Please help: Operation Failed when programming FPGA using .pof file

[Envirosweet]

Encounter this Operation Failed issue when trying to program the FPGA using .pof file.

Tried tick the Enable real-time ISP to allow background programming when available, then pop up a different error.

When I use a .sof file, the programming seems works fine. But once changes back to .pof file, it starts showing Operation Failed again.

Also tried with tick and untick Halt on-chip configuration controller, result still negative.

P.S. The jig I'm using is a production jig that has been used programming the same FPGA before and work with no issues.

Tried the methods from the following posts, no luck.

https://community.intel.com/t5/Intel-Quartus-Prime-Software/MAX10-pof-programming-fail/m-p/243893

https://community.intel.com/t5/Programmable-Devices/MAX10-FPGA-pof-file-programming-fails/m-p/1442817

https://community.intel.com/t5/Intel-Quartus-Prime-Software/209012-Error-When-Programming-pof/m-p/1342246

[lixy]

Hi Envirosweet,

Which version of Programmer are you using?

In Intel FPGA Knowledge Database, there is a record of known issue that 10M02 device encounter "operation failed" error when programming the POF file. The solution is try to use Intel Programmer 19.1.

The device you are using is 10M04 according to your screenshot, please firstly try if this works.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/programmable/articles/000092639.html

Thanks & Regards,

Xiaoyan

[Envirosweet]

Hi Xiaoyan,

Thank you very much for your response.

I was using the version 23.1. And now I'm on version 19.1

However, the same issue still remains, .sof file works, but not .pof file.

Regards,

Envirosweet

[AEsqu]

Try the pro edition programmer maybe?

That makes a difference for the stratix 10 for example,

pro is required, std is failing.

Also, maybe that your flash on board has an issue?

.sof is only programming the FPGA, not the flash.

[lixy]

Hi AEsqu,

Regarding the version issue, the MAX 10 device is not supported by Quartus Pro edition. You can find out the FPGA devices' supported Quartus version from this link. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/programmable/support-resources/design-software/devices-support.html?wapkw=Quartus%20Device#intel%C2%AEmax%C2%AEseries

I agree with your idea about the FLASH issue. MAX 10 device contains internal FLASH memory, including Configuration FLASH memory and User FLASH memory. If SOF worked but POF failed, there's a possibility that the problem is in the internal FLASH memory inside of Quartus software. 

Thanks & Regards,

Xiaoyan

[lixy]

Hi Envirosweet,

Thanks for trying configuration with Programmer 19.1. Then the situation may not be the same as the Knowledge Database mentioned.

I got a few questions:

1, When you mentioned the "jig", do you refer to JTAG cable? Or what are you referring to?

2, How many 10M04 device have you used? Does this issue happen to all the MAX 10 FPGA devices?

3, Is the FPGA on an Intel FPGA devkit or on a board designed by yourself?

Thanks & Regards,

Xiaoyan

[lixy]

Hi Envirosweet,

Added a few suggestions. 

1, You may also try to decrease the "Hardware frequency" to 1/2 or 1/4 of the default value. Sometimes it works after frequency decreasing. Click the "Hardware Setup", and then you can see this window. 

2, To double check if the KDB article works, you may also try if .jbc file works in Programmer 19.1 as the article mentioned. Try generating a .pof-equivalent file according to chapter 3.2.1 in MAX 10 Configuration User Guide.  https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683865/current/auto-generating-configuration-files.html

3, If decreasing the hardware frequency and .JBC file also don't work, check if the options in "Device and Pin Options" are default. If still does not work in default settings, we may suspect the internal FLASH issue and we may consider do tests to check if FLASH does not work. 

Thanks & Regards,

Xiaoyan

[Envirosweet]

Hi Xiaoyan,

Deeply appreciate the time you've taken to assist me with this problem.

The problem has been resolved. It's due to my stupid mistake didn't put one of the RX switch on my own test jig connected to JTAG.

However, before I found my mistake, I tried the .jbc file, it actually worked and got my FPGA programmed for some reason.

Thanks again for all your help and time.

Sincerely,

Envirosweet 

[lixy]

Hi Envirosweet,

Happy to know that the problem has been resolved and thanks for explaining the cause~

By the way, we would appreciate it if you can take a moment to fill in the survey if you receive a notice. Your feedback is valuable and helps us improve our support quality. 

Best regards,

​​​​​​​Xiaoyan