
quartus_drc
Quartus II Shell
quartus_sh
Programming File
Converter
quartus_cpf
EDA Netlist Writer
quartus_eda
Compiler Database
quartus_cdb
Simulator
quartus_sim
Verilog Design Files (.v), VHDL Design Files (.vhd),
Verilog Quartus Mapping Files (.vqm), Text Design
Files (.tdf), Block Design Files (.bdf) & EDIF netlist
files (.edf)
Output files for EDA tools
including Verilog Output
Files (.vo), VHDL Output
Files (.vho), VQM Files &
Standard Delay Format
Output Files (.sdo)
SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer
quartus_stp
PowerPlay Power
Analyzer
quartus_pow
Fitter
quartus_fit
Assembler
quartus_asm
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
8■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Table 2. Command-Line Executables (Part 1 of 2)
Executable
Name Title Function
quartus_map Analysis &
Synthesis
Creates a project if one does not already exist,
and then creates the project database,
synthesizes your design, and performs
technology mapping on design files of the
project.
quartus_fit Fitter Places and routes a design. Analysis & Synthesis
must be run successfully before running the
Fitter.
quartus_drc Design Assistant Checks the reliability of a design based on a set
of design rules. Design Assistant is especially
useful for checking the reliability of a design
before migrating the design to HardCopy
devices. Either Analysis & Synthesis or the Fitter
must be run successfully before running the
Design Assistant.
quartus_sta TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer
Performs ASIC-style timing analysis of the circuit
using constraints entered in Synopsys Design
Constraint format.
quartus_asm Assembler Creates one or more programming files for
programming or configuring the target device.
The Fitter must be run successfully before
running the Assembler.
quartus_eda EDA Netlist Writer Generates netlist files and other output files for
use with other EDA tools. Analysis & Synthesis,
the Fitter, or the Timing Analyzer must be run
successfully before running the EDA Netlist
Writer, depending on the options used.
quartus_cdb Compiler
Database Interface
(including VQM
Writer)
Imports and exports version-compatible
databases and merges partitions. Generates
internal netlist files, including Verilog Quartus
Mapping Files, for the Quartus II Compiler
database so they can be used for
back-annotation and for the LogicLock feature,
and back-annotates device and resource
assignments to preserve the fit for future
compilations. Either the Fitter or Analysis &
Synthesis must be run successfully before
running the Compiler Database Interface.
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■9
quartus_jli Jam STAPL Player Reads and executes Jam Files (.jam) in the STAPL
format. A single Jam File can perform several
functions, such as programming, configuring,
verifying, erasing, and blank-checking a
programmable device in a JTAG chain.
quartus_jbcc Jam Compiler The Quartus II JAM Compiler converts Jam/STAPL
files to Jam Byte Code Files (.jbc) which store
data for programming, configuring, verifying,
and blank-checking one or more devices in a
JTAG chain.
quartus_sim Simulator Performs functional or timing simulation on your
design. Analysis & Synthesis must be run before
performing a functional simulation. Timing
Analysis must be run before performing a timing
simulation.
quartus_pow Power Analyzer Analyzes and estimates total dynamic and static
power consumed by a design. Computes toggle
rates and static probabilities for output signals.
The Fitter must be run successfully before
running the PowerPlay Power Analyzer.
quartus_pgm Programmer Programs Altera devices.
quartus_cpf Programming File
Converter
Converts programming files to secondary
programming file formats.
quartus_stp SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer
Sets up your SignalTap II File (.stp). When it is
run after the Assembler, the SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer captures signals from internal device
nodes while the device is running at speed.
quartus_si SSN Analyzer Estimates and reports the simultaneous
switching noise contributions to voltage and
timing noise for device pins.
quartus_sh Tcl Shell Provides overall control of Quartus II projects
and compilation flows, as well as a Tcl shell.
Table 2. Command-Line Executables (Part 2 of 2)
Executable
Name Title Function
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
10 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
You can perform a full compilation by using the following command:
quartus_sh --flow compile <project name> [-c <revision name>]r
This command runs the quartus_map, quartus_fit, quartus_asm, and
quartus_tan executables. Depending on your settings, this command may
also run the optional quartus_drc, quartus_eda, quartus_cdb, and
quartus_sta executables.
Using Standard Command-Line
Commands & Scripts
You can use the Quartus II executables with any command-line scripting
method, such as Perl scripts, Tcl scripts, and batch files. You can design these
scripts to create new projects or to compile existing projects. You can also
run the executables from the command prompt or console.
Figure 5 shows an example of a standard batch file. The example
demonstrates how to create a project, perform Analysis & Synthesis,
perform place and route, perform timing analysis, and generate
programming files for the filtref design that is included with the Quartus II
software. If you have installed the filtref design, it is in the /altera/
<version number>/qdesigns/fir_filter directory. You can run the four
commands in Figure 5 from a command prompt in the new project
directory, or you can store them in a batch file or shell script.
!Getting Help On the Quartus II Executables
If you want to get help on the command-line options that are available for each of
the Quartus II executables, type one of the following commands at the command
prompt:
<executable name> -h r
<executable name> --help r
<executable name> --help=<topic or option name> r
You can also get help on command-line executables by using the Quartus II
Command-Line Executable and Tcl API Help Browser, which is a Tcl- and Tk-based
GUI that lets you browse the command-line and Tcl API help. To use this help, type
the following command at the command prompt:
quartus_sh --qhelp r
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■11
Figure 5. Example of a Command-Line Script
Figure 6 shows an excerpt from a command-line script for use on a Linux
workstation. The script assumes that the Quartus II tutorial project called
fir_filter exists in the current directory. The script analyzes every design file
in the fir_filter project and reports any files that contain syntax errors.
Figure 6. Example of a Linux Command-Line Shell Script
The Quartus II software also supports makefile scripts that use the
Quartus II executables, which allow you to integrate your scripts with a
wide variety of scripting languages.
quartus_map filtref --family=Stratix
quartus_fit filtref --part=EP1S10F780C5 --fmax=80MHz --tsu=8ns
quartus_sta filtref
quartus_asm filtref
Creates a new
Quartus II project
targeting the Stratix
device family
Performs fitting for
the EP1S10F780C5
device and specifies
global timing
requirements
Performs timing
analysis
Generates
programming files
#!/bin/sh
FILES_WITH_ERRORS=""
for filename in `ls *.bdf *.v`
do
quartus_map fir_filter --analyze_file=$filename
if [ $? -ne 0 ]
then
FILES_WITH_ERRORS="$FILES_WITH_ERRORS $filename"
fi
done
if [ -z "$FILES_WITH_ERRORS" ]
then
echo "All files passed the syntax check"
exit 0
else
echo "There were syntax errors in the following file(s)"
echo $FILES_WITH_ERRORS
exit 1
fi
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
12 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using Tcl Commands
There are several ways to use Tcl scripts in the Quartus II software. You can
create a Tcl script by using commands from the Quartus II API for Tcl. You
should save a Tcl script as a Tcl Script File (.tcl).
The Insert Templates command on the Edit menu in the Quartus II Text
Editor allows you to insert Tcl templates and Quartus II Tcl templates (for
Quartus II commands) into a text file to create Tcl scripts. Commands used
in the Quartus II Tcl templates use the same syntax as the Tcl API
commands.
If you want to use an existing project as a baseline for another project, you
can click Generate Tcl File for Project on the Project menu to generate a Tcl
Script File for the project. After editing this generated script to target your
new project, run the script to apply all assignments from the previous project
to the new project.
You can run Tcl scripts from the system command prompt with the
quartus_sh executable, from the Quartus II Tcl Console window, or from the
Tcl Scripts dialog box by clicking Tcl Scripts on the Tools menu.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using command-line executables About Quartus II Scripting
Command-Line Scripting chapter in
volume 2 of the Quartus II Handbook
Using compilation flows “About Compilation Flows” in Quartus II
Help
!Getting Help On Tcl Commands
The Quartus II software includes a Quartus II command-line and Tcl API Help
browser, which is a Tcl- and Tk-based GUI that lets you browse the command-line
and Tcl API help. To use this help, type the following command at the command
prompt:
quartus_sh --qhelp r
You can also view Tcl API Help in Quartus II Help that is available in the GUI. Refer
to “About Quartus II Scripting” in Quartus II Help for more information.
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
COMMAND-LINE EXECUTABLES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■13
Figure 7 shows an example of a Tcl script.
Figure 7. Example of a Tcl Script
## This script works with the quartus_sh executable
# Set the project name to filtref
set project_name filtref
# Open the Project. If it does not already exist, create it
if [catch {project_open $project_name}] {project_new \ $project_name}
# Set Family
set_global_assignment -name family CYCLONE
# Set Device
set_global_assignment -name device ep1c6f256c6
# Optimize for speed
set_global_assignment -name optimization_technique speed
# Turn-on Fastfit fitter option to reduce compile times
set_global_assignment -name fast_fit_compilation on
# Generate a NC-Sim Verilog simulation Netlist
set_global_assignment -name eda_simulation_tool "NcSim\
(Verilog HDL output from Quartus II)"
# Using the ::quartus::flow package, the execute_flow command
# exports assignments automatically
load_package flow
execute_flow -compile
# Close Project
project_close
fFor Information About Refer To
Tcl Scripting The Tcl Scripting chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About Quartus II Scripting” in Quartus II
Help
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND PLANNING
14 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Design Methodologies and Planning
When you are creating a new design, it is important to consider the design
methodologies the Quartus II software offers, including incremental
compilation design flows and block-based design flows. You can use these
design flows with or without EDA design entry and synthesis tools.
Incremental Design Flows
Your design flow affects how much impact design partitions have on design
optimization, and how much design planning may be required to obtain
optimal results. In the standard incremental compilation flow, the design is
divided into partitions, which can be compiled and optimized together as
parts of one Quartus II project. If another team member or IP provider is
developing source code for the design, they can functionally verify their
partition independently, and then simply provide source code for the
partition to the project lead for integration into the larger design. If the
project lead wants to compile the larger design when source code is not yet
complete for a partition, they can create an empty placeholder for the
partition to facilitate compilation until the actual partition code is ready.
Compiling all design partitions in a single Quartus II project ensures that all
design logic is compiled with a consistent set of assignments and allows the
software to perform global placement and routing optimizations. Compiling
all design logic together is beneficial for FPGA design flows because in the
end all parts of the design must use the same shared set of device resources.
If required for third-party IP delivery, or in cases where designers can not
access a shared or copied top-level project framework, you can create and
compile a design partition logic in isolation and export a partition that is
included in the top-level project. If this type of design flow is necessary,
planning and rigorous design guidelines may be required to ensure that
designers have a consistent view of project assignments and resource
allocations. Therefore developing partitions in completely separate
Quartus II projects can be more challenging than having all source code
within one project or developing design partitions within the same top-level
project framework.
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND PLANNING
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■15
Using LogicLock Regions
A LogicLock region is defined by its size and location on the device. You can
specify the size and location of a region, or direct the Quartus II software to
create them automatically.
With the LogicLock design flow, you can define a hierarchy for a group of
regions by declaring parent and child regions. The Quartus II software
places child regions completely within the boundaries of a parent region.
You can lock a child module relative to its parent region without
constraining the parent region to a locked location on the device.
You can create and modify LogicLock regions by using the Chip Planner, the
LogicLock Regions Window command on the Assignments menu, the
Hierarchy tab of the Project Navigator, or by using Tcl scripts. All LogicLock
attributes and constraint information (clock settings, pin assignments, and
relative placement information) are stored in the Quartus II Settings File for
the project.
You can also use the LogicLock Regions Properties dialog box to edit
existing LogicLock regions, view information about the LogicLock regions
in the design, and determine which regions contain illegal assignments.
In addition, you can add path-based assignments (based on source and
destination nodes), wildcard assignments, and Fitter priority for path-based
and wildcard assignments to LogicLock regions. Setting the priority allows
you to specify the order in which the Quartus II software resolves conflicting
path-based and wildcard assignments.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II incremental
compilation
Quartus II Incremental Compilation for
Hierarchical & Team-Based Design chapter
in volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
“About Incremental Compilation” in
Quartus II Help
“Module 7: Incremental Compilation” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND PLANNING
16 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
After you perform analysis and elaboration or a full compilation, the
Quartus II software displays the hierarchy of the design in the Hierarchy tab
of the Project Navigator. You can click any of the design entities in this view
and create new LogicLock regions from them, or drag them into an existing
LogicLock region in the Timing Closure Floorplan.
Altera also provides LogicLock Tcl commands to assign LogicLock region
content at the command line or in the Quartus II Tcl Console window. You
can use the provided Tcl commands to create floating and auto-size
LogicLock regions, add a node or a hierarchy to a region, preserve the
hierarchy boundary, back-annotate placement results, import and export
regions, and save intermediate synthesis results.
Using LogicLock Regions in
Incremental Compilation Flows
If you are planning to perform a full incremental compilation, it is important
to assign design partitions to physical locations on the device. You can
assign design partitions to LogicLock regions by dragging a design partition
from the Hierarchy tab of the Project Navigator window, the Design
Partitions window, or the Node Finder and dropping it directly in the
LogicLock Regions window or to a LogicLock region in the Chip Planner.
Create one LogicLock region for each partition in your design. You can
achieve the best performance when these regions are all fixed-size,
fixed-location regions. Ideally, you should assign the LogicLock regions
manually to specific physical locations in the device by using the Chip
Planner; however, you can also allow the Quartus II software to assign
LogicLock regions to physical locations somewhat automatically by setting
the LogicLock region Size option to Auto and the State properties to
Floating. After the initial compilation, you should back-annotate the
LogicLock region properties (not the nodes) to ensure that all the LogicLock
regions have a fixed size and a fixed location. This process creates initial
floorplan assignments that can be modified more easily, as needed.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using LogicLock with the Quartus II
software
Area and Timing Optimization chapter in
volume 2 of the Quartus II Handbook
“About LogicLock Regions” in Quartus II
Help
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND PLANNING
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■17
After the initial or setup compilation, Altera recommends that you set the
Size to Fixed in order to yield better fMAX results. If device utilization is low,
increasing the size of the LogicLock region may allow the Fitter additional
flexibility in placement and may produce better final results.
When you perform an incremental compilation, the fitting and synthesis
results and settings for design partitions are saved in the project database.
For more information about assigning design partitions, refer to “Creating
Design Partitions” on page 57 in Chapter 4, “Constraint Entry.”For more
information about incremental compilation, refer to “Using Incremental
Compilation” on page 53 in Chapter 4, “Place and Route.”
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II incremental
compilation with LogicLock regions
Quartus II Incremental Compilation for
Hierarchical & Team-Based Design chapter
in volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
“Module 7: Incremental Compilation” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
“About Incremental Compilation” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 1: DESIGN FLOW
DESIGN METHODOLOGIES AND PLANNING
18 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
INTRODUCTION
20 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
A Quartus II project includes all of the design files, software source files, and
other related files necessary for the eventual implementation of a design in
a programmable logic device. You can use the Quartus II Block Editor, Text
Editor, MegaWizard Plug-In Manager, and EDA design entry tools to create
design files that include Altera megafunctions, library of parameterized
modules (LPM) functions, and intellectual property (IP) functions. Figure 1
shows the design entry flow.
Figure 1. Design Entry Flow
The Quartus II software also supports system-level design entry flows with
the Altera SOPC Builder and DSP Builder software. For more information
about these methods, refer to “Chapter 16: System-Level Design” on
page 199.
MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager
EDIF netlist files (.edf)
or Verilog Quartus
Mapping Files (.vqm)
Quartus II
Block Editor
Quartus II
Text Editor
Block Symbol Files (.bsf)
EDA Synthesis
Tool
Files generated by the
MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager
Block Design Files (.bdf)
Text Design Files (.tdf) &
Verilog HDL & VHDL
design files (.v, .vhd)
Verilog HDL &
VHDL design
files
to
Quartus II
Analysis &
Synthesis
Quartus II
Symbol Editor
Quartus II Exported
Partition Files (.qxp)
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CREATING A PROJECT
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■21
Creating a Project
You can create a new project by clicking New Project Wizard on the File
menu. When creating a new project, you specify the working directory for
the project, assign the project name, and designate the name of the top-level
design entity. You can also specify which design files, other source files, user
libraries, and EDA tools you want to use in the project, as well as the target
device.
