download elf without full nios install

[Altera_Forum]

Hi All, 

 Is it possible using the command line to download an elf file over JTAG (nios2-download -g -r file.elf) WITHOUT installing the full niosEDS.  I want to copy required scripts/dll/exe from the nios2 install directory and make it portable without the full install.  This is so I can supply our factory with a script or exe which will "just run". It is zero fun trying to walk a Chinese factory through installing niosEDS in order for them just to download some software.  I cannot use a POF, JIC method as I don't want to overwrite the production image on the epcs device so it must be JTAG.  So far I have the following run quartus_pgm.exe with .cdf file to download sof file Install Cygwin or GOW to give unix environment. How to get nios2-download to work????

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, have a look at http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40972&p=169462#post169462 

You need "Stand Alone Quartus Programmer" which takes nearly 1Go of installation : no way to minimize You need to copy a few files from Nios2 programmer and change the PATH variable  You don't need to have "unix environment", it works in Windows cmd terminal.  I will post my working note on the link above.  It is working for me Regards

[Altera_Forum]

Thanks for your feedback. 

Unfortunately, what you suggest is not what I am trying to achieve. I want to run a JTAG session and NOT program an external flash such as the ECPS.(unless I mis-understand some feature of the nios-flash programmer)  I can upload the sof over JTAG using the quartus_pgm.exe so the firmware is no problem. My problem is directly programming the SDRAM(it could also be onchip memory for other projects) over JTAG and then executing the code. I would then want to run a nios2-terminal to get messaging over the JTAG-UART.  I appreciate this configuration is then lost after a power cycle and will revert to the production image in the EPCS device. (which is exactly what i want)

[Altera_Forum]

Sorry I gave just an element of answer, this is not exactly what you expect (as you said) 

 If the NIOS II SBT can download to the board and then starting the board, it can be done by command line. In Nios II sbt, when you download software through JTAG, you have a (very) long command line that appears in a window See something like nios2-download --go ... .elf   Sorry again, I don't have the exact command right now, but it should help you.  EDIT : you must install quartus standalone programmer (over 800mo !!) in order to get USB Blaster working, JTAG working (to communicate with the NIOS II processeur). You could try to copy nios2-download and cygwin1.dll from a Nios II SBT to <Quartus II Stand-Alone Programmer Path>/bin of the standalone computer. manually append <quartus ii stand-alone programmer path>/bin to path environment  and test.  Good luck and tell us if you have succeeded.  Regards