Updating EPCS

[Altera_Forum]

Is it possible to update the software code stored in Alteras EPCS flash? I know these devices are basically SPI flash, but the Altera device has dedicated pins connecting it. 

 Thanks in advance, Richard

[Altera_Forum]

You have access to the EPCS controller via the HAL "alt_flash" hardware abstraction. The only thing you need to look out for is that, by default, the end of the hardware image and the beginning of the software image fall in the same block....so you would need to do a read-modify-write cycle on that block. 

 Best Regards,  - slacker

[Altera_Forum]

Slacker, 

Thanks for the response. I am still working on my design and havent look at any of the HAL stuff yet. Ill check it out when I get a chance.  Thanks again, Richard

[Altera_Forum]

I'd read this document since it shows you how to program hardware and software contents into the EPCS device (or CFI flash): 

 http://www.altera.com/literature/ug/ug_nio..._programmer.pdf (http://www.altera.com/literature/ug/ug_nios2_flash_programmer.pdf)  If you are looking to do this "on the fly" then you can use the method slacker mentioned below to access the device.