The Project Navigator provides a graphical representation of the project
hierarchy, files, and design units, and shortcuts to various menu commands.
Figure 2. Project Navigator Window
The Project Navigator also allows you to assign design partitions. For more
information, see “Creating Design Partitions” on page 57.
fFor Information About Refer To
Creating and working with Quartus II
projects
“About the Project Navigator” in Quartus II
Help
“Module 2: Create a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
Managing Quartus II projects Managing Quartus II Projects chapter in
volume 2 of the Quartus II Handbook
"Module 3: Compile a Design" in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CREATING A DESIGN
22 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Creating a Design
You can create designs in the Quartus II Block Editor or Text Editor. The
Quartus II software also supports designs created from EDIF Input
Files (.edf) or Verilog Quartus Mapping Files (.vqm) generated by EDA
design entry and synthesis tools. You can also create Verilog HDL or VHDL
designs in EDA design entry tools, and either generate EDIF Input Files and
VQM Files, or use the Verilog HDL or VHDL design files directly in
Quartus II projects. For more information on using EDA synthesis tools to
generate EDIF Input Files or VQM Files, see “EDA Synthesis Tools” on
page 108.
Using the Quartus II Block Editor
The Quartus II Block Editor allows you to enter and edit graphic design
information in the form of schematics and block diagrams. The Block Editor
reads and edits Block Design Files.
Each Block Design File contains blocks and symbols that represent logic in
the design. The Block Editor incorporates the design logic represented by
each block diagram, schematic, or symbol into the project.
You can create new design files from blocks in a Block Design File, update
the design files when you modify the blocks and the symbols, and generate
Block Symbol Files (.bsf), AHDL Include Files (.inc), and HDL files from
Block Design Files. You can also analyze the Block Design Files for errors
before compilation. The Block Editor also provides a set of tools that help
you connect blocks and primitives in a Block Design File, including bus and
node connections and signal name mapping.
Using the Quartus II Symbol Editor
The Quartus II Symbol Editor allows you to view and edit predefined
symbols that represent macrofunctions, megafunctions, primitives, or
design files. Each Symbol Editor file represents one symbol. For each symbol
file, you can choose from libraries containing Altera megafunctions. You can
customize these Block Symbol Files and then add the symbols to schematics
created with the Block Editor.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CREATING A DESIGN
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■23
Using the Quartus II Text Editor
The Text Editor is a flexible tool for entering text-based designs in the
AHDL, VHDL, and Verilog HDL languages, and the Tcl scripting language.
You can also use the Text Editor to enter, edit, and view other ASCII text
files, including those created for or by the Quartus II software.
The Text Editor also allows you to insert a template for any AHDL statement
or section, Tcl command, or supported VHDL or Verilog HDL construct into
the current file. AHDL, VHDL, and Verilog HDL templates provide an easy
way for you to enter HDL syntax, increasing the speed and accuracy of
design entry. You can also get context-sensitive Help on all AHDL elements,
keywords, statements, megafunctions, and primitives.
Using Verilog HDL, VHDL, & AHDL
You can use the Quartus II Text Editor or another text editor to create Text
Design Files, Verilog Design Files, and VHDL Design Files, and combine
them with other types of design files in a hierarchical design.
Verilog Design Files and VHDL Design Files can contain any combination of
Quartus II–supported constructs. They can also contain Altera-provided
logic functions, including primitives and megafunctions, and user-defined
logic functions.
In the Text Editor, you use the Create/Update command on the File menu to
create a Block Symbol File from the current Verilog HDL or VHDL design
file and then incorporate it into a Block Design File. Similarly, you can create
an AHDL Include File that represents a Verilog HDL or VHDL design file
and incorporate it into an Text Design File or another Verilog HDL or VHDL
design file.
For VHDL designs, you can specify the name of a VHDL library for a design
in the Properties dialog box, which is available from the Files page of the
Settings dialog box on the Assignments menu.
For more information on using the Verilog HDL and VHDL languages in the
Quartus II software, see “Using Quartus II Verilog HDL & VHDL
Integrated Synthesis” on page 41 in Chapter 3, “Synthesis.”
AHDL is a high-level, modular language that is completely integrated into
the Quartus II software. AHDL supports Boolean equation, state machine,
conditional, and decode logic. AHDL also allows you to create and use
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
24 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
parameterized functions, and includes full support for LPM functions.
AHDL is especially well suited for designing complex combinational logic,
group operations, state machines, truth tables, and parameterized logic.
Using the State Machine Editor
The State Machine Editor allows you to create graphic representations of
state machines for use in your design. When you have fully described your
state machine, you can generate a corresponding Verilog Design File or
VHDL Design File.
The State Machine Editor provides a state machine diagram view where you
can view the state diagram you created with the State Machine wizard or
the drawing tools provided, and a ports list that lists all of the input and
output ports of the state machine.
Using Altera Megafunctions
Altera megafunctions are complex or high-level building blocks that can be
used together with gate and flipflop primitives in Quartus II design files.
The parameterizable megafunctions and LPM functions provided by Altera
are optimized for Altera device architectures. You must use megafunctions
to access some Altera device-specific features, such as memory, DSP blocks,
LVDS drivers, PLLs, and SERDES and DDIO circuitry.
You can use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager on the Tools menu to create
Altera megafunctions, LPM functions, and IP functions for use in designs in
the Quartus II software and EDA design entry and synthesis tools. Table 1
shows the types of Altera-provided megafunctions and LPM functions that
you can create with the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Quartus II Block Editor and
Symbol Editor
“About Design Entry” in Quartus II Help
Using the Quartus II Text Editor “About the Quartus II Text Editor” in
Quartus II Help
Creating designs in the Quartus II
software
“Module 2: Create a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■25
To save valuable design time, Altera recommends using megafunctions
instead of coding your own logic, where possible. These functions can offer
more efficient logic synthesis and device implementation. It is easy to scale
megafunctions to different sizes by simply setting parameters. Altera also
provides AHDL Include Files and VHDL Component Declarations for both
Altera-provided megafunctions and LPM functions.
Using Intellectual Property (IP)
Megafunctions
Altera provides several methods for obtaining both Altera Megafunction
Partners Program (AMPP™) and MegaCore® megafunctions, functions that
are rigorously tested and optimized for the highest performance in Altera
device-specific architectures. You can use these parameterized blocks of
intellectual property to reduce design and test time. MegaCore and AMPP
Table 1. Altera-Provided Megafunctions & LPM Functions
Type Description
Arithmetic
Components
Includes accumulators, adders, multipliers, and LPM arithmetic
functions.
Gates Includes multiplexers and LPM gate functions.
I/O Components Includes Clock Data Recovery (CDR), phase-locked loop (PLL),
double data rate (DDR), gigabit transceiver block (GXB), LVDS
receiver and transmitter, PLL reconfiguration, and remote
update megafunctions.
Memory Compiler Includes the FIFO Partitioner, RAM, and ROM megafunctions.
Storage Components Memory and shift register megafunctions, and LPM memory
functions.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager
“About the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager” in
Quartus II Help
“Module 2: Create a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
26 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
megafunctions include megafunctions for embedded processors, interfaces
and peripherals, digital signal processing (DSP), and communications
applications.
Altera provides the following programs, features, and functions to assist
you in using IP functions in the Quartus II software and EDA design entry
tools:
■AMPP Program: The AMPP program offers support to third-party
vendors to create and distribute megafunctions for use with the
Quartus II software. AMPP partners offer a large selection of
off-the-shelf megafunctions that are optimized for Altera devices.
Evaluation periods for AMPP functions are determined by the
individual vendors. You can download and evaluate AMPP functions
through the IP MegaStore™ on the Altera website at
www.altera.com/ipmegastore.
■MegaCore Functions: MegaCore functions are predesigned and
optimized design files for complex system-level functions, and are fully
parameterizable using the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager and IP
Toolbench. IP Toolbench is a toolbar that you can use to quickly and
easily view documentation, specify parameters, set up other EDA tools,
and generate all the files necessary for integrating a parameterized
MegaCore function into your design.
MegaCore functions are automatically installed when you install the
Quartus II software. You can also download individual IP MegaCore
functions from the Altera website, via the IP MegaStore, and install
them separately. You can also access MegaCore functions though the
MegaWizard Portal Extension to the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
■OpenCore Evaluation Feature: The OpenCore® evaluation feature
allows you to evaluate AMPP functions before purchase. You can use
the OpenCore feature to compile, simulate, and verify the performance
of a design, but it does not support programming file generation.
■OpenCore Plus Hardware Evaluation Feature: The OpenCore Plus
hardware evaluation feature allows you to simulate the behavior of a
MegaCore function within your system, verify the functionality of the
design, and evaluate its size and speed quickly and easily. In addition,
the Quartus II software generates time-limited programming files for
designs containing MegaCore functions, allowing you to program
devices and verify your design in hardware before purchasing a license
for the IP megafunction.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■27
When the OpenCore Plus hardware feature is turned on in the More
Compilation Process Settings dialog box, the Quartus II software
inserts a small amount of control logic in your design. This logic can
have an adverse effect on fitting, especially with small devices. You can
turn off the OpenCore Plus hardware evaluation feature to direct the
Quartus II software to omit the additional logic.
Using the MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager
The MegaWizard Plug-In Manager helps you create or modify design files
that contain custom megafunction variations, which you can then instantiate
in a design file. These custom megafunction variations are based on
Altera-provided megafunctions, including LPM, MegaCore, and AMPP
functions. The MegaWizard Plug-In Manager runs a wizard that helps you
easily specify options for the custom megafunction variations. The wizard
allows you to set values for parameters and optional ports. You can open the
MegaWizard Plug-In Manager on the Tools menu or from within a Block
Design File, or you can run it as a stand-alone utility.
Instantiating Megafunctions in the
Quartus II Software
You can instantiate Altera megafunctions and LPM functions in the
Quartus II software through direct instantiation in the Block Editor, through
instantiation in HDL code (either by instantiating through the port and
parameter definition or by using the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to
parameterize the megafunction and create a wrapper file), or through
inference.
Altera recommends that you use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to
instantiate megafunctions and create custom megafunction variations. The
wizard provides a GUI for customizing and parameterizing megafunctions,
and ensures that you set all megafunction parameters correctly.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
28 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Instantiation in Verilog HDL & VHDL
You can use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to create a megafunction or
a custom megafunction variation. The MegaWizard Plug-In Manager then
creates a Verilog HDL or VHDL wrapper file that contains an instance of the
megafunction, which you can then use in your design. For VHDL
megafunctions, the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager also creates a
Component Declaration File.
Using the Port & Parameter Definition
You can instantiate the megafunction directly in your Verilog HDL or VHDL
design by calling the function like any other module or component. In
VHDL, you also must use a component declaration.
Inferring Megafunctions
Quartus II Analysis & Synthesis automatically recognizes certain types of
HDL code and infers the appropriate megafunction. The Quartus II software
uses inference because Altera megafunctions are optimized for Altera
devices, and performance may be better than standard HDL code. For some
architecture-specific features, such as RAM and DSP blocks, you must use
Altera megafunctions.
The Quartus II software maps the following logic to megafunctions during
synthesis:
■Counters
■Adders/Subtractors
■Multipliers
■Multiply-accumulators and multiply-adders
■RAM
■Shift registers
Instantiating Megafunctions in EDA
Tools
You can use Altera-provided megafunctions, LPM functions, and IP
functions in EDA design entry and synthesis tools. You can instantiate
megafunctions in EDA tools by creating a black box for the function, by
inference, or by using the clear box methodology.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■29
Using the Black Box Methodology
You can use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to generate Verilog HDL or
VHDL wrapper files for megafunctions. For Verilog HDL designs, the
MegaWizard Plug-In Manager also generates a Verilog Design File that
contains a hollow-body declaration of the module, used to specify port
directions.
The Verilog HDL or VHDL wrapper file contains the ports and parameters
for the megafunction, which you can use to instantiate the megafunction in
the top-level design file as well as a sample instantiation file and then direct
the EDA tool to treat the megafunction as a black box during synthesis.
The following steps describe the basic flow for using the MegaWizard
Plug-In Manager to create a black box for an Altera megafunction or LPM
function in EDA design entry and synthesis tools:
1. Create and parameterize the megafunction or LPM function using the
MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
2. Instantiate the function in the EDA synthesis tool with the black box file
or component declaration (along with the sample instantiation file)
generated by the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
3. Perform synthesis and optimization of the design in the EDA synthesis
tool. The EDA synthesis tool treats the megafunction as a black box
during synthesis.
Instantiation by Inference
EDA synthesis tools automatically recognize certain types of HDL code and
infer the appropriate megafunction.You can directly instantiate memory
blocks (RAM and ROM), DSP blocks, shift registers, and some arithmetic
components in Verilog HDL or VHDL code. The EDA tool then maps the
logic to the appropriate Altera megafunction during synthesis.
Using the Clear Box Methodology
In the black box flow, an EDA synthesis tool treats Altera megafunctions and
LPM functions as black boxes. As a result, the EDA synthesis tool cannot
fully synthesize and optimize designs with Altera megafunctions, because
the tool does not have a full model or timing information for the function.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
USING ALTERA MEGAFUNCTIONS
30 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the clear box flow, you can use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to
create a fully synthesizeable Altera megafunction or LPM function for use
with EDA synthesis tools.
The following steps describe the basic flow for using clear box
megafunctions with EDA synthesis tools:
1. Create and parameterize the megafunction or LPM functions using the
MegaWizard Plug-In Manager. Make sure you turn on Generate clear
box netlist file instead of a default wrapper file (for use with
supported EDA synthesis tools only) in the MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager.
2. Instantiate the function in the EDA synthesis tool using the Verilog or
VHDL design file generated by the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager.
3. Perform synthesis and optimization of the design in the EDA synthesis
tool.
Use of the clear box methodology generally results in slower simulation
times in EDA simulation tools, due to the level of detail (timing information
and device resources used) that is included with a clear box megafunction or
LPM function. In addition, specific device details are included in the clear
box megafunction or LPM function, so that to use a different device for the
design, the clear box function needs to be regenerated for the new device.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Altera-provided megafunctions
and LPM functions in EDA tools
“Creating and Instantiating Altera-Provided
Functions in Other EDA Tools” in Quartus II
Help
Synopsys Synplify Support chapter in
volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
Mentor Graphics LeonardoSpectrum
Support chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
Mentor Graphics Precision Synthesis
Support chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
Using Altera-provided megafunctions
and LPM functions in the Quartus II
software
“Module 2: Create a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■31
Constraint Entry
Once you have created a project and your design, you can use the
Assignment Editor, Settings dialog box, TimeQuest Timing Analyzer, Pin
Planner, Design Partitions window, Design Partition Planner, and the Chip
Planner to specify initial design constraints, such as pin assignments, device
options, logic options, and timing constraints. You can import assignments
by clicking Import Assignments on the Assignments menu and export
assignments by clicking Export on the File menu. You can also import
assignments from other EDA synthesis tools using Tcl commands or scripts.
Figure 3 shows the constraint and assignment entry flow.
Using the MegaWizard Plug-In
Manager and Altera-provided
megafunctions and LPM functions
“About the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager” in
Quartus II Help
Command-Line Scripting chapter in
volume 2 of the Quartus II Handbook
MegaCore functions and OpenCore
Plus hardware evaluation feature
AN 343: OpenCore Evaluation of AMPP
Megafunctions on the Altera website
AN 320: OpenCore Plus Evaluation of
Megafunctions on the Altera website
Simulating Altera IP in Third-Party
Simulation Tools chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
fFor Information About Refer To
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
32 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 3. Constraint & Assignment Entry Flow
Using the Assignment Editor
The Assignment Editor is the interface for creating and editing node and
entity-level assignments in the Quartus II software. Assignments allow you
to specify various options and settings for the logic in your design. You can
enable or disable individual assignments, and you can also add comments
to an assignment.
The spreadsheet in the Assignment Editor provides applicable drop-down
lists or allows you to type assignment information. As you add, edit, and
remove assignments, the corresponding Tcl command appears in the
Messages window.
