Problem with using ISSP in quartus: Instance not found

[yudi7863]

Hi there, 

I have compiled an Agilex project with ISSP instantiated using Quartus_Pro. However, at runtime, I don't have access to quartus_pro on my laptop. So instead, I downloaded a quartus_lite version to access ISSP. However once I load the .sof file, the ISSP says instance not found. Wondering if Lite's version of ISSP is compatible with Agilex boards? 

On a side note, I am aware of programmer softwares that can be downloaded individually to use. Wondering if there is something similar to this for ISSP? Thanks. 

[sstrell]

You should download the Programmer, not the Lite edition, which doesn't work with Agilex devices.

But I'm not sure that the Programmer standalone installation actually lets you access an ISSP instance since its main thing is programming the device and letting you access a Signal Tap instance.  It's a small download, so you might as well try it.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/software-kit/826844/intel-quartus-prime-pro-edition-design-software-version-24-2-for-windows.html

[ShengN_Intel]

Hi,

Yes, probably version mismatch issue. May I know do you have any further update or concern?

Thanks,

Regards,

Sheng

[ruby05guy]

Hello,

You're encountering an issue where the ISSP (In-System Source Probe) functionality isn't working correctly when using Quartus Lite for an Agilex-based project.

Quartus Lite is a free version of the Quartus software suite, but it has some limitations compared to the full Quartus Pro version. Specifically, Quartus Lite does not support all the advanced features needed for high-end FPGA families, such as Agilex, Stratix 10, and certain device families.
ISSP functionality can be critical for debugging and programming in-system, but because Agilex devices are typically supported only in the Quartus Pro edition, Quartus Lite may not fully support the ISSP for Agilex devices, resulting in the "instance not found" error.

This error typically occurs when the Quartus software (Lite in your case) cannot detect or interface correctly with the target hardware. It's possible that Lite does not have the necessary drivers or compatibility to interface with the Agilex FPGA via ISSP.
Agilex FPGAs require a specific level of support that is only available in Quartus Pro due to the more advanced debugging and programming tools that are included, such as ISSP support for newer device families. 

ISSP with Quartus Pro: Since you’re working with Agilex, which requires Quartus Pro, the full version of Quartus will give you access to all the tools necessary, including ISSP for real-time debugging and monitoring.

Stand-alone Programmer Software: For devices supported by Lite, you can typically use the Quartus Programmer separately. However, for Agilex, you are likely restricted to using Quartus Pro due to the hardware support limits in the Lite edition.

Standalone ISSP Tools: Unfortunately, there isn’t a separate standalone version of ISSP that you can download outside of Quartus. ISSP is tightly integrated into the Quartus software suite, so to access it for Agilex boards, you would need to install and run Quartus Pro. Use Quartus Pro (if feasible): If you have access to a system where Quartus Pro can be run, that’s the most reliable solution for ISSP support. You can then connect your Agilex board and utilize ISSP for debugging, programming, and data acquisition.
Use USB-Blaster II/Other Programming Hardware: If you're looking to program or debug without ISSP specifically, USB-Blaster II or other programming tools might provide basic functionality, though they won't give you the same level of in-system probing and real-time analysis that ISSP offers. The Lite version of Quartus is not likely to support ISSP functionality for este enlace Agilex devices. To fully leverage ISSP, you would need to use Quartus Pro, which has the necessary support for Agilex boards and their advanced debugging features.
There is no separate standalone ISSP tool outside of Quartus Pro, so you'll need to either switch to using a Pro version of Quartus or explore alternative programming methods with external hardware like the USB-Blaster II.

[ShengN_Intel]

Hi,

May I know do you have any further concern or consideration?

Thanks,

Regards,

Sheng