Cyclone V - Hard Memory Controller

[Altera_Forum]

Hi, 

I am a newbie using FPGAs and have a basic question about the HMC in the Cyclone V. Is this a function that is included "for free"? Or is it a IP core that I need to buy a license for?

[Altera_Forum]

if you bought a Cyclone V which has Hard memory controller it means there is a specific hardwired circuit inside your fpga which drives the ddr. you need quartus license to compile the programming file (sof or rbf). you don't need any specific license for the HMC IP. click ip catalog search tab in quartus 14.1 and type ddr, it will show up the IP. i recommend instantiating it by Qsys. that way is easier especially if you are a beginner. however, take my advice: 

electronics engineering is a malevolent industry; it is not friendly to newcomers. that way it protects itself to keep power in smaller amount of hands for the benefit of the few. no technology may be acquired simply by buying it, you will spend months to make it work. documentation is poorly explained, with technical texts which barely makes any sense; ...with many important aspects missing in it. so experiment alooot. don't try to ask altera's support center they accept requests only from verified companies(so if you'r a small guy they don't give a damn :) ). that is a cruel reality of modern industry. thousands must fail in order for one to succeed. try to keep floating on surface.... who knows... maybe you will make it.

[Altera_Forum]

Thank you ilik! 

 Yes, I am aware of that it is a jungle out there! But with help from a forum like this it seems that the odds are much better :)  Is the "Quartus II Web Edition" sufficient for the task? Or do I miss any nice to have features that I get in any of the pay versions?

[Altera_Forum]

Quartus II Web Edition is a free stuff. you will not get many advanced things like "virtual pin" and stuff like that. in short projects compiled on subscription edition may or may not work with Web Edition i have had such experience. HMC is some robust IP and it is possible that Web Edition won't swallow it -have not tried; but you can compile that and look into "processing messages" window or "messages" window in compilation report, it might say "could not compile ddr controller" or something similar... to cut the long story short... don't trust the web edition that is my opinion. unfortunately licenceless subscription edition will not allow you to have programming files even during 30days of evaluation. 

and regarding this forum, just so you know, we are all anus holls here :D i answered you because you asked some basic information :)) nobody will teach you anything valuable. not a jungle - it's a hell out here. i wake in panic at nights with thought in my head like "HARD MEMORY CONTROLLER!" and "Soc!"... "CycloneV"... but... if it's what it takes to survive... what choice do we have.

[Altera_Forum]

Haha.. :) I will keep that in mind when I get my project started!