When creating and editing assignments, the Quartus II software
dynamically validates the assignment information where possible. If an
assignment or assignment value is illegal, the Quartus II software does not
add or update the value, and instead reverts to the current value or does not
accept the value. When you view all assignments, the Assignment Editor
Quartus II
Project File (.qpf)
Quartus II
Assignment Editor
Quartus II
Settings Dialog Box
Verilog Quartus Mapping
Files (.vqm)
Quartus II
Settings File (.qsf)
from Block-Based
Design
to Quartus II
Analysis & Synthesis
Quartus II
design files
Quartus II
Pin Planner
Quartus II
Design Partitions
Window
Quartus II
Chip Planner
TimeQuest
Timing Analyzer Synopsys Design
Constraints File (.sdc)
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■33
shows all assignments created for the current project that are valid for the
current device, but when you view individual assignment categories, the
Assignment Editor displays only the assignments that are related to the
specific category selected.
Using the Pin Planner
The Pin Planner allows you to make assignments to pins and groups of pins.
It includes a package view of the device with different colors and symbols
that represent the different types of pins and additional symbols that
represent I/O banks. The symbols used in the Pin Planner are very similar
to the symbols used in device family data sheets. It also includes tables of
pins and groups. Figure 4 shows the Pin Planner.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Assignment Editor Assignment Editor chapter in volume 2 of
the Quartus II Handbook
“About the Assignment Editor” and
“Working with Assignments in the
Assignment Editor” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
34 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 4. Pin Planner
By default, the Pin Planner displays a Groups list, an All Pins list, and a
package view diagram of the device. You can make pin assignments by
dragging pins from the Groups list and All Pins list to available pin or I/O
bank locations in the package diagram. In the All Pins list, you can filter the
node names, change the I/O standards, and specify options for reserved
pins. You can also filter the All Pins list to display only unassigned pins, so
you can change the node name and direction for user-added nodes. You can
also specify options for reserved pins.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■35
The Settings Dialog Box
You can use the Settings dialog box to specify general project-wide options
and synthesis, fitting, simulation, timing analysis, power analysis, and
debugging options for a project.
You can perform the following types of tasks in the Settings dialog box:
■Modify project settings: specify and view the current top-level entity
for project and revision information; add and remove files from the
project; specify custom user libraries.
■Specify EDA tool settings: specify EDA tools for design entry/
synthesis, simulation, timing analysis, board-level verification, formal
verification, physical synthesis, and related tool options.
■Specify Analysis & Synthesis settings: project-wide settings for
Analysis & Synthesis, Verilog HDL and VHDL input settings, default
design parameters, and synthesis netlist optimizations options.
■Specify compilation process settings: options for smart compilation,
parallel compilation, incremental compilation, saving node-level
netlists, and enabling or disabling the OpenCore Plus evaluation
feature.
■Specify Fitter settings: timing-driven compilation options, Fitter effort,
project-wide Fitter logic options assignments, and physical synthesis
netlist optimizations.
■Specify Simulator settings: mode (functional or timing), source vector
file, simulation period, and simulation detection options.
■Specify PowerPlay Power Analyzer settings: input file type, output
file type, and default toggle rates, as well as operating conditions such
as junction temperature, cooling solution requirements, and device
characteristics.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Pin Planner to assign pins I/O Management chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“Assigning Pins” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
36 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
■Specify Design Assistant and SignalTap II settings: enable the Design
Assistant and enable the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer; specify a
SignalTap II File (.stp) name.
Making Timing Constraints
The TimeQuest Timing Analyzer accepts constraints in Synopsys Design
Constraint format to define the parameters for analysis. You can make
timing constraints using the commands in the TimeQuest Timing Analyzer
GUI or equivalent Tcl commands. For more information on the TimeQuest
Timing Analyzer, refer to “Chapter 5: Timing Analysis and Design
Optimization” on page 65.
Creating Design Partitions
You can designate separate hierarchical sections of your design as design
partitions to compile incrementally, without affecting the rest of the project.
The Project Navigator, the Design Partition Planner, and the Design
Partitions window allow you to assign design partitions.
To make a LogicLock assignment for a partition, drag the partition from the
Project Navigator window directly to the LogicLock Regions window or to
a LogicLock region in the Timing Closure Floorplan. You can also right-click
the partition/entity in the Project Navigator, point to LogicLock Region,
and then click Create New LogicLock Region.
To specify an entity as a design partition, on the Assignments menu, click
Design Partitions Window.
The Design Partitions window allows you to specify one of the following
options for Netlist Type:
■Source File—directs the Compiler to compile from source design files
■Post-Synthesis—preserves synthesis results for the partition (default
option for new partitions)
fFor Information About Refer To
Assigning project-wide settings with
the Settings dialog box
“Module 3: Compile a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■37
■Post-Fit—preserves placement results for the partition
■Empty—skips compilation for the partition
You can specify the netlist type from the list in the Netlist Type column or
by right-clicking the partition and clicking Design Partition Properties.
If you want to make a LogicLock assignment for a partition, you can drag the
partition from the Design Partitions window directly to the LogicLock
Regions window or to a LogicLock region in the Chip Planner.
Creating Design Partitions with the
Design Partitions Planner
The Design Partition Planner allows you to view a graphical representation
of the entities in a design, and specify entities as design partitions. To create
a design partition in the Design Partition Planner, on the Tools menu, click
Design Partition Planner. Right-click the entity and click Set as Design
Partition.
CHAPTER 2: DESIGN ENTRY
CONSTRAINT ENTRY
38 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 5. Design Partition Planner
fFor Information About Refer To
Assigning design partitions and using
incremental compilation
Quartus II Incremental Compilation for
Hierarchical & Team-Based Design chapter
in volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
Best Practices for Incremental Compilation
Partitions and Floorplan Assignments
chapter in volume 1 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“About Incremental Compilation” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
INTRODUCTION
40 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
You can use the Analysis & Synthesis module of the Compiler to analyze
your design files and create the project database. Analysis & Synthesis uses
Quartus II Integrated Synthesis to synthesize your Verilog Design Files (.v)
or VHDL Design Files (.vhd). If you prefer, you can use other EDA synthesis
tools to synthesize your Verilog HDL or VHDL design files, and then
generate an EDIF netlist file (.edf) or a Verilog Quartus Mapping File (.vqm)
that can be used with the Quartus II software. Figure 1 shows the synthesis
design flow.
Figure 1. Synthesis Design Flow
You can start a full compilation in the Quartus II software, which includes
the Analysis & Synthesis module, or you can start Analysis & Synthesis
separately. You can perform an Analysis & Elaboration to check a design for
syntax and semantic errors without performing a complete Analysis &
Synthesis or use the Analyze Current File command on the Processing
menu to check a single design file for syntax errors.
For more information about starting a full compilation or starting Compiler
modules individually, refer to “Graphical User Interface Design Flow” on
page 3 and “Introduction” on page 38 in Chapter 3, “Command-Line And
Tcl Design Flows.”
Quartus II Analysis &
Synthesis
quartus_map
Quartus II
Design Assistant
quartus_drc
to Quartus II
Fitter
EDA Synthesis
Tools
Verilog HDL &
VHDL source design
files (.v, .vhd)
EDIF netlist files (.edf) &
Verilog Quartus Mapping
Files (.vqm)
VHDL Design Files (.vhd),
Verilog HDL Design Files (.v),
Text Design Files (.tdf) & Block
Design Files (.bdf)
Compiler Database
Files (.rdb) & Report
Files (.rpt, .htm)
Library Mapping
Files (.lmf) &
User Libraries
Quartus II
Netlist Viewers
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
USING QUARTUS II VERILOG HDL & VHDL INTEGRATED SYNTHESIS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■41
Using Quartus II Verilog HDL &
VHDL Integrated Synthesis
You can use Analysis & Synthesis to analyze and synthesize Verilog HDL
and VHDL designs. Analysis & Synthesis includes Quartus II Integrated
Synthesis, which fully supports the Verilog HDL and VHDL languages and
provides options to control the synthesis process.
Analysis & Synthesis supports the Verilog-1995 (IEEE Std. 1364-1995) and
Verilog-2001 (IEEE Std. 1364-2001) standards, a subset of features of the
SystemVerilog-2005 (IEEE Std. 1800-2005) standard, and also supports the
VHDL 1987 (IEEE Std. 1076-1987) and 1993 (IEEE Std. 1076-1993) standards.
You can select which standard to use; Analysis & Synthesis uses
Verilog-2001 and VHDL 1993 by default. If you are using another EDA
synthesis tool, you can also specify a Library Mapping File (.lmf) that the
Quartus II software should use to map non–Quartus II functions to
Quartus II functions. You can specify these and other options in the Verilog
HDL Input and VHDL Input pages, which are under Analysis & Synthesis
Settings in the Settings dialog box.
!Using the quartus_map executable
You can also run Analysis & Synthesis separately at the command prompt or in a
script that contains the quartus_map executable. The quartus_map executable
creates a new project if one does not already exist.
The quartus_map executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_map executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_map -h r
quartus_map --help r
quartus_map --help=<topic name> r
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
USING QUARTUS II VERILOG HDL & VHDL INTEGRATED SYNTHESIS
42 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
If your design instantiates Altera megafunctions, library of parameterized
modules (LPM) functions, or intellectual property (IP) megafunctions in a
third-party EDA tool, you need to use a hollow-body or black box file. When
you are instantiating megafunctions for Quartus II Analysis & Synthesis,
however, you can instantiate the megafunction directly without using a
black box file. For more information about instantiating megafunctions,
refer to “Instantiating Megafunctions in the Quartus II Software” on page 27
and “Instantiating Megafunctions in EDA Tools” on page 28 in Chapter 2,
“Design Entry.”
Analysis & Synthesis builds a single project database that integrates all the
design files in a design entity or project hierarchy. The Quartus II software
uses this database for the remainder of project processing. Other Compiler
modules update the database until it contains the fully optimized project. In
the beginning, the database contains only the original netlists; at the end, it
contains a fully optimized, fitted project, which is used to create one or more
files for timing simulation, timing analysis, and device programming.
As it creates the database, the analysis stage of Analysis & Synthesis
examines the logical completeness and consistency of the project, and checks
for boundary connectivity and syntax errors. Analysis & Synthesis also
synthesizes and performs technology mapping on the logic in the design
entity or project’s files. It infers flipflops, latches, and state machines from
Verilog HDL and VHDL. It creates state assignments for state machines and
makes choices that minimize resources usage.
Analysis & Synthesis uses several algorithms to minimize gate count,
remove redundant logic, and utilize the device architecture as efficiently as
possible. You can customize synthesis by using logic option assignments.
Analysis & Synthesis also applies logic synthesis techniques to help
implement timing requirements for a project and optimize the design to
meet these requirements. Quartus II logic options allow you to set attributes
without editing the source code. You can assign individual Quartus II logic
options in the Assignment Editor, and you can specify global Analysis &
Synthesis logic options for the project in the Analysis & Synthesis Settings
page of the Settings dialog box.
fFor Information About Refer To
Quartus II Verilog HDL and VHDL
Synthesis support
“Quartus II Verilog HDL Support,”
“Quartus II VHDL Support,” and “Quartus II
Support for SystemVerilog 2005” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
USING QUARTUS II VERILOG HDL & VHDL INTEGRATED SYNTHESIS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■43
The Quartus II logic options that are available on the Analysis & Synthesis
Settings page allow you to specify that the Compiler should optimize for
speed or area, or perform a “balanced” optimization, which attempts to
achieve the best combination of speed and area. It also provides other
options, such as options that control timing-driven synthesis, the logic level
for power-up, and the removal of duplicate or redundant logic.
Using Quartus II Synthesis Netlist
Optimization Options
Quartus II synthesis optimization options allow you to optimize the netlist
during synthesis for many of the Altera device families. These optimization
options are additional to the optimization that occurs during a standard
compilation, and occur during the Analysis & Synthesis stage of a full
compilation. These optimizations make changes to your synthesis netlist
that are generally beneficial for area and speed. The Physical Synthesis
Optimizations page in the Settings dialog box allows you to specify netlist
optimization options.
For more information about synthesis netlist optimization, refer to “Using
Netlist Optimizations to Achieve Timing Closure” on page 142 in Chapter
10, “Timing Closure.”
fFor Information About Refer To
Verilog HDL constructs supported in
the Quartus II software
“Quartus II Verilog HDL Support” in
Quartus II Help
VHDL constructs supported in the
Quartus II software
“Quartus II VHDL Support” in Quartus II
Help
Using Quartus II Integrated Synthesis Quartus II Integrated Synthesis chapter in
volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
Using Quartus II logic options to
control synthesis
“Working With Assignments in the
Assignment Editor” and “Specifying Default
Logic Options and Parameters” in Quartus II
Help
Creating a logic option assignment “Module 3: Compile a Design” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
Using Quartus II synthesis options and
logic options that affect synthesis
Quartus II Integrated Synthesis chapter in
volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
USING THE DESIGN ASSISTANT TO CHECK DESIGN RELIABILITY
44 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the Design Assistant to Check
Design Reliability
The Quartus II Design Assistant allows you to check the reliability of your
design, based on a set of design rules. The Design Assistant is especially
useful for checking the reliability of a design before migrating to HardCopy
devices. The Design Assistant page of the Settings dialog box allows you to
specify which design reliability guidelines you want to use when checking
your design.
You can also improve design optimization by following good synchronous
design practices and Quartus II coding style guidelines.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II synthesis and netlist
optimization options
Netlist Optimizations and Physical
Synthesis in volume 2 of the Quartus II
Handbook
!Using the quartus_drc executable
You can also run the Design Assistant separately at the command prompt or in a
script by using the quartus_drc executable. You must run the Quartus II Fitter
executable quartus_fit before running the Design Assistant.
The quartus_drc executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_drc executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_drc -h r
quartus_drc -help r
quartus_drc --help=<topic name> r
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■45
Analyzing Synthesis Results With
the Netlist Viewers
The Quartus II RTL Viewer and State Machine Viewer provide graphical
representations of your design. To run either of these viewers for a
Quartus II project, you must first perform Analysis & Synthesis or perform
a full compilation.
The RTL Viewer
To display the RTL Viewer, on the Tools menu, point to Netlist Viewers,
and then click RTL Viewer. In addition to the schematic view, the RTL
Viewer has a hierarchy list that lists the instances, primitives, pins, and nets
for the entire design netlist (Figure 2).
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Quartus II Design Assistant “Analyzing Designs with the Design
Assistant” and “About the Design Assistant”
in Quartus II Help
Using Quartus II synthesis options,
following synchronous design
practices, and following coding style
guidelines
Design Recommendations for Altera
Devices and the Quartus II Design
Assistant, Recommended HDL Coding
Styles, and Quartus II Integrated Synthesis
chapters in volume 1 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“AHDL, VHDL, and Verilog HDL Style Guide”
in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
46 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 2. RTL Viewer
The RTL Viewer displays the Analysis & Elaboration results for Verilog
HDL or VHDL designs, and AHDL Text Design Files (.tdf), Block Design
Files (.bdf), and Graphic Design Files (.gdf). For Verilog Quartus Mapping
Files or EDIF netlist files that were generated from other EDA synthesis
tools, the RTL Viewer displays the hierarchy for the atom representations of
WYSIWYG primitives.
You can select one or more items in the Netlist Navigator to highlight in the
schematic view. The RTL Viewer allows you to adjust the view or focus by
zooming in and out to see different levels of detail, searching through the
RTL Viewer for a specific name, moving up or down in the hierarchy, or
going to the source that feeds the selected net.
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■47
The State Machine Viewer
The State Machine Viewer allows you to view state machine diagrams for
the relevant logic in your design. If your project has a state machine, on the
Tools menu, point to Netlist Viewers, and then click State Machine Viewer.
You can also display the State Machine Viewer by double-clicking an
instance symbol in the RTL Viewer window (Figure 3).
Figure 3. State Machine Instance in RTL Viewer
The State Machine Viewer includes a schematic view and a State Table
(Figure 4).
Double-clicking
a state machine
instance symbol
in the RTL
Viewer opens the
State Machine
Viewer window
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
48 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 4. State Machine Viewer
When you select a cell in a transition table, the corresponding state or
transition is highlighted in the schematic view. Likewise, when you select a
state or transition in the schematic view, the corresponding cell is
highlighted in the transition table. The schematic view allows you to zoom
in and out, scroll up and down, and highlight fan-in and fan-out. In the
transition table, you can copy selected cells or the entire table to any text
editor. You can also align and sort data that appears in the table columns.
