EPCS configuration tactics

[Altera_Forum]

Hello, 

I hope somebody can help me.   I have the Nios II kit with Cyclone II - EP2C35. And the board contains the EPCS64 device.   I want to configure the EPCS device with my design using JTAG. I've already done this using *.jic file (easy!) but: - I need to use a POF. - And I must NOT use Nios.    I tried to add the SFL megafunction to my design and then convert a SOF to POF, but I've got an error during configuration stage: Error: Can't recognize silicon ID for device 1.   I know I do something wrong.   I need a help - step-by-step instructions: what to add to my design and what options to specify in the "Programmer" dialog box to write POF to the EPCS.   Thank you very much!

[Altera_Forum]

if you wanna program using POF, u have to connect your programmer cable directly into the EPCS device. then set the mode to ACTIVE SERIAL in programmer window. after that you can add the pof file and start programming the EPCS device.

[Altera_Forum]

Are there any other methods to program EPCS via JTAG using POF? 

 I'm asking because for the Flash memories (CFI_xxx) it is just enough to convert sof to pof, then in the "Configuration" dialog just specify the device and the flash and POF file, and it can be easily configured via JTAG.    WHy it is not possible with EPCS devices? what is the difference?   Thank you.

[Altera_Forum]

When first reading your post, I didn't understand your intention because of the reported "Can't recognize silicon ID", which isn't directly related to the "Using POF for indirect JTAG programming" question in my opinion. Unfortunately you didn't explain about "I need to use a POF". 

 Basically, a *.pof file created for direct EPCS programming and the respective *.jic file are identical except for a few header data. They can be converted into each other, but the Quartus Programming File Conversion tool hasn't the option. I guess, it wasn't intended as necessary action in the regular design process. But you can e.g. program a *.pof file to an EPCS device through AS programming and read it back as *.jic through indirect JTAG and vice versa. You have this as a last resort.  Regarding the said "Can't recognize silicon ID" problem, we should know the condition in detail. Generally, if you don't manage to include the SFL in your design, you should start with the factory default SFL design shipped with Quartus. It should always work, if the EPCS hardware is functional. Before Quartus 9, SFL couldn't coexist with other virtual JTAG instances in a design, e.g. Signaltap or Source&Probe due to a Quartus Programmer bug. The issue has been discussed in the forum before, but it's solved now.

[Altera_Forum]

FvM, 

I went through the Configuration Book again (what a mighty work!) and it looks like using JIC it is the only way to program an EPCS via JTAG.    programming serial configuration devices in-system using the jtag interface chapter.   Please correct me if i'm wrong. 

[Altera_Forum]

Yes, I didn't tell anything different.