How to resolve problem of nios2

Altera_Forum · ‎01-05-2006

There are some hints to newbie.

"Simple win", that's we concluded with people of Altera when comparing nios2 vs microblaze.

The avalon/nios2 are simple and ease of use.

When you start a new design, always start with the simplest way with only cpu core, onchip memory, and uart. Add more component one-by-one. Verify the timing/functionality of each new component, especially dram. If you have multiple cpus, add a serial uart and onchip memory to each of them.

Start with simple software, too. Use HAL/SDK before you jump into uC/OSII or uClinux. Running on onchip memory first. A small monitor (GERM) is very helpful. Test every component.

"Open" is another magic of nios2. The nios2 is built with open sources tool, the software tools chain are open source, and most of the HDL codes are open, too.

Study the generated HDL and HAL codes for each modules. Make sure you understand what it is and how to use it.

Though you may do all the works on Windows, you will use open source tools. Get some tutorial on gnu tools chain, shell script, and perl script.

Using Version Control is very very important to your works (or your life). Learn CVS and subversion. All works should be under vc, including hardware/software/configuration/script. Though the example design from altera use schematic bdf for top level, it is not so good for vc. You'd better use verilog or vhdl for all your hardware design.

If you have problems, read the documents and tutorial first. Run simulation on the component along. No panic when the program crash or wan't work. Check the sources, and add some debug print or check point. Use nios2-elf-nm to get the symbols map, and nios2-elf-objdump to get the disassembly.

Search the web, forum and mailing list.

Do everything before you post a question.

When you post, state your problem briefly and clearly in the title.

Include as much detail as possible in the content.

Enjoy.

Altera_Forum · ‎01-05-2006

http://forum.niosforum.com/work2/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif very good conclusion!