If you decide to make changes to your design after viewing it with the RTL
Viewer, you should perform Analysis & Elaboration again so you can
analyze the updated design in the RTL Viewer.
The Technology Map Viewer
The Quartus II Technology Map Viewer provides a low-level, or atom-level,
technology-specific schematic representation of a design. To run the
Technology Map Viewer for a Quartus II project, you must first perform
Analysis & Synthesis or a full compilation. After you have successfully
performed Analysis & Synthesis, you can display the Technology Map
State Table
shows source
and destination
states and
transition
conditions
Schematic
view
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■49
Viewer by pointing to Netlist Viewers on the Tools menu, and then clicking
Technology Map Viewer. The Technology Map Viewer includes a
schematic view, and also includes a hierarchy list, which lists the instances,
primitives, pins, and nets for the entire design netlist (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Technology Map Viewer
You can also use the Technology Map Viewer to display post-Analysis &
Synthesis mapping and compare those results to the results from a full
compilation. Display the results from Analysis & Synthesis by pointing to
Netlist Viewers on the Tools menu, and then clicking Technology Map
Viewer (Post-Mapping).
In the Technology Map Viewer, you can select one or more items in the
hierarchy list to highlight in the schematic view. The Technology Map
Viewer allows you to navigate the view in much the same way as the RTL
!Technology Map Viewer Displays
If you have run only Analysis & Synthesis and have not performed a full compilation
of your design, both of the Technology Map Viewer commands display the same
post-mapping information.
CHAPTER 3: SYNTHESIS
ANALYZING SYNTHESIS RESULTS WITH THE NETLIST VIEWERS
50 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Viewer; see “Analyzing Synthesis Results With the Netlist Viewers” on
page 45. The tooltips in the Technology Map Viewer display equation
information as well as node and source information.
After performing timing analysis or performing a full compilation that
includes timing analysis, you can also use the Technology Map Viewer to
view the nodes that make up the timing path, including information about
total delay and individual node delay. See “Viewing Timing Delays with the
Technology Map Viewer” on page 72 in Chapter 5, “Timing Analysis and
Design Optimization.”
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Quartus II Technology Map
Viewer
Analyzing Designs with Quartus II Netlist
Viewers chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About the Netlist Viewers” in Quartus II
Help
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
INTRODUCTION
52 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
The Quartus II Fitter places and routes your design, which is also referred to
as “fitting” in the Quartus II software. Using the database that has been
created by Analysis & Synthesis, the Fitter matches the logic and timing
requirements of the project with the available resources of the target device.
It assigns each logic function to the best logic cell location for routing and
timing, and selects appropriate interconnection paths and pin assignments.
Figure 1 shows the place and route design flow.
Figure 1. Place and Route Design Flow
If you have made resource assignments in your design, the Fitter attempts to
match those resource assignments with the resources on the device, tries to
meet any other constraints you have set, and then attempts to optimize the
remaining logic in the design. If you have not set any constraints on the
design, the Fitter automatically optimizes it. If it cannot find a fit, the Fitter
terminates compilation and issues an error message.
In the Compilation Process Settings page of the Settings dialog box, you
can specify whether you want to perform a normal compilation or smart
compilation. With a smart compilation, the Compiler creates a detailed
database that can help future compilations run faster, but may consume
extra disk space. During a smart recompilation, the Compiler evaluates the
changes made to the current design since the last compilation and then runs
only the Compiler modules that are required to process those changes. If you
make any changes to the logic of a design, the Compiler uses all modules
during processing.
Quartus II Fitter
quartus_t
Quartus II
Design Assistant
quartus_drc
to Quartus II timing
analysis, EDA Netlist
Writer, or Assembler
Quartus II
Settings
Files (.qsf)
Compiler
Database
Files (.cdb)
from Quartus II
Analysis &
Synthesis
Report Files
(.rpt, .htm)
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
USING INCREMENTAL COMPILATION
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■53
You can start a full compilation in the Quartus II software, which includes
the Fitter module, or you can start the Fitter separately. You must run
Analysis & Synthesis successfully before starting the Fitter separately. For
information about performing a full compilation, refer to “Graphical User
Interface Design Flow” on page 3 in Chapter 1, “Design Flow.”
Using Incremental Compilation
The Quartus II software performs incremental compilation to reuse
previous compilation results for unchanged entities in the design. For more
information, refer to “Design Methodologies and Planning” on page 14 in
Chapter 1, “Design Flow.”
The following steps describe the basic flow for performing an incremental
compilation:
1. Perform Analysis & Elaboration.
2. Specify one or more entities of the project as partitions. Refer to
“Creating Design Partitions” on page 57 in Chapter 4, “Constraint
Entry.”
3. Set the appropriate Netlist Type for the partitions. To preserve
compilation and placement results, set the Netlist Type for the
partitions to Post-Fit.
!Using the quartus_fit executable
You can also run the Fitter separately at the command prompt or in a script by using
the quartus_fit executable. You must run the Analysis & Synthesis executable
quartus_map before running the Fitter.
The quartus_fit executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_fit executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_fit -h r
quartus_fit -help r
quartus_fit --help=<topic name> r
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
ANALYZING FITTING RESULTS
54 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
4. Assign each partition to a physical location on the device by using the
Chip Planner and LogicLock assignments.
5. Compile the design.
6. Make changes to the design or design settings, as needed.
7. Compile the design again. Only the partitions that have changed are
recompiled.
Analyzing Fitting Results
The Quartus II software offers several tools to help you analyze the results
of compilation and fitting. The Messages window and Report window
provide fitting results information. The Chip Planner allows you to view
fitting results and make adjustments, if necessary. In addition, the Design
Assistant helps you check the reliability of a design based on a set of design
rules.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II incremental
compilation
Quartus II Incremental Compilation for
Hierarchical & Team-Based Design chapter
in volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
Best Practices for Incremental Compilation
Partitions and Floorplan Assignments
chapter in volume 1 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“About Incremental Compilation” in
Quartus II Help
“Module 7: Incremental Compilation” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
ANALYZING FITTING RESULTS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■55
Using the Messages Window to View
Fitting Results
The Processing tab of the Messages window and the Messages section of the
Report window or Report File display the messages generated from the most
recent compilation or simulation. Figure 2 shows the Messages window.
Figure 2. Messages Window
In the Messages window, you can right-click a message and click Help to get
Help on a particular message.
Clicking the Locate
button displays the
selected location
Arrow buttons allow
you to select next and
previous messages
Location list allows
you to select from
multiple locations
fFor Information About Refer To
Viewing messages “About the Messages Window“ and
“Managing Messages in the Messages
Window” in Quartus II Help
Locating the source of a message "Module 3: Compile a Design" in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
“Locating the Source and Getting Help on
Messages” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
ANALYZING FITTING RESULTS
56 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the Report Window or Report
File to View Fitting Results
The Report window contains many sections that can help you analyze the
placement and routing of your design. It includes several sections that show
resource usage, and also lists error messages that were generated by the
Fitter, as well as messages for any other module you were running.
The Quartus II software automatically generates text and HTML versions of
reports, depending on which options you specify in the Processing page of
the Options dialog box.
Using the Chip Planner to Analyze
Results
After you run the Fitter, the Chip Planner displays the results of placement
and routing. In addition, you can back-annotate the fitting results to
preserve the resource assignments made during the last compilation. The
Chip Planner allows you to view logic placement made by the Fitter and/or
user assignments, make LogicLock region assignments, and view routing
congestion (Figure 3).
fFor Information About Refer To
Report Window sections "List of Compilation and Simulation
Reports" in Quartus II Help
Using the Report Window “Navigating the Report Window” in
Quartus II Help
Viewing the compilation report "Module 3: Compile a Design" in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
ANALYZING FITTING RESULTS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■57
Figure 3. Chip Planner
Resource usage in the Chip Planner is color coded. Different colors represent
different resources, such as unassigned and assigned pins and logic cells,
unrouted items, and row FastTrack® fan-outs. The Chip Planner also allows
you to customize the floorplan view using filters to show pins and the
interior structure of the device.
To edit assignments in the Chip Planner, you can click a resource assignment
and drag it to a new location. You can use rubberbanding to display a visual
representation of the number of routing resources affected by the move.
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
58 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
You can view the routing congestion in a design, view routing delay
information for paths, and view connection counts to specific nodes. The
Chip Planner also allows you to view the node fan-out and fan-in for specific
structures, or view the paths between specific nodes. If necessary, you can
change or delete resource assignments.
Using the Design Assistant to Check
Design Reliability
The Quartus II Design Assistant allows you to check the reliability of your
design, based on a set of design rules, to determine whether there are any
issues that may affect fitting or design optimization. The Design Assistant
page of the Settings dialog box allows you to specify which design reliability
guidelines to use when checking your design.
Optimizing the Fit
Once you have run the Fitter and have analyzed the results, you can try
several options to optimize the fit:
■Using location assignments
■Setting options that control place and route
■Using the Resource Optimization Advisor
■Using the Design Space Explorer
Using Location Assignments
You can assign logic to physical resources on the device, such as a pin, logic
cell, or Logic Array Block (LAB), by using the Chip Planner or the
Assignment Editor in order to control place and route. You may want to use
the Chip Planner to edit assignments because it gives you a graphical view
fFor Information About Refer To
Viewing the fit in the Chip Planner Engineering Change Management with the
Chip Planner chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■59
of the device and its features. In addition to using the Chip Planner or
Assignment Editor to create assignments, you can also use Tcl commands. If
you want to specify global assignments for the project, you can use the
Settings dialog box. For more information about specifying initial design
constraints, refer to “Chapter 4: Constraint Entry” on page 51.
Setting Options that Control Place &
Route
You can set several options that control the Fitter and may affect place and
route:
■Fitter options
■Fitting optimization and physical synthesis options
■Individual and global logic options that affect fitting
Setting Fitter Options
The Fitter Settings page of the Settings dialog box allows you to specify
options that control timing-driven compilation and compilation speed. You
can specify whether the Fitter should try to use registers in I/O cells (rather
than registers in regular logic cells) to meet timing requirements and
assignments that relate to I/O pins. You can direct the Fitter to consider only
slow-corner timing delays when optimizing the design, or to consider
fast-corner timing delays as well as slow-corner timing delays when
optimizing the design to meet timing requirements at both corners. You can
specify whether you want the Fitter to use standard fitting, which works
hardest to meet your fMAX timing requirements, to use the fast fit feature,
which improves the compilation speed but may reduce the fMAX, or to use
the auto fit feature, which reduces Fitter effort after meeting timing
requirements and may decrease compilation time. The Fitter Settings page
also allows to you specify that you want to limit Fitter effort to only one
attempt, which may also reduce the fMAX.
Setting Physical Synthesis Optimization Options
The Quartus II software allows you to set options for performing physical
synthesis to optimize the netlist during fitting. You specify physical
synthesis optimization options in the Physical Synthesis Optimizations
page under Compilation Process Settings page in the Settings dialog box.
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
60 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
For more information about physical synthesis options, refer to “Using
Netlist Optimizations to Achieve Timing Closure” on page 142 in Chapter
10, “Timing Closure.”
Setting Individual Logic Options that Affect Fitting
Quartus II logic options allow you to set attributes without editing the
source code. You can specify Quartus II logic options for individual nodes
and entities in the Assignment Editor and can specify global default logic
options in the More Fitter Settings dialog box, which is available by clicking
More Settings in the Fitter Settings page of the Settings dialog box. For
example, you can use logic options to specify that the signal should be
available throughout the device on a global routing path, specify that the
Fitter should create parallel expander chains automatically, specify that the
Fitter should automatically combine a register with a combinational
function in the same logic cell, also known as “register packing,” or limit the
length of carry chains, cascade chains, and parallel expander chains.
.
Using the Resource Optimization
Advisor
The Resource Optimization Advisor offers recommendations for optimizing
your design for resource usage in the following areas:
■Logic elements
■Memory blocks
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II physical synthesis
optimizations
Netlist Optimizations & Physical Synthesis
chapter in volume 2 of the Quartus II
Handbook
Using Quartus II Fitter optimization
options
“About Synthesis” in Quartus II Help
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II logic options to
control place and route
“Logic Options” and “Working with
Assignments in the Assignment Editor” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■61
■DSP blocks
■I/O elements
■Routing resources
If you have an open project, you can view the Resource Optimization
Advisor by clicking Resource Optimization Advisor on the Tools menu. If
the project has not been compiled yet, the Resource Optimization Advisor
provides only general recommendations for optimizing resource usage. If
the project has been compiled, however, the Resource Optimization Advisor
can provide specific recommendations for the project, based on the project
information and current settings.
The first page of the Resource Optimization Advisor summarizes the
resource usage after compilation, and indicates possible problem areas. The
left pane of the Resource Optimization Advisor shows a hierarchical list of
problems and recommendations, with icons that indicate whether the
recommendation might be appropriate for the current design and target
device family, or whether the current design already has the recommended
setting. When you click a recommendation in the hierarchical list, the right
pane provides a detailed description of the recommendation, a summary,
the current global settings, and one or more recommended actions, as shown
in Figure 4.
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
62 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 4. Resource Optimization Advisor Recommendation Page
If the recommended action involves changing a Quartus II setting, the right
pane of the Resource Optimization Advisor may include a link to the
appropriate dialog box, page, or feature in the Quartus II software or may
include a button that provides more information about the design. It may
also include links to Quartus II Help or other documentation on the Altera
website.
Hierarchical list of recommendations—
icons indicate potential problem areas
Clicking a link in the
recommendations page opens the
appropriate dialog box, page, or
feature.
Some recommendations include
buttons that make the
reccomended changes in your
design.
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■63
If you want to view recommendations for improving timing results, you can
use the Timing Optimization Advisor. See “Using the Timing Optimization
Advisor” on page 141 in Chapter 10, “Timing Closure.”
Using the Design Space Explorer
Another way to control Quartus II fitting to optimize for power, area, and
performance, is to use the Design Space Explorer (DSE). The DSE interface
allows you to explore a range of Quartus II options and settings
automatically to determine which settings you should use to obtain the best
possible result for the project. To start DSE, on the Tools menu, click Launch
Design Space Explorer.
You can specify the effort level that DSE puts into determining the optimal
settings the current project. The DSE interface also allows you to specify
optimization goals and allowable compilation time.
DSE provides several exploration modes, which are listed under
Exploration Settings in the DSE window. Selecting the Advanced Search
option opens the Advanced tab, which allows you to specify additional
options for exploration space, optimization goal, and search method.
After you have specified your exploration settings, you can use the Explore
Space command on the Processing menu to start the exploration. You can
see the results of the exploration on the Explore tab.
!Running the Design Space Explorer
You can run DSE in graphical user interface mode by typing the following command
at a command prompt:
quartus_sh --dse r?
You can run DSE in command-line mode by typing the following command at a
command prompt, along with any additional DSE options:
quartus_sh --dse -nogui <project name> [-c <revision name>]r
For help on DSE options, type quartus_sh --help=dse r at command prompt, or,
on the DSE Help menu, click Show Documentation.
CHAPTER 4: PLACE AND ROUTE
OPTIMIZING THE FIT
64 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Many of the exploration space modes allow you to specify the degree of
effort you want DSE to spend in fitting the design; however, increasing the
effort level usually increases the compilation time. Custom exploration
mode allows you to specify various parameters, options, and modes and
then explore their effects on your design.
The Signature modes allow you to explore the effect of a single parameter on
your design and its trade-offs for fMAX, slack, compile time, and area. In the
Signature modes, DSE tests the effects of a single parameter over multiple
seeds, and then reports the average of the values so you can evaluate how
that parameter interacts in the space of your design.
DSE also provides a list of Optimization Goal options, which allow you to
specify whether DSE should optimize for area, speed, or for negative slack
and failing paths.
In addition, you can specify Search Method options, which provide
additional control over how much time and effort DSE should spend on the
search.
After you have completed a design exploration with DSE, you can create a
new revision from a DSE point. You can then close DSE and open the project
with the new revision from within the Quartus II software.
fFor Information About Refer To
Parameters and settings for optimizing
performance
Area and Timing Optimization chapter in
volume 2 of the Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
INTRODUCTION
66 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
The Quartus II TimeQuest Timing Analyzer allows you to analyze the
timing characteristics of your design. The TimeQuest analyzer uses
industry-standard Synopsys Design Constraint (SDC) methodology for
constraining designs and reporting results. You can use the information
generated by the timing analyzer to analyze, debug, and validate the timing
performance of your design.
