Ethernet Blaster Question

[SteveK]

Is the PL-ETH2-BLASTER ethernet programming cable an obsolete item? If so, what is the recommended replacement?

[ak6dn]

DigiKey says it is obsolete, no longer manufactured or available. Mouser says it has one left in stock.

Personally, I use the TerASIC USB Blaster:

   https://www.terasic.com.tw/cgi-bin/page/archive.pl?Language=English&CategoryNo=74

it is equivalent to the Intel/Altera USB BlasterII at a much lower cost.

Or for even cheaper:

  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ID9BAUY?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I have one of these also and it works just fine.

[Farabi]

Hello,

You can still get Ethernet Blaster II from RS components. link : https://my.rs-online.com/web/p/debuggers-in-circuit-emulators/9063937

Stock is limited, but still available.

regards,

Farabi

[Farabi]

Hello,

Regarding the replacement, you may want to explore USB Blaster II programming cables. Many versions of this, all are working, can refer to recommendation by akd6 in previous message.

regards,

Farabi

[Farabi]

Hello,

We do not receive any response from you to the previous question/reply/answer that I have provided. This thread will be transitioned to community support. If you have a new question, feel free to open a new thread to get the support from Intel experts. Otherwise, the community users will continue to help you on this thread. Thank you.

regards,

Farabi

[Mr_Ed]

Is the USB Blaster II capable of:

• Programming of security keys and encrypted configuration files

The Ethernet Blaster was required in the past due to the current drive (amperage) requirements needed to burn in the keys.

So, is the USB Blaster II capable of doing this in its place?  I am using a Stratix III device. 

