How To Program Only The Nios Software to Flash Memory?

[YBoro]

Hi, I want to program the flash memory directly, only the elf file from the nios without changing the .sof file and prevent the long compilation of the quartus in order to combine the elf and sof. If I change only the C source There is any way to program only the changing of the nios program into flash memory (outside of the ALTERA) and in power cycle the FPGA will loaded with the same .sof file but with new .elf fille?

[Ahmed_H_Intel1]

Hi,

yes you can do this. First what kind of flash you are using? if I have the sof and the Hex (code) I can create a JIC or POF file to program the flash. Then you can update the code only (HEX). BTW you must notice that changing in Qsys design requires re-compiling the design and updating the Code based on the new .sopcinfo file. If you just need to change the software (HEX) it is OK no nee to recompile the design on Quartus.

Regards,

[YBoro]

Hi,

Thanks for the fast answer,

I know when I change the qsys file I need to recompile, But in my case I change only the HEX (C Source in NIOS).

I have this flash memory: W25Q32JVSSI.

Please guide me how to load the changing of the hex file only.

Best Regards,

[Ahmed_H_Intel1]

Hi,

To update the HEX you have two ways:

1st is to create the a new .pof file with the sof and the new HEX and then load it to the flash

2nd is to use remote system upgrade (RSU). This is quite complex, here you can find some useful examples:

https://fpgacloud.intel.com/devstore/platform/15.0.0/Standard/max10-remote-system-upgrade-rsu-over-uart-for-nios-ii-processor/

https://fpgacloud.intel.com/devstore/platform/16.0.0/Standard/remote-system-upgrade-rsu-design-example/

https://fpgacloud.intel.com/devstore/platform/15.0.2/Standard/rsu-over-pcie-design-example/

https://fpgacloud.intel.com/devstore/platform/14.1/Standard/max-10-i2c-to-rsu/

Regards,