Running the TimeQuest Timing
Analyzer
The TimeQuest analyzer provides an intuitive and easy-to-use GUI that
allows you to constrain and analyze designs efficiently. The GUI is divided
into the following four panes:
■View pane
■Tasks pane
■Console
■Report pane
Each pane provides features that enhance the productivity of performing
static timing analysis in the TimeQuest analyzer (Figure 1).
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■67
Figure 1. TimeQuest Timing Analyzer Window
The View pane displays timing analysis results, including any summary
reports, custom reports, or histograms. Figure 2 shows the View pane when
you use the Report Clocks command in the Tasks pane for a design that
includes two defined clocks, clk and clkx2.
Figure 2. Output from Report Clocks Shown in the View Pane
Console
View pane
Report pane
Tasks pane
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
68 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
The TimeQuest analyzer reports results only when requested. You can
customize each report on demand to display specific timing information.
Specifying Timing Constraints
You can make individual timing constraints for individual entities, nodes,
and pins with the Constraints menu of the TimeQuest analyzer. Individual
timing assignments override project-wide requirements. You can also
asssign timing exceptions to nodes and paths to avoid reporting of incorrect
or irrelevant timing violations. The TimeQuest analyzer supports
point-to-point timing constraints, wildcards to identify specific nodes when
making constraints, and assignment groups to make individual constraints
to groups of nodes.
You can make the following types of individual timing assignments in the
TimeQuest analyzer:
■Clock settings—Allow you to perform an accurate multiclock timing
analysis by defining the timing requirements and relationship of all
clock signals in the design. The TimeQuest analyzer supports both
single-clock and multiclock frequency analysis.
■Clock uncertainty assignments—Allow you to specify the expected
clock setup or hold uncertainty (jitter) that should be used when
performing setup and hold checks. The TimeQuest analyzer subtracts
the specified setup uncertainty from the data required time when
calculating setup checks and adds the specified hold uncertainty to the
data required time when calculating hold checks.
■Input and Output Delays—Allow you to specify external device or
board timing parameters by specifying the required data arrival times
at specified input and output ports relative to the clock.
You can make the following types of individual timing exceptions as
assignments in the TimeQuest analyzer:
■Multicycle paths—Paths between registers that require more than one
clock cycle to become stable. You can set multicycle paths to instruct the
analyzer to relax its measurements and avoid incorrect setup or hold
time violations.
■False paths—You can designate as false paths any paths in the design
which the timing analyzer disregards during analysis and reporting. By
default, the Quartus II software cuts (directs the timing analyzer to
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■69
ignore) paths between unrelated clock domains when there are no
timing requirements set or only the default required fMAX clock setting
is used. The Quartus II software also cuts paths between unrelated
clock domains if individual clock assignments are set but there is no
defined relationship between the clock assignments.
■Maximum delay requirements—Requirements for input or output
maximum delay, or maximum timing requirements for tSU, tH, tPD, and
tCO on specific nodes in the design. You can make these assignments to
specific nodes or groups to override project-wide maximum timing
requirements.
■Minimum delay requirements—Requirements for input or output
minimum delay, or minimum timing requirements for tH, tPD, and tCO
for specific nodes or groups. You can make these assignments to
specific nodes or groups to override project-wide minimum timing
requirements.
!Using the quartus_sta executable
You can also run the TimeQuest analyzer separately at the command prompt or in
a script by using the quartus_sta executable. You must run the Quartus II Fitter
executable quartus_fit before running the TimeQuest analyzer.
The quartus_sta executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
You can also launch the quartus_sta Tcl scripting shell, to run timing-related Tcl
commands, by typing the following command at a command prompt:
quartus_sta -s r
If you want to get help on the quartus_sta executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_sta --h r
quartus_sta --help r
quartus_sta --help=<topic name> r
Additionally, the quartus_staw executable provides the GUI for the TimeQuest
analyzer as a stand-alone application.
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
70 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Viewing Timing Information for a Path
You can use the Report Timing dialog box to generate comprehensive
timing information for any path or paths in your design. You can specify the
number of paths to report, the type of path (including minimum timing
paths), and how to report the information.
The Report Timing dialog box allows you to filter reported paths. For
information on every constrained path in the design (except false paths),
leave the fields in the Report Timing dialog box unchanged and click
Report Timing. (Figure 3).
fFor Information About Refer To
Specific timing settings and
performing a timing analysis in the
Quartus II software
“About the TimeQuest Timing Analyzer” in
Quartus II Help
Quartus II TimeQuest Timing Analyzer
chapter in volume 3 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“Module 4: Run Timing Analysis” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■71
Figure 3. Report Timing Dialog Box
When information about a path is reported by the TimeQuest analyzer, you
can use the Locate Path command directly from the timing analyzer reports
to view path information in the Chip Planner, Technology Map Viewer, and
RTL Viewer.
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
RUNNING THE TIMEQUEST TIMING ANALYZER
72 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Viewing Timing Delays with the
Technology Map Viewer
The Quartus II Technology Map Viewer provides a low-level, or atom-level,
technology-specific schematic representation a design. The Technology Map
Viewer includes a schematic view, and also includes a hierarchy list, which
lists the instances, primitives, pins, and nets for the entire design netlist.
After performing timing analysis, or performing a full compilation that
includes timing analysis, you can use the Technology Map Viewer to view
the nodes that make up a timing path, including information about total
delay and individual node delay (Figure 4).
To view timing information in the Technology Map Viewer, right-click path
information in a timing analyzer report, and then click Locate Path. In the
Locate dialog box, under Locate in, select Technology Map Viewer.
Figure 4. Technology Map View Window—Delay Information
Individual delay informationTotal delay information
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■73
Timing Closure
The Quartus II software offers a fully integrated timing closure flow that
allows you to meet your timing goals by controlling the synthesis and place
and route of a design. Using the timing closure flow results in faster timing
closure for complex designs, reduced optimization iterations, and automatic
balancing of multiple design constraints.
The timing closure flow allows you to perform an initial compilation, view
design results, and perform further design optimization efficiently. You can
use the Chip Planner to analyze the placement and routing of the design and
make assignments, use the Timing Optimization Advisor to view
recommendations for optimizing your design for timing, use netlist
optimizations on the design after synthesis and during place and route, use
LogicLock region assignments, and use the Design Space Explorer (DSE) to
further optimize the design. Figure 5 shows the timing closure flow.
Figure 5. Timing Closure Flow
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Quartus II Technology Map
Viewer
Analyzing Designs with Quartus II Netlist
Viewers chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
from Quartus II
Compiler
Netlist
Optimizations
Analysis with
the Quartus II
Chip Planner
Includes making LogicLock
region, timing & location
assi
g
nments
No
Yes
Timing Closure
Achieved
to Quartus II
Compiler
Timing
Optimization
Advisor
Assignment Entry
Performance
Met?
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
74 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the Chip Planner
You can use the Chip Planner to view logic placement made by the Fitter,
view user assignments and LogicLock region assignments, and routing
information for a design. You can use this information to identify critical
paths in the design and make timing assignments, location assignments, and
LogicLock region assignments to achieve timing closure.
Chip Planner Tasks And Layers
The Chip Planner can simultaneously show user assignments and Fitter
location assignments. You can customize the way the Chip Planner displays
information with the Task list and the commands the View menu.
The following are the pre-defined tasks in the Chip Planner:
■Floorplan editing
■Post-compilation editing
■Partition display
■Clock region assignment creation
You can use the Layers Settings command on the View menu to select more
than one combination of these elements for a customized view of your
design in the device. You can view global and local routing, ports, used and
unused assignments, pin and location assignments, user and fitter-placed
LogicLock regions, clock regions, and other elements in any combination.
Making Assignments
To facilitate achieving timing closure, the Chip Editor assignment tasks
allow you to make or change location assignments directly in the floorplan.
You can create and assign nodes or entities to custom regions and to
LogicLock regions, and you can also edit existing assignments to logic cells,
rows, columns, and regions.. You can also locate any node (or set of nodes)
and make assignments in the Assignment Editor.
!Using Chip Planner to Achieve Timing Closure
The Quartus II Chip Planner provides a single interface for viewing and making
changes to the design floorplan as well as making ECO-style post-fit netlist changes.
For the list of devices supported by Chip Planner, see Quartus II Help.
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■75
Using the Timing Optimization
Advisor
The Timing Optimization Advisor offers recommendations for optimizing
your design for timing in the following areas:
■Maximum frequency (fMAX)
■Setup timing (tSU)
■Clock-to-output (tCO)
■Propagation delay (tPD)
If you have an open project, view the Timing Optimization Advisor by
pointing to Advisors on the Tools menu, and then clicking Timing
Optimization Advisor. If the project has not been compiled yet, the Timing
Optimization Advisor provides only general recommendations for
optimizing for timing. If the project has been compiled, the Timing
Optimization Advisor can provide specific timing recommendations for the
project, based on the project information and current settings.
Using Netlist Optimizations to
Achieve Timing Closure
The Quartus II software includes netlist optimization options to further
optimize your design during synthesis and during place and route. Netlist
optimizations are push-button features that offer improvements to fMAX
results by making modifications to the netlist to improve performance.
fFor Information About Refer To
Working with the Chip Planner Engineering Change Management with the
Chip Planner chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“Displaying Resources and Information” in
Quartus II Help
“Working with Assignments in the Chip
Planner” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
76 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
These options can be applied regardless of the synthesis tool used.
Depending on your design, some options may have more of an effect than
others.
You can specify synthesis and physical synthesis netlist optimizations in the
Analysis & Synthesis Settings page and Physical Synthesis Optimizations
page of the Settings dialog box.
Netlist optimizations for synthesis include the following options:
■Timing-Driven Synthesis—Directs the Quartus II software to
synthesize your design as directed by timing analysis results from a
previous compilation, where possible.
■Perform WYSIWYG primitive resynthesis—Directs the Quartus II
software to unmap WYSIWYG primitives during synthesis. When this
option is turned on, the Quartus II software unmaps the logic elements
in an atom netlist to gates, and remaps the gates to Altera LCELL
primitives. This option allows the Quartus II software to use techniques
specific to a device architecture during the remapping process and uses
the optimization technique (Speed, Balanced, or Area).
■Perform register retiming—Allows registers to be moved across
combinational logic to balance timing, but does not change the
functionality of the current design. This option moves registers across
combinational gates only, and not across user-instantiated logic cells,
memory blocks, DSP blocks, or carry or cascade chains, and has the
ability to move registers from the inputs of a combinational logic block
to the block’s output, potentially combining the registers. It can also
create multiple registers at the input of a combinational logic block
from a register at the output of a combinational logic block.
Netlist optimizations for physical synthesis and fitting include the following
groups of options:
■Optimize for performance (physical synthesis)—Options to perform
physical synthesis optimizations on combinational logic, and to
perform register retiming, during fitting.
■Effort level—Specifies the level of effort used by the Quartus II
software when performing physical synthesis (Normal, Extra, and
Fast).
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■77
■Optimize for fitting (physical synthesis for density): Options to
reduce combinational logic elements and registers in a design by
eliminating duplicate nodes and by mapping logic to unused memory
blocks.
The Quartus II software cannot perform these netlist optimizations for
fitting and physical synthesis on a back-annotated design. In addition, if you
use one or more of these netlist optimizations on a design, and then
back-annotate the design, you must generate a Verilog Quartus Mapping
File (.vqm) if you wish to save the results. The Verilog Quartus Mapping File
must be used in place of the original design source code in future
compilations.
Using LogicLock Regions to Preserve
Timing
You can use LogicLock regions to achieve timing closure by analyzing your
design in the Chip Planner, and then constraining critical logic in LogicLock
regions. Defining hierarchical LogicLock regions can give you more control
over the placement and performance of modules or groups of modules. You
can use the LogicLock feature on individual nodes, for instance, by
assigning the nodes along the critical path to a LogicLock region.
Successfully improving performance by using LogicLock regions requires a
detailed understanding of the critical paths in your design. Once you have
implemented LogicLock regions and attained the desired performance,
back-annotate the contents of the region to lock the logic placement.
fFor Information About Refer To
Achieving timing closure using netlist
optimizations
Netlist Optimizations and Physical
Synthesis chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
78 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the Design Space Explorer to
Achieve Timing Closure
You can use the Design Space Explorer (DSE) to optimize your design for
timing. The DSE interface allows you to explore a range of Quartus II
options and settings automatically to determine which settings should be
used to obtain the best possible result for the project. You can specify the
level of change DSE can evaluate, your optimization goals, the target device,
and the allowable compilation time.
To run the DSE, click Launch Design Space Explorer on the Tools menu. For
more information on using the Design Space Explorer, refer to “Using the
Design Space Explorer” on page 63 in Chapter 4, “Place and Route.”
Power Analysis with the PowerPlay
Power Analyzer
The Quartus II PowerPlay Power Analysis tools provide an interface that
allows you to estimate static and dynamic power consumption throughout
the design cycle. The PowerPlay Power Analyzer performs postfitting
power analysis and produces a power report that highlights, by block type
and entity, the power consumed. The Altera PowerPlay Early Power
Estimator estimates power consumption at other stages of the design
process and produces a Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheet with estimate
information. The PowerPlay power analysis flow is shown in Figure 6.
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■79
Figure 6. PowerPlay Power Analysis Flow
You can use the PowerPlay Power Analyzer Tool command on the
Processing menu after running Analysis & Synthesis and the Fitter
successfully. You can specify whether you want to use an input file, such as
a Signal Activity File (.saf) or Value Change Dump File (.vcd) generated by
the Quartus II Simulator or a Value Change Dump File generated by another
EDA simulation tool, to initialize toggle rates and static probabilities during
power analysis, and also whether you want the signal activities used during
power analysis written to an output file. In addition, you can specify
entity-based toggle rates and static probabilities using user assignments in
the Quartus II user interface or in the Quartus II Settings File (.qsf). For some
device families, the Quartus II software fills in any missing signal activity
information by analyzing the design topology and function.
from Quartus II
Analysis & Synthesis
and Quartus II Fitter
Quartus II PowerPlay
Power Analyzer
quartus_pow Signal
Activity
File (.saf)
Signal Activity
File (.saf) or Value
Change Dump
File (.vcd)
Report
Files
(.rpt, .htm
)
Quartus II
Settings
File (.qsf)
PowerPlay Early
Power Estimator
Spreadsheet
power estimation file
(<revision name>_earl
y
_
p
wr.csv)
User-defined settings
from Quartus II
Compiler
from Quartus II
Simulator or other
EDA simulation tool
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
80 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Depending on the target device family, you can also specify default
operating conditions for power analysis. You can specify the junction
temperature, cooling solution requirements, and device characteristics in the
Operating Settings and Conditions pages of the Settings dialog box.
PowerPlay Early Power Estimator
Spreadsheets
You can calculate power requirements for certain device families with the
Altera PowerPlay Early Power Estimator spreadsheets, which you can
download from the Power Consumption section of the Altera website. If you
have not started the FPGA design, or if it is only partially complete, you can
use PowerPlay Early Power Estimator spreadsheets to provide a
preliminary estimate of the power requirements of the design. A macro in
!Using the quartus_pow executable
You can also run the PowerPlay Power Analyzer separately at the command prompt
or in a script by using the quartus_pow executable. You must run the Quartus II
Fitter, quartus_fit (and in some cases quartus_asm), successfully before running
the PowerPlay Power Analyzer.
The quartus_pow executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_pow executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_pow -h r
quartus_pow -help r
quartus_pow --help=<topic name> r
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Quartus II PowerPlay Power
Analyzer
PowerPlay Power Analysis chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
“PowerPlay Power Analyzer Window” and
“About Power Estimation and Analysis“ in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■81
the Excel-based PowerPlay Early Power Estimator spreadsheet calculates
the power estimation and then provides a current (ICC) and power (P)
estimation.
You can use the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator to estimate power at any
stage of the design process; however, Altera recommends that you use the
PowerPlay Power Analyzer, rather than the PowerPlay Early Power
Estimator, after the design is complete in order to obtain the most accurate
power analysis.
