Altera MAX+PLUS II Software - Using the Altera MPU (PL-ASAP2) & LP6 Logic card

[Altera_Forum]

Hi Folks, 

 I know this hardware I'm talking about here is obsolete...discontinued Altera Gear from ions ago. I'm a collector of the older Altera Gear. I have all the newer FPGA units also, but this is a side hobby to mess around with the Vintage stuff.    I was hoping there might be a Guru here somewhere that might know this question regarding the older MAX+PLUS II Software.   does the max+plus ii software have an "erase" option or command? to erase the altera chips that do not pass the "blank-check" in the programmer window within the software?   The Altera MAX+PLUS II Software Programmer Window looks like the image below:  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/max+plus_ii/max+plus_ii_programmer_window.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/max+plus_ii/max+plus_ii_programmer_window.jpg)   I'm trying to program an older Altera MAX EPM7128SLC84 using the older Altera Master programming unit (PL-ASAP2) with the LP6 Logic card.   When I try the "BLANK-CHECK" option, I get and Error saying "DEVICE IS NOT ERASED".   So my question being..... "is there a way to erase the chip with the max+plus ii software?" Did I just miss this option , somewhere in the software menus?  In the past I have always used my other DATA I/O Labsite Universal programmer to ERASE my Altera CPLD chips, but I wanted to know if the MAX+PLUS II software ever supported an "ERASE" option or command?   So are there any Guru's out there that can shed some light on this subject? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Regards, -Gerry  Check out some of my Altera Programming Gear: http://www.digital-circuitry.com/mylab_cpld_prog.htm (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/mylab_cpld_prog.htm)

[Altera_Forum]

I'm back to reply to my own post. 

 I found the details buried deep in one of the Altera MAX+PLUS II manuals.  For the Altera EEPROM based CPLD's....(that is those without the UV Window to Erase)  MAX+PLUS II Software does not require an ERASE button or option.  The Erasure of the Chip occurs right before it is programmed automatically.    Below is a copy of the Text explaining the Programming process for the MAX+PLUS II Software and the Altera PL-ASAP2 & PL-APU Master Programming Unit.  You can use the Master Programming Unit (MPU) or Altera Programming Unit (APU) to program a single device. You can program a Classic, MAX 5000, MAX 7000, MAX 7000A, MAX 7000B, MAX 7000S, MAX 7000AE, MAX 9000, or FLASHlogic device with programming data from a POF or JEDEC File, or with data read from an examined device. You can program a single MAX 3000A, MAX 7000A, MAX 7000S, or MAX 9000 device with programming data from a Jam File or JBC File. You can also program other devices for which MAX+PLUS II offers programming-only support. To program a device with the MPU or APU: 1. If necessary, turn off Multi-Device JTAG Chain (JTAG menu) and Multi-Device FLEX Chain (FLEX menu) to use single-device programming mode. 2. If the current programming file displayed in the Device field is not a POF, Jam File, JBC File, or a JEDEC File (for FLASHlogic devices), use Select Programming File (File menu) or a shortcut to load a POF, Jam File, JBC File, or a JEDEC File for the current project or from another project. By default, MAX+PLUS II loads the programming file for the current project (usually a POF), or the first programming file for a multi-device project. You can also examine another device to obtain the data for device programming. 3. If you wish, turn on one or more of the options in the Programming Options dialog box (Options menu) to automatically perform the following actions during programming: Blank-check the device. Verify the programmed contents of the device against the original programming data. Functionally test the device with the current functional testing vectors. You can also select a non-default source of vectors by choosing Inputs/Outputs (File menu). The Programmer automatically loads any vectors in the current programming file or in an SCF or Vector File with the same name as the project. 4. If you wish to specify a PLF to record Programmer actions, choose Inputs/Outputs (File menu), as described in Logging Programmer Commands & Messages. 5. If necessary, mount the appropriate adapter on the MPU or APU, then insert a device into the programming socket. The name of the appropriate device is displayed in the Device field. 6. Choose Program. The Programmer programs the current programming file into the device and performs any optional actions specified with Programming Options. 1. If you stop the Programmer during programming, an EPROM-based Classic, MAX 5000, or MAX 7000 device may be partially programmed. Ensure that a device is completely erased before reprogramming it by exposing it to continuous UV light for one hour. While an extra 15 minutes will not damage the device, longer erasure times (e.g., overnight) are not recommended. Erasure is not required for EEPROM-, FLASH-, or SRAM-based devices. 2. ACEX 1K, FLEX 6000, FLEX 8000, and FLEX 10K devices must be configured, not programmed. For information on configuring single devices, go to Configuring a Single Device with the BitBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, MasterBlaster, or FLEX Download Cable. See also: Changing the Hardware Setup Examining a Device Inserting a Device into the Socket Installing the Altera Programming Unit Programming a Single Device with the BitBlaster, ByteBlasterMV, or MasterBlaster Specifying the Source of Input Vectors Testing Device Outputs vs. Simulation Outputs   Good to know. -Gerry

[Altera_Forum]

Just another note to add: 

 If you have trouble Programming a component with an Altera MPU (Master Programming Unit) and you get a programming Error saying "Device is not Erased"; it's a good idea to verify that the component is NOT a OTP component (One-Time-Programmable).   Verify the components datasheet and also check the Part number ordering code to ensure that the component is Electronically Erasable.  As shown in the Altera Part number ordering code sheet below:  http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_classic_part_numbers.jpg (http://www.digital-circuitry.com/images/webpage/mylab/altera/altera_classic_part_numbers.jpg)   I recommend you read through this thread:  http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=153669#post153669 (http://www.alteraforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=153669#post153669)    Hope this helps.  Regards, Gerry O'Brien http://www.digital-circuitry.com (http://www.digital-circuitry.com)

[RobertFord]

If you still need help let me know

[_AK6DN_]

You do realize you are responding to an anonymized post from the old forum that is 12 years old, right?