Nios application simulation without FPGA board

[Altera_Forum]

Hi all, 

 May I know whether we can do simulation of C/C++ application program for Nios II in IDE without using FPGA board ? I had read the introduction and tutorials regarding using Nios IDE but all require the C/C++ program to be downloaded into the FPGA board in order to view the output or debug. Is there a way to do the simulations without using the board? Please help. Thank you in advance.

[Altera_Forum]

In the Nios II IDE, you right click on your project, select "Run as", and then select "Nios II ModelSim" (instead of "Nios II Hardware" to download it to a board).

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks for the reply. But I am having a problem using the modelsim. Lets say I am using the application to read switches and memory, how would I give the appropriate input to it? Meaning how do I simulate I had toggle certain switches? Is it that I have to prepare some test vector first?

[Altera_Forum]

Yes. The test bench associated to your system is at the end of the vhd file which the same name as your SOPC system. Add your vector test here.

[Altera_Forum]

Thank you.