If you use the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator before you start your
design, you can specify device resources, operating frequency, toggle rates,
and other parameters. If you use it after you have created a design, you can
compile the design in the Quartus II software and then use the Generate
Power Play Early Power Estimator File command on the Project menu to
generate a power estimation file, which is a text-based file named <revision
name>_early_pwr.csv that contains power information for the current
device and design. You can then import this power estimation file into the
PowerPlay Early Power Estimator.
!Using Early Power Estimations
Power calculations that are provided by the PowerPlay Early Power Estimator should
be used only as an estimation of power, not as a specification. Be sure to verify the
actual ICC during device operation, because this measurement is sensitive to the
actual device design and the environmental operating conditions.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the PowerPlay Early Power
Estimator
PowerPlay Early Power Estimator User
Guide on the Altera website
PowerPlay Power Analysis chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
“About Power Estimation and Analysis” in
Quartus II Help
Information about device requirements Individual device handbooks or data sheets
on the Altera website
CHAPTER 5: TIMING ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OPTIMIZATION
TIMING CLOSURE
82 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMMING & CONFIGURATION
INTRODUCTION
84 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
Once you have successfully compiled a project with the Quartus II software,
you can program or configure an Altera device. The Assembler module of
the Quartus II Compiler generates programming files that the Quartus II
Programmer can use to program or configure a device with Altera
programming hardware. You can also use a stand-alone version of the
Quartus II Programmer to program and configure devices. Figure 1 shows
the programming design flow.
Figure 1. Programming Design Flow
Quartus II Assembler
quartus_asm
Quartus II
Programmer
quartus_pgm
Programmer Object
Files (.pof) & SRAM
Object Files (.sof)
from the
Quartus II
Fitter
Chain
Description
Files (.cdf)
Quartus II Convert
Programming Files
quartus_cpf
Altera
Programming
Hardware
Secondary programming files, including Raw Binary Files (.rbf),
Tabular Text Files (.ttf), Raw Programming Data Files (.rpd),
Hexadecimal Output Files for EPC16 (.hex), JTAG Indirect
Programming Files (.jic), Flash Loader Hexadecimal Files (.flhex) &
POFs for Local Update or Remote Update
to other systems, such
as embedded
processors
Jam Files (.jam) &
Jam Byte-Code
Files (.jbc)
Serial Vector Format
Files (.svf) & In System
Configuration Files (.isc)
I/O Pin
State
Files (.ips)
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMMING & CONFIGURATION
CREATING AND USING PROGRAMMING FILES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■85
Creating and Using Programming
Files
The Assembler automatically converts the Fitter’s device, logic cell, and pin
assignments into a programming image for the device, in the form of one or
more Programmer Object Files (.pof) or SRAM Object Files (.sof) for the
target device.
You can start a full compilation in the Quartus II software, which includes
the Assembler module, or you can run the Assembler separately.
The Programmer uses the Programmer Object Files and SRAM Object Files
generated by the Assembler to program or configure all Altera devices
supported by the Quartus II software. You use the Programmer with Altera
programming hardware, such as the MasterBlaster™, ByteBlasterMV™,
ByteBlaster™II, USB-Blaster™, or EthernetBlaster download cable; or the
Altera Programming Unit (APU).
!Using the quartus_asm executable
You can also run the Assembler separately at the command prompt or in a script by
using the quartus_asm executable. You must run the Quartus II Fitter executable,
quartus_fit, successfully before running the Assembler.
The quartus_asm executable creates a separate text-based report file that you can
view with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_asm executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_asm -h r
quartus_asm -help r
quartus_asm --help=<topic name> r
!Using the Stand-Alone Programmer
If you want to use only the Quartus II Programmer, you can install the stand-alone
version of the Quartus II Programmer, quartus_pgmw, instead of installing the
complete Quartus II software.
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMMING & CONFIGURATION
CREATING AND USING PROGRAMMING FILES
86 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
The Programmer allows you to create a Chain Description File (.cdf) that
contains the name and options of devices used for a design. You can also
open a JTAG Chain File (.jcf) or FLEX Chain File (.fcf) and save it in the
Quartus II Programmer as a Chain Description File.
For some programming modes that allow programming or configuring
multiple devices, the Chain Description File also specifies top-to-bottom
order of the SRAM Object Files, Programmer Object Files, Jam Files, Jam
Byte-Code Files, and devices used for a design, as well as the order of the
devices in the chain. Figure 2 shows the Programmer window.
Figure 2. Programmer Window
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMMING & CONFIGURATION
CREATING AND USING PROGRAMMING FILES
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■87
The Programmer has four programming modes:
■Passive Serial
■JTAG
■Active Serial
■In-Socket
The Passive Serial and JTAG programming modes allow you to program
single or multiple devices using a Chain Description File and Altera
programming hardware. You can program a single EPCS1 or EPCS4 serial
configuration device using Active Serial Programming mode and Altera
programming hardware. You can program a single CPLD or configuration
device using In-Socket Programming mode with a Chain Description File
and Altera programming hardware.
If you want to use programming hardware that is not available on your
computer, but is available via a JTAG server, you can also use the
Programmer to specify and connect to remote JTAG servers.
!Using the quartus_pgm executable
You can also run the Programmer separately at the command prompt or in a script
by using the quartus_pgm executable. You may need to run the Assembler
executable, quartus_asm, in order to produce a programming file before running
the Programmer.
If you want to get help on the quartus_pgm executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_pgm -h r
quartus_pgm -help r
quartus_pgm --help=<topic name> r
fFor Information About Refer To
General programming information “Programming Files” glossary definition,
“Programming Devices” and “About
Programming” in Quartus II Help
Using the Programmer Quartus II Programmer chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
“Module 6: Configure a Device” in the
Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
CHAPTER 6: PROGRAMMING & CONFIGURATION
CREATING AND USING PROGRAMMING FILES
88 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Altera programming hardware MasterBlaster Serial/USB Communications
Cable User Guide, ByteBlaster II Download
Cable User Guide, ByteBlasterMV Download
Cable User Guide, USB-Blaster Download
Cable User Guide, and EthernetBlaster
Communications Cable User Guide on the
Altera website
Device-specific programming
information
The Configuration Handbook on the Altera
website
fFor Information About Refer To
Debugging and
Engineering Change
Managment
What’s in Chapter 7:
Introduction 90
Using the SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer 91
Using an External Logic Analyzer 93
Using SignalProbe 94
Using the In-System Memory Con tent
Editor 94
Using the In-System Sources and Probes
Editor 96
Using the RTL Viewer & Technology
Map Viewer For Debugging 97
Using the Chip Planner for
Debugging 97
Modifying Resource Properties
With the Resource Property Editor 101
Viewing & Managing Changes with
theChangeManager 103
Chapter
Seven
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
INTRODUCTION
90 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
The Quartus II SignalTap II Logic Analyzer, the External Logic Analyzer
Interface, the SignalProbe feature, the In-System Memory Content Editor,
and the In-System Sources and Probes Editor enable you to analyze internal
device nodes and I/O pins while operating in-system and at system speeds.
The SignalTap II Logic Analyzer is an embedded logic analyzer that routes
the signal data through the JTAG port to the Quartus II software based on
user-defined trigger conditions. You can use the External Logic Analyzer
Interface to connect an off-chip logic analyzer to nodes in the design. The
SignalProbe feature uses otherwise unused device routing resources to route
selected signals to an external logic analyzer or oscilloscope. The In-System
Memory Content and In-System Sources and Probes Editors allow you to
view and modify, at run-time, data in a design.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 show the SignalTap II and SignalProbe debugging
flows.
Figure 1. SignalTap II Debugging Flow
Programming
Files
Quartus II Fitter
quartus_fit
Quartus II Assembler
quartus_asm
Quartus II
Programmer
quartus_pgm
Altera Device
SignalTap II
Logic Analyzer
External Logic
Analyzer or
Oscilloscope
Partition Merge
quartus_cdb
-- merge
for standard
SignalTap II flow
for SignalTap II incremental
compilation flow
View data in the Quartus II software
via the JTAG programming interface
SignalTap II
File (.stp)
Quartus II
Analysis & Synthesis
quartus_map
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE SIGNALTAP II LOGIC ANALYZER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■91
Figure 2. SignalProbe Debugging Flow
Using the SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer
The SignalTap II Logic Analyzer is a system-level debugging tool that
captures and displays real-time signal behavior, allowing you to observe
interactions between hardware and software in system designs. The
Quartus II software allows you to select which signals to capture, when
signal capture starts, and how many data samples to capture. You can also
select whether the data is routed from the device’s memory blocks to the
SignalTap II Logic Analyzer via the JTAG port, or to the I/O pins for use by
an external logic analyzer or oscilloscope.
You can use a MasterBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, ByteBlaster II, USB-Blaster, or
EthernetBlaster communications cable to download configuration data to
the device. These cables are also used to upload captured signal data from
the RAM resources of the device to the Quartus II software. The Quartus II
software then displays data acquired by the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer as
waveforms.
Figure 3 on page 92 shows the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer.
from Quartus II
Compiler (Full Compilation)
Assign SignalProbe
Pins Dialog Box
Programming
Files
Quartus II Assembler
quartus_asm
Quartus II
Programmer
quartus_pgm
Altera Device
External Logic
Analyzer or
Oscilloscope
SignalProbe
Compilation
quartus_fit
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE SIGNALTAP II LOGIC ANALYZER
92 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 3. The SignalTap II Logic Analyzer
Analyzing SignalTap II Data
When you use the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer to view the results of a logic
analysis, the data is stored in the internal memory on the device and then
streamed to the waveform view in the logic analyzer, via the JTAG port.
In the waveform view, you can insert time bars, align node names, and
duplicate nodes; create, rename, and ungroup a bus; specify a data format
for bus values; and print the waveform data. The data log that is used to
create the waveform shows a history of data that is acquired with the
SignalTap II Logic Analyzer.
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING AN EXTERNAL LOGIC ANALYZER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■93
Using an External Logic Analyzer
The Logic Analyzer Interface is logic within the device you use to connect a
large set of internal device signals to a small number of output pins for
debugging purposes. The Logic Analyzer Interface enables you to connect to
and transmit internal signals buried within your FPGA to an external logic
analyzer for analysis. The Logic Analyzer Interface allows you to debug a
large set of internal signals using a small number of output pins. In the
Quartus II Logic Analyzer Interface, the internal signals are grouped
together, distributed to a user-configurable multiplexer, and then output to
available I/O pins on your FPGA. Instead of having a one-to-one
relationship between internal signals to output pins, the Quartus II Logic
Analyzer Interface enables you to map many internal signals to a smaller
number of output pins. The exact number of internal signals that you can
map to an output pin varies based on the multiplexer settings in the Logic
Analyzer Interface.
Logic Analyzer Interface Files (.lai) appear in the Logic Analyzer Interface
Editor window.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer Design Debugging Using the SignalTap II
Embedded Logic Analyzer chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
“About the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer” in
Quartus II Help
“Module 8: SignalTap II Logic Analyzer” in
the Quartus II Interactive Tutorial
fFor Information About Refer To
Using External Logic Analyzers In-System Debugging Using External Logic
Analyzers chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About the Logic Analyzer Interface Editor”
in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING SIGNALPROBE
94 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using SignalProbe
The SignalProbe feature allows you to route user-specified signals to output
pins without affecting the existing fitting in a design, so that you can debug
signals without having to recompile the design. Starting with a fully routed
design, you can select and route signals for debugging through I/O pins that
were either previously reserved or are currently unused.
The SignalProbe feature allows you to specify which signals in the design to
debug, perform a SignalProbe compilation that connects those signals to
unused or reserved output pins, and then send the signals to an external
logic analyzer. You can use the Node Finder when assigning pins to find the
available SignalProbe sources. A SignalProbe compilation typically takes
approximately 20% to 30% of the time required for a standard compilation.
You can use the SignalProbe feature with Tcl. With Tcl commands, you can
add and remove SignalProbe assignments and sources, perform a
SignalProbe compilation on a design, and compile routed SignalProbe
signals in a full compilation.
Using the In-System Memory
Content Editor
The In-System Memory Content Editor allows you to view and modify, at
run-time, RAM, ROM, or register content independently of the system clock
of a design. You analyze design memory with the In-System Memory
Content Editor through a JTAG interface using standard programming
hardware.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the SignalProbe feature Quick Design Debugging Using SignalProbe
chapter in volume 3 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“About SignalProbe” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE IN-SYSTEM MEMORY CONTENT EDITOR
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■95
The In-System Memory Content Editor captures and updates data in the
device. You can export or import data in Memory Initialization File (.mif),
Hexadecimal (Intel-Format) File (.hex), and RAM Initialization File (.rif)
formats. The In-System Memory Content Editor offers the following
features:
■Instance Manager—contains a list of memory instances, including
index, instance name, status, data width, data depth, type, and mode.
The Instance Manager controls which memory blocks have data that is
viewed, offloaded, or updated. Commands from the Instance Manager
affect the entire selected memory block.
■JTAG Chain Configuration—allows you to select the programming
hardware and device to acquire data from or read data to, and to select
the SRAM Object File (.sof) for programming.
■HEX Editor—used to make edits and save changes to in-system
memory at run-time, to display the current data within the memory
block, and to update or offload selected sections of a memory block.
You can use the Go To command shortcut to automatically go to a
specific data address within a specific memory block within a specific
instance. Words are displayed with each hexadecimal value separated
by a space. Memory addresses are displayed in the left column, and the
ASCII values (if the word width is a multiple of eight) in the right
column. Each memory instance has a separate pane in the HEX Editor.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the In-System Memory Content
Editor
In-System Updating of Memory and
Constants chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About the In-System Memory Content
Editor” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE IN-SYSTEM SOURCES AND PROBES EDITOR
96 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Using the In-System Sources and
Probes Editor
The In-System Sources and Probes Editor allows you to control all of the
altsource_probe megafunction instances within your design. It displays all
available instances in your design, provides a push-button interface to drive
all of your source nodes, and a logging feature to store your probe and
source data.
To add in-system sources and probes functionality to your design, you must
first customize and instantiate the altsource_probe megafunction. Like any
other megafunction, the altsource_probe megafunction can be easily
customized using the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager. Each source or probe
port can be up to 256 bits wide. You can have up to 128 instances of the
altsource_probe megafunction in your design.
The In-System Sources and Probes Editor window organizes and displays
the data from all sources and probes in your design, organized according to
the index numbers of the altsource_probe instances. The editor provides an
easy way to manage your signals, allowing you to rename signals or to
group them into buses. All data collected from source and probe nodes are
recorded in the event log and displayed as a timing diagram. The In-System
Sources and Probes Editor has the following features:
■JTAG Chain Configuration—Allows you to specify programming
hardware, device, and file settings that the In-System Sources and
Probes Editor uses to program and acquire data from a device.
■Instance Manager—Displays information about the instances
generated when you compile a design, and allows you to control the
data the In-System Sources and Probes Editor acquires.
■Sources and Probes Editor Window—Displays the data read from the
selected instance and allows you to modify source data to be written to
your device.
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE RTL VIEWER & TECHNOLOGY MAP VIEWER FOR DEBUGGING
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■97
Using the RTL Viewer & Technology
Map Viewer For Debugging
You can use the RTL Viewer to analyze your design after analysis and
elaboration is complete. The RTL Viewer provides a gate-level schematic
view of your design and a hierarchy list, which lists the instances, primitives,
pins, and nets for the entire design netlist. You can filter the information that
appears in the schematic view and navigate through different pages of the
design view to examine your design and determine what changes should be
made.
The Quartus II Technology Map Viewer provides a low-level, or atom-level,
technology-specific schematic representation of a design. The Technology
Map Viewer includes a schematic view and a hierarchy list, which lists the
instances, primitives, pins, and nets for the entire design netlist.
For more information on using the RTL Viewer and the Technology Map
Viewer, refer to “Analyzing Synthesis Results With the Netlist Viewers” and
“The Technology Map Viewer” on page 48 in Chapter 3, “Synthesis.”
