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Can FPGA access RAM on PC?

Altera_Forum
Honored Contributor II
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Hello everyone, 

 

Is there a way to make FPGA read and write to RAM on PC via PCI interface?  

 

I am also wondering how to make FPGA access its internal memory. 

 

I am using Cyclone IV GX starter kit. 

 

Please help. :D
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Altera_Forum
Honored Contributor II
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Is there a way to make FPGA read and write to RAM on PC via PCI interface?  

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The Cyclone IV GX Transceiver Starter Kit uses a PCI Express rather than PCI bus interface. Both are almost software compatible in the higher protocol layers. A PCIe or PCI bus device can basically access memory through DMA. This is mainly a problem of required programming at the PC side. I don't know, if Jungo WinDriver used in the Altera reference design provides DMA capability. In any case, it'a an advanced PCIe driver topic and not suggested for a first project. 

 

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I am also wondering how to make FPGA access its internal memory. 

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Do you mean FPGA internal RAM or SSRAM of the starter kit? There should be Altera examples for both.
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