program file generation

[Altera_Forum]

Hi all, 

in my QuartusII project, how can I create the file which I use to feed FPGA integrated circuit? Can someone show me the procedure to give this file (containing a bitstream, I suppose) to FPGA? Thanks.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi there, 

 There are so many kind of programming files, the programming files used for FPGA IC is different each others, it depend on how your FPGA IC configured in Board. In my FPGA Board for example, I can use SOF file for JTAG programming and POF file for active serial programming. Quartus generate SOF by default, while POF file can be converted from SOF (File->Convert Programming Files). My other board can only use RPD file. Here you can find list of programming files supported by altera software :   http://www.altera.com/literature/hb/cfg/cfg_cf52007.pdf  If you buy a development kit for your FPGA, maybe you should read again which Programming files needed by your FPGA Board.  Thx.

[Altera_Forum]

Ok, thanks roch. 

I see that in my folder there is a .sof file. Is that file the result of the compilation of a QuartusII project? If I could use the .sof file to program FPGA ic, is there a QuartusII function that allow me to download that bitstream into FPGA(to program FPGA)? Thanks.

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Itosone, 

 Yes, SOF is the result of the compilation used to program FPGA in JTAG mode. You can find the programmer tool in Quartus Menu, Tool->Programmer. But before programming FPGA you have to make sure what kind of programming files requires for your Board.  Thx