Using the Chip Planner for
Debugging
You can use the Chip Planner in conjunction with the SignalTap II Logic
Analyzer and SignalProbe debugging tools to speed up design verification
and incrementally fix bugs uncovered during design verification. After you
run the SignalTap II Logic Analyzer or verify signals with the SignalProbe
feature, you can use the Chip Planner to view details of post-compilation
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the In-System Sources and
Probes Editor
Design Debugging Using In-System Sources
and Probes chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About the In-System Sources and Probes
Editor” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE CHIP PLANNER FOR DEBUGGING
98 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
placement and routing. You can also use the Resource Property Editor to
make post-compilation edits to the properties and parameters of logic cell,
I/O element, or PLL atoms, without requiring a full recompilation.
The Quartus II software allows you to make small modifications, often
referred to as engineering change orders (ECO), to a design after a full
compilation. These ECO changes can be made directly to the design
database, rather than to the source code or the Quartus II Settings File (.qsf).
Making the ECO change to the design database allows you to avoid running
a full compilation in order to implement the change. Figure 4 shows the
engineering change management design flow.
Figure 4. Engineering Change Management Design Flow
The following steps describe the design flow for engineering change
management in the Quartus II software.
1. After a full compilation, use the Chip Planner to view design placement
and routing details and identify which resources you want to change.
2. Create, move, and/or remove atoms in the Chip Planner.
3. Use the Resource Property Editor to edit internal properties of
resources and to edit or remove connections.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have finished making all changes.
5. View the summary and status of your changes in the Change Manager
and control which changes to resource properties are implemented
and/or saved. Add comments to help you reference each change.
Chip Planner
Compiler
Database
Files (.cdb)
from Quartus II
Compiler (full
compilation)
Resource
Property Editor
Change
Manager
to Assembler, EDA
Netlist Writer, or
Timing Analyzer
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE CHIP PLANNER FOR DEBUGGING
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■99
6. Use the Start Check & Save All Netlist Changes command on the
Processing menu to check the legality of the change for all of the other
resources in the netlist.
7. Run the Assembler to generate a new programming file or run the EDA
Netlist Writer to generate a new netlist.
Identifying Delays & Critical Paths
With the Chip Planner
You can use the Chip Planner to view complete routing details for your
design, including all possible routing paths between device resources. The
Chip Planner displays all the resources of the device, such as interconnects
and routing lines, logic array blocks (LABs), RAM blocks, DSP blocks, I/Os,
rows, columns, and the interfaces between blocks and interconnects and
other routing lines. See Figure 5.
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
USING THE CHIP PLANNER FOR DEBUGGING
100 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 5. Chip Planner
You can then use the information from the Chip Planner to determine which
properties and settings you may want to edit in the Resource Property
Editor. Right-click one or more resources in the Chip Planner, and then click
Locate in Resource Property Editor to open the Resource Property Editor
and make edits to the resource(s). Refer to “Modifying Resource Properties
With the Resource Property Editor” on page 101 for more information.
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
MODIFYING RESOURCE PROPERTIES WITH THE RESOURCE PROPERTY EDITOR
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■101
Modifying Resource Properties
With the Resource Property Editor
The Resource Property Editor allows you to make post-compilation edits to
the properties and parameters of logic cell, I/O element, or PLL resources,
as well as edit or remove connections for individual nodes. You can use the
toolbar buttons to navigate forward and backward among the resources.
You can also select and change multiple resources at one time. In addition,
when you roll over or point to a port, the Resource Property Editor
highlights the fan-in and fan-out for that port.
The Resource Property Editor contains a schematic diagram of the resource
you are modifying, a port connection table that lists all the input and output
ports and their connected signals, and a property table that displays the
properties and parameters that are available for that resource. If the port
connection or property tables are not visible, you can display them with the
View Port Connections and View Properties commands on the View menu.
Figure 6 shows the Resource Property Editor.
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
MODIFYING RESOURCE PROPERTIES WITH THE RESOURCE PROPERTY EDITOR
102 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 6. Resource Property Editor
The Resource Property Editor allows you to right-click a node in the
schematic or in the port connection table and click Edit Connection to
specify a new signal for the connection. If you want to remove the
connection, you can right-click the node and click Remove Connection. In
the port connection table, you can create or remove output ports by
right-clicking the port and clicking Create or Remove. In the schematic, you
can right-click a node and then specify one or more fan-outs to remove with
the Fan-Outs dialog box by pointing to Remove and clicking Fan-Outs.
Once you have made a change, you can use the Check Resource Properties
command on the Edit menu to perform simple design-rule checking on the
resource. On the Processing menu point to Start then click Check and Save
All Netlist Changes to save the changes you have made to atoms before you
Viewer shows schematic diagram of resource
Connectivity panel
shows the input and
output ports
Delay Information panel
shows delay information
for the selected node
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
VIEWING & MANAGING CHANGES WITH THE CHANGE MANAGER
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■103
run the Assembler. You can also view a summary of your changes in the
Change Manager. Refer to the next section, “Viewing & Managing Changes
with the Change Manager,” for more information.
Viewing & Managing Changes with
the Change Manager
The Change Manager window lists all the ECO changes that you have made,
and allows you to select each ECO change in the list and specify whether you
want to apply or delete the change. It also allows you to add comments for
your reference. You can open the Change Manager by pointing to Utility
Windows on the View menu and clicking Change Manager. See Figure 7.
Figure 7. Change Manager
Green shading in the Current Value column indicates that the changes have
been applied to the current value. Blue shading in the Disk Value column
indicates that the changes have been saved successfully to disk.
fFor Information About Refer To
Engineering change management and
using the Resource Property Editor
Engineering Change Management with the
Chip Planner chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
“About the Resource Property Editor” and
“About Making Post-Compilation Changes”
in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 7: DEBUGGING AND ENGINEERING CHANGE MANAGMENT
VIEWING & MANAGING CHANGES WITH THE CHANGE MANAGER
104 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Verifying ECO Changes
After you have made an ECO change, you should run the Assembler module
of the Compiler to create a new Programmer Object File (.pof). You may also
want to rerun the EDA Netlist Writer to generate a new netlist, or rerun
timing analysis or simulation to verify that the change results in the
appropriate timing improvement. Performing a full compilation, however,
creates a new post-fit netlist, removing any ECO changes.
fFor Information About Refer To
Engineering change management and
using the Change Manager
Engineering Change Management with the
Chip Planner chapter in volume 2 of the
Quartus II Handbook
Using the Change Manager “About the Change Manager” and “About
Making Post-Compilation Changes” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION
106 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Introduction
The Quartus II software allows you to use the EDA tools you are familiar
with for various stages of the design flow, including synthesis, simulation,
and formal verification. Figure 1 shows the EDA tool design flow.
Figure 1. EDA Tool Design Flow
The following steps describe the basic design flow for using other EDA tools
with the Quartus II software:
1. Create a new project and specify a target device or device family.
Quartus II
Timing Analysis Quartus II Fitter
Quartus II
EDA Netlist Writer
Output files for EDA tools
including Verilog Output Files
(.vo), VHDL Output Files (.vho),
VQM Files, Standard Delay Format
Output Files (.sdo), testbench
files, symbol files, Tcl script files
(.tcl), IBIS Output Files (.ibs),
HSPICE Simulation Deck Files
(.sp), and STAMP model files
(.data, or .mod)
Quartus II
Analysis &
Synthesis
EDA Synthesis
Tool
Source design files
including VHDL Design
Files (.vhd) & Verilog
Design Files (.v)
EDIF netlist
files (.edf) or Verilog
Quartus Mapping Files (.vqm)
EDA Simulation
Tools
EDA Physical
Synthesis Tool
EDA
Formal Verification
Tools
Quartus II
Assembler
Quartus II
Programmer
EDA
Timing Analysis
Tools
EDA
Board Level
Design Tools
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
INTRODUCTION
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■107
2. Specify which EDA design entry, synthesis, simulation, timing
analysis, board-level verification, formal verification, and physical
synthesis tools you are using with the Quartus II software, and specify
additional options for those tools.
3. Create a Verilog HDL or VHDL design file with a standard text editor
or use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to create custom variations
of megafunctions.
4. Synthesize your design with one of the Quartus II-supported EDA
synthesis tools, and generate an EDIF netlist file (.edf) or a Verilog
Quartus Mapping File (.vqm).
5. (Optional) Perform functional simulation on your design with one of
the Quartus II-supported simulation tools.
6. Compile your design with the Quartus II software. Run the EDA Netlist
Writer to generate output files for use with other EDA tools.
7. (Optional) Perform timing analysis and simulation on your design with
one of the Quartus II-supported EDA timing analysis or simulation
tools.
8. (Optional) Perform formal verification with one of the
Quartus II-supported EDA formal verification tools to make sure that
Quartus II post-fit netlist is equivalent to that of the synthesized netlist.
9. Program the device with the Programmer and Altera hardware.
!Using the quartus_eda executable
You can also run the EDA Netlist Writer to generate the necessary output files
separately at the command prompt or in a script by using the quartus_eda
executable. You must run the Quartus II Fitter executable quartus_fit before
running the EDA Netlist Writer.
The quartus_eda executable creates a separate text-based report file that can be
viewed with any text editor.
If you want to get help on the quartus_eda executable, type one of the following
commands at the command prompt:
quartus_eda -h r
quartus_eda -help r
quartus_eda --help=<topic name> r
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
EDA SYNTHESIS TOOLS
108 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Table 1 shows the EDA tools that are supported by the Quartus II software,
and indicates which EDA tools have NativeLink® support. NativeLink
technology facilitates the seamless transfer of information between the
Quartus II software and other EDA tools, and allows you to run the EDA
tool automatically from within the Quartus II software.
EDA Synthesis Tools
You can use other EDA synthesis tools to synthesize your Verilog HDL or
VHDL designs, and then generate EDIF netlist files or Verilog Quartus
Mapping files that can be used with the Quartus II software.
Table 1. EDA Tools Supported by the Quartus II Software
Function Supported EDA Tools
Synthesis Mentor Graphics® LeonardoSpectrum
Mentor Graphics Precision RTL Synthesis
Synopsys Synplify
Synopsys Synplify Pro
Magma Blast FPGA
Simulation Cadence Incisive Enterprise Simulator
Mentor Graphics ModelSim®
Mentor Graphics ModelSim-Altera
Mentor Graphics QuestaSim
Synopsys VCS MX
Synopsys VCS
Aldec Active-HDL
Timing Analysis Mentor Graphics Tau (through Stamp)
Synopsys PrimeTime
Formal Verification Cadence Encounter Conformal
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
EDA SIMULATION TOOLS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■109
Altera provides libraries for use with many EDA synthesis tools. Altera also
provides NativeLink support for many tools. NativeLink technology
facilitates the seamless transfer of information between the Quartus II
software and other EDA tools and allows you to run EDA tools
automatically from within the Quartus II graphical user interface.
If you have created assignments or constraints using other EDA tools, you
can use Tcl commands or scripts to import those constraints into the
Quartus II software with your design files. Many EDA tools generate an
assignment Tcl script automatically.
EDA Simulation Tools
You can perform functional and timing simulation of your design by using
EDA simulation tools. The Quartus II software provides the following
features for performing simulation of designs in EDA simulation tools:
■NativeLink integration with EDA simulation tools
■Generation of output netlist files
■Functional and timing simulation libraries
■Generation of test bench template and Memory Initialization Files
(.mif)
■Generation of Signal Activity Files (.saf) for power analysis
Figure 2 shows the simulation flow with EDA simulation tools.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Synopsys Synplify software Synopsys Synplify Support chapter in
volume 1 of the Quartus II Handbook
Using Mentor Graphics
LeonardoSpectrum software
Mentor Graphics LeonardoSpectrum
Support chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
Using Mentor Graphics Precision RTL
Synthesis software
Mentor Graphics Precision Synthesis
Support chapter in volume 1 of the
Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
EDA SIMULATION TOOLS
110 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 2. Simulation Flow
The EDA Netlist Writer module of the Quartus II software generates VHDL
Output Files (.vho) and Verilog Output Files (.vo) for performing functional
or timing simulation, and Standard Delay Format Output Files (.sdo) that
are required for performing timing simulation with EDA simulation tools.
The Quartus II software generates SDF Output Files in Standard Delay
Format version 2.1. The EDA Netlist Writer places simulation output files in
a tool-specific directory under the current project directory.
In addition, the Quartus II software offers seamless integration for timing
simulation with EDA simulation tools through the NativeLink feature. The
NativeLink feature allows the Quartus II software to pass information to
EDA simulation tools, and to launch EDA simulation tools from within the
Quartus II software.
Generating Simulation Output Files
You can run the EDA Netlist Writer module to generate Verilog Output Files
and VHDL Output Files by specifying EDA tool settings and compiling the
design. If you have already compiled a design in the Quartus II software,
you can specify different simulation output settings in the Quartus II
software (for example, a different simulation tool) and then regenerate the
Verilog Output Files or VHDL Output Files by clicking Start EDA Netlist
Quartus II
EDA Netlist Writer
quartus_eda
EDA
Simulation Tool
(Functional)
Functional
simulation
libraries
EDA
Simulation Tool
(Timing)
Timing simulation
libraries
Verilog Output
Files, VHDL
Output Files &
test bench les
Test bench les
Verilog Output Files (.vo),
VHDL Output Files (.vho),
Standard Delay Format
Output Files (.sdo) &
test bench les (.vt, .vht)
from Quartus II
Fitter
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
EDA SIMULATION TOOLS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■111
Writer on the Processing menu. If you are using the NativeLink feature, you
can also run a simulation after an initial compilation with the Run EDA
Simulation Tool command on the Tools menu.
The Quartus II software also allows you to generate the following types of
output files for use in performing functional and timing simulation in EDA
simulation tools:
■Test Bench Files: You can create Verilog Test Bench Files (.vt) and
VHDL Test Bench Files (.vht) for use with EDA simulation tools from a
Vector Waveform File (.vwf) in the Quartus II Waveform Editor, using
the Export command on the File menu. Verilog HDL and VHDL Test
Bench Files are test bench template files that contain an instantiation of
the top-level design file and test vectors from the Vector Waveform File.
You can also generate self-checking test bench files if you specify the
expected values in the Vector Waveform File.
■Memory Initialization Files: You can use the Quartus II Memory
Editor to enter the initial contents of a memory block, for example,
content-addressable memory (CAM), RAM, or ROM, in a Memory
Initialization File (.mif) or a Hexadecimal (Intel-Format) File (.hex).
■Signal Activity Files: You can create Signal Activity Files for use with
the PowerPlay Power Analyzer. A Signal Activity File contains toggle
rate and static probability data for a design. You can specify a limit for
the signal activity period, and can also specify that glitch filtering can
be performed.
Simulation Libraries
Altera provides functional simulation libraries for designs that contain
Altera-specific components, and atom-based timing simulation libraries for
designs compiled in the Quartus II software. You can use these libraries to
perform functional or timing simulation of any design with Altera-specific
components in EDA simulation tools that are supported by the Quartus II
software. Additionally, Altera provides pre-compiled functional and timing
simulation libraries for simulation in the ModelSim-Altera software.
Altera provides functional simulation libraries for designs that use Altera
megafunctions and standard library of parameterized modules (LPM)
functions. Altera also provides pre-compiled versions of the altera_mf and
220model libraries for simulation in the ModelSim software.
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
TIMING ANALYSIS WITH EDA TOOLS
112 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
In the Quartus II software, the information for specific device architecture
entities and megafunctions is located in post-routing atom-based timing
simulation libraries. The timing simulation library files differ based on
device family and whether you are using Verilog Output Files or VHDL
Output Files. For VHDL designs, Altera provides VHDL Component
Declaration files for designs with Altera-specific megafunctions.
Timing Analysis with EDA Tools
The Quartus II software supports timing analysis and minimum timing
analysis with the Synopsys PrimeTime software on Linux and board-level
timing analysis with the Mentor Graphics Tau board-level verification tools.
To generate the necessary output files for performing timing analysis in
EDA timing analysis tools, specify the appropriate timing analysis tool in
the Timing Analysis and Board-Level pages under EDA Tool Settings in
the Settings dialog box, and then perform a full compilation.
You can also generate the files by pointing to Start on the Processing menu,
and then clicking Start EDA Netlist Writer after an initial compilation. If
you are using the NativeLink feature, you can also run a timing analysis
after an initial compilation by clicking Run EDA Timing Analysis Tool on
the Tools menu.
fFor Information About Refer To
Functional Simulation libraries
included with the Quartus II software
“Altera Functional Simulation Libraries” in
Quartus II Help
Performing simulation using the
ModelSim or ModelSim-Altera software
Mentor Graphics ModelSim Support chapter
in volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
Performing simulation with the VCS
software
Synopsys VCS and VCS-MX Support chapter
in volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
Performing simulation with the
Cadence Incisive Enterprise Simulator
software
Cadence NC-Sim Support chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
Performing simulation with the Aldec
Active-HDL software
Aldec Active HDL Support chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
Performing simulation of Altera IP with
EDA tools
Simulating Altera IP in Third-Party
Simulation Tools chapter in volume 3 of the
Quartus II Handbook
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
TIMING ANALYSIS WITH EDA TOOLS
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■113
Using the PrimeTime Software
The Quartus II software generates a Verilog Output File or VHDL Output
File, a Standard Delay Format Output File (.sdo) that contains timing delay
information, and a Tcl Script File (.tcl) that sets up the PrimeTime
environment.
With the NativeLink feature, you can specify that the Quartus II software
launches the PrimeTime software in either command-line or GUI mode. You
can also specify a Synopsys Design Constraints File that contains timing
assignments for use in the PrimeTime software.
The following steps describe the basic flow to manually use the PrimeTime
software to perform timing analysis on a design after compilation in the
Quartus II software:
1. Specify EDA tool settings, either in the Settings dialog box on the
Assignments menu, or during project setup, with the New Project
Wizard on the File menu.
2. Compile your design in the Quartus II software to generate the output
netlist files. The Quartus II software places the files in a tool-specific
directory.
3. Source the Quartus II-generated Tcl Script File to set up the PrimeTime
environment.
4. Perform timing analysis in the PrimeTime software.
Using the Tau Software
The Quartus II software generates STAMP model files that can be imported
into the Tau software to perform board-level timing verification.
The following steps describe the basic flow for generating STAMP model
files:
1. Specify EDA tool settings, either in the Settings dialog box on the
Assignments menu, or during project setup, using the New Project
Wizard on the File menu.
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
FORMAL VERIFICATION
114 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
2. Compile the design in the Quartus II software to generate the STAMP
model files. The Quartus II software places the files in a tool-specific
directory.
3. Use the STAMP model files in the Tau software to perform board-level
timing verification.
Formal Verification
The Quartus II software allows you to use formal verification EDA tools to
verify the logical equivalence between source design files and Quartus II
output files. Figure 3 shows the formal verification flow.
fFor Information About Refer To
Using the Synopsys PrimeTime
software with the Quartus II software
Synopsys PrimeTime Support chapter in
volume 3 of the Quartus II Handbook
Using the Mentor Graphics Tau
software with the Quartus II software
“About Using the Tau Software with the
Quartus II Software” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
FORMAL VERIFICATION
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■115
Figure 3. Formal Verification Flow
The type of formal verification supported by the Quartus II software is
equivalence checking, which compares the functional equivalence of the
source design with the revised design by using mathematical techniques
rather than by performing simulation using test vectors. Equivalence
checking greatly decreases the time to verify the design. The Quartus II
software allows you to verify the logical equivalence between the
synthesized gate-level Verilog Quartus Mapping Files (.vqm) generated by
an EDA synthesis tool and the Verilog Output Files (.vo) generated by the
Quartus II software. For the Cadence Encounter Conformal software, the
Quartus II software also allows you to verify the logical equivalence
between RTL VHDL design files (.vhd) or Verilog HDL design files (.v) and
Quartus II software–generated Verilog Output Files. Figure 4 shows which
file types are compared in formal verification.
Quartus II Fitter
quartus_fit
Quartus II
Analysis & Synthesis
quartus_map
EDA Synthesis
Tools
RTL Verilog HDL or
VHDL source design
files (.v, .vhd)
Verilog
Quartus
Mapping
Files (.vqm)
EDA Formal
Verification Tool
Verilog
Output
Files (.vo)
Quartus II Formal
Verification Libraries
Quartus II
EDA Netlist Writer
quartus_eda
Tool-specific
formal
verification
scripts
Gate-level VQM Files
compared against Quartus II
Verilog Output Files (.vo)
RTL VHDL & Verilog HDL source
design files compared against
Verilog Output Files (.vo) (Cadence
Encounter Conformal Only) Compared against VQM
Files or RTL source files
CHAPTER 8: EDA TOOL SUPPORT
FORMAL VERIFICATION
116 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Figure 4. File Types Compared in Formal Verification
Using the Cadence Encounter
Conformal Software
You can use the Cadence Encounter Conformal software to perform formal
verification on your Quartus II designs. The formal verification software
determines whether or not the Quartus II software correctly interprets the
logic in the Verilog Quartus Mapping file or the source VHDL or
Verilog HDL design file during synthesis and fitting.
Verilog Quartus
Mapping
Files (.vqm)
Quartus II-generated
Verilog Output
Files (.vo)
Compared with
Gate-Level Formal Verification
RTL Verilog HDL or
VHDL source design
files (.v, .vhd)
Compared with
RTL-Level Formal Verification
(Supported for Cadence Encounter Conformal Only)
Quartus II-generated
Verilog Output
Files (.vo)
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Cadence Encounter Conformal
software
Cadence Encounter Conformal Support
chapter in volume 3 of the Quartus II
Handbook
“About Using the Encounter Conformal
Software with the Quartus II Software” in
Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
INSTALLING THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE
118 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Installing the Quartus II Software
You can install the Quartus II software on the following platforms:
■Pentium III (866 MHz or faster) based computer, running Microsoft
Windows.
– PCs running Windows XP are capable of running the 32-bit
version of the Quartus II software with access to virtual memory
of 2 GB.
– PCs running Windows XP Professional x64 Edition or Windows
Vista are capable of running the 32-bit version of the Quartus II
software with access to virtual memory of up to 4 GB and the
64-bit version of the Quartus II software with access to virtual
memory of more than 4 GB.
■One of the following Linux workstations:
– Intel Pentium III or compatible processor-based PC operating at
450 MHz or faster with 256 MB of system memory, running Red
Hat Enterprise Linux; CentOS; or SUSE Linux Enterprise (32-bit).
– AMD64 processor, Intel EM64T processor, or compatible
processor-based PC with 1 GB of system memory, running Red
Hat Enterprise Linux; CentOS; or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
(64-bit).
fFor Information About Refer To
System requirements and installation
instructions
Altera Software Installation and Licensing
manual on the Altera website
Specific information about disk space
and memory
Altera Complete Design Suite readme.txt
file
Latest information on new features,
EDA interface support, and known
issues and workarounds for the
Quartus II software
Quartus II Software Release Notes on the
Altera website
Latest information about device
support in the Quartus II software
Quartus II Device Support Release Notes on
the Altera website
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■119
Licensing the Quartus II Software
To use Altera-provided software, you need to obtain and set up an Altera
subscription license. An Altera subscription enables the following software:
■Altera Quartus II software (Includes SOPC Builder and IP Library)
■Mentor Graphics ModelSim-Altera software
Altera offers several types of software subscriptions. Table 1 shows the
different license and subscription options that are available.
Customers who purchase selected development kits receive a free version of
the Quartus II software for Windows and are given instructions on how to
obtain a license for the software.
Getting Technical Support
The easiest way to get technical support is to use the mySupport website and
register for a myAltera account and user name. Your copy of the Quartus II
software is registered at the time of purchase; however, in order to use the
Table 1. Altera License and Subscription Options
License Type Description
Fixed License A stand-alone PC license tied to your Network
Interface Card (NIC) number or Quartus II serial
number.
Floating License A floating network (multiuser) license. Floating
licenses are not operating system-specific.
fFor Information About Refer To
Detailed information about licensing
the Quartus II software, modifying the
license file, and specifying the license
file location
Altera Software Installation and Licensing
manual on the Altera website
General information about Quartus II
licensing
“Specifying a License File” in Quartus II Help
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
GETTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT
120 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
mySupport website to view and submit service requests, you must also
register for a myAltera account and user name. A myAltera account also
makes it easier for you to use many other Altera website features, such as the
Download Center, Self Service Licensing Center, Altera Technical Training
online class registration, or Buy On-Line-Altera eStore features.
To register for a myAltera account user name and password, follow these
steps:
1. Go to the mySupport website:
vTo start your web browser and connect to the mySupport website
while running the Quartus II software, on the Help menu point to
Altera on the Web and click Quartus II Home Page.
or
vPoint your web browser to the mySupport website at
www.altera.com/mysupport.
2. Follow the instructions on the mySupport website to register for a
myAltera account.
If you are not a current Altera subscription user, you can still register for an
myAltera account.
For information about other technical support resources, refer to Table 2.
Table 2. Quartus II Technical Support Resources (Part 1 of 2)
Resource Description
Altera website www.altera.com
The Altera website provides information on Altera and all of
its products.
Support Center www.altera.com/support
The Support Center section of the Altera website gives you
access to the mySupport website. In addition, it provides
software and device support information as well as design
examples that you can integrate into your design.
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
GETTING ONLINE HELP
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■121
Getting Online Help
The Quartus II software includes a browser-based Help system that
provides comprehensive documentation for the Quartus II software and
more details about the specific messages generated by the Quartus II
software. You can view Help in one of the following ways:
■Click the Help button when available in an active dialog box.
■On the Help menu, click Search.
To print Help topics from the Contents tab, right-click the individual Help
topic that you want to print and click Print, or click the Print button on the
toolbar. You can also use the Print command or Print button to print any
individual Help topic you are viewing.
To search for a keyword in an open Quartus II Help topic, press Ctrl+F to
open the Find dialog box, and type the search text, and then click Find Next.
mySupport website www.altera.com/mysupport
The mySupport website allows you to submit, view, and
update technical support service requests.
Telephone (800) 800-EPLD
(7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, M–F)
You will need your 6-digit Altera ID to access the hotline.
(408) 544-8767
(7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, M–F)
Table 2. Quartus II Technical Support Resources (Part 2 of 2)
Resource Description
fFor Information About Refer To
Using Quartus II Help “Using Quartus II Help Effectively” and
“Help Menu Commands” in Quartus II Help
“Using Quartus II Help” in the Altera
Software Installation and Licensing manual.
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
STARTING THE QUARTUS II INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL
122 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Starting the Quartus II Interactive
Tutorial
The Quartus II software includes the Flash-based Quartus II Interactive
Tutorial. The modules of this tutorial teach you how to use the basic features
of the Quartus II design software, including design entry, compilation,
timing analysis, programming, incremental compilation, and the SignalTap
II Logic Analyzer.
This tutorial includes audio and Flash animation components. For best
results, use the tutorial on a system that includes a sound card, speakers, and
at least 1024x768 display resolution.
To start the Quartus II Interactive Tutorial after you have successfully
installed the Quartus II software:
vOn the Help menu, click Getting Started Tutorial.
Once you start the tutorial, you can jump immediately to any tutorial
module by clicking Contents. Once you select a tutorial module, you can
click Show Me, Guide Me, or Test Me at any time to jump directly to the
tutorial mode that best suits your learning style.
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
STARTING THE QUARTUS II INTERACTIVE TUTORIAL
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■123
Other Quartus II Software
Documentation
Table 3 shows the additional software documentation that is available for
the Quartus II software:
Table 3. Additional Quartus II Documentation (Part 1 of 2)
Document Description Where to Find It
Quartus II Software Release
Notes
Provides late-breaking
information about new
features, EDA interface
support, and known issues
and workarounds
The Altera website
Quartus II Device Support
Release Notes
Provides information about
changes to device support,
including changes to
timing, simulation, and
power models
The Altera website
Altera Software Installation
and Licensing manual
Provides detailed
information about software
requirements, installation,
and licensing for Windows
and Linux workstations
The Altera website
Quartus II Handbook Provides comprehensive
information about the
programmable logic design
cycle from design to
verification
In Quartus II subscription
packages and on the Altera
website
Altera Complete Design
Suite readme.txt file
Provides information about
memory, disk space, and
system requirements
On the Altera Complete
Design Suite DVD and
installed with the Quartus II
software
Quartus II Scripting
Reference Manual
Provides information about
command-line and Tcl
commands and scripting
The Altera website
CHAPTER 9: SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS, LICENSING & TECHNICAL SUPPORT
OTHER ALTERA LITERATURE
124 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Other Altera Literature
The Literature section of the Altera website at www.altera.com provides
documentation on many subjects that are related to the Quartus II software,
including the following topics:
■Quartus II features and guidelines on using these features with your
design flow
■Altera device features, functions, structure, specifications,
configuration, and pin-outs
■Design solutions and methodologies
■Implementing device features
■Altera programming hardware features, use, and installation
■Using the Quartus II software with other EDA tools
■Using other Altera software tools
■Implementing IP MegaCore functions and Altera megafunctions
■Optimizing designs or improving performance
■Synthesis, simulation, and verification guidelines
■Product updates and notifications
The literature that is available from the Altera website is the most current
information about Altera products and features; it is updated frequently,
even after a product has been released. Altera continues to add new
literature in order to provide more information on the latest features of
Altera tools and devices, and to provide additional information that Altera
customers have requested.
Quartus II Settings File
Reference Manual
Provides information about
Quartus II Settings File
variables
The Altera website
Quartus II Software Quick
Start Guide
Shows how to set up your
project, set timing
requirements, and compile
your project for a target
device
In Quartus II subscription
packages and on the Altera
website
Table 3. Additional Quartus II Documentation (Part 2 of 2)
Document Description Where to Find It
ALTERA CORPORATION INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ■125
Documentation Conventions
The Introduction to the Quartus II Software manual uses the following
conventions to make it easy for you to find and interpret information.
Typographic Conventions
Quartus II documentation uses the typographic conventions shown in the
following table:
Visual Cue Meaning
Bold Initial
Capitals
Command names; dialog box, page, and tab titles; and button names
are shown in bold, with initial capital letters. For example: Find Text
command, Save As dialog box, and Start button.
bold Directory, project, disk drive, file names, file extensions, software
utility and software executable names; file name extensions, and
options in dialog boxes are shown in bold. Examples: quartus
directory, d: drive, license.dat file.
Initial Capitals Keyboard keys, user-editable application window fields, window
names, view names, and menu names are shown with initial capital
letters. For example: Delete key, the Options menu.
“Subheading
Title”
Subheadings within a manual section are enclosed in quotation
marks. In manuals, titles of Help topics are also shown in quotation
marks.
Italic Initial
Capitals
Help categories, manual titles, section titles in manuals, and
application note and brief names are shown in italics with initial
capital letters. For example: Introduction to the Quartus II Software.
italics Variables are enclosed in angle brackets (< >) and shown in italics.
For example: <file name>, <DVD drive>.
Courier font Anything that must be typed exactly as it appears is shown in
Courier. For example: \quartus\bin\lmutil lmhostid.
rEnter or return key.
■Bullets are used in a list of items when the sequence of the items is
not important.
fThe feet show you where to go for more information on a particular
topic.
vThe checkmark indicates a procedure that consists of one step only.
!The hand points to information that requires special attention.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
126 ■INTRODUCTION TO THE QUARTUS II SOFTWARE ALTERA CORPORATION
Terminology
The following table shows terminology that is used throughout the
Introduction to the Quartus II Software manual:
Term Meaning
“click” Indicates a quick press and release of the left mouse button. It
also indicates that you need to use a mouse or key combination
to start an action.
“double-click” Indicates two clicks in rapid succession.
“select” Indicates that you need to highlight text and/or objects or an
option in a dialog box with a key combination or the mouse. A
selection does not start an action. For example: Select Chain
Description File, and then click OK.
“point” Indicates that you need to position the mouse pointer, without
clicking, at an appropriate location on the screen, such as a
menu or submenu. For example: On the Help menu, point to
Altera on the Web, and then click Quartus II Service
Request.
turn on/turn off Indicates that you must click a check box to turn a function on
or off.
MNL-01055-1.0
Copyright © 2010 Altera Corporation. All rights reserved. Altera, the stylized Altera logo, specific device designations, and all other words and
logos that are identified as trademarks and/or service marks are, unless noted otherwise, the trademarks and service marks of Altera Corpora-
tion in the U.S. and other countries. ModelSim is a registered trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other product or service names are
the property of their respective holders. Altera products are protected under numerous U.S. and foreign patents and pending applications, mask
work rights, and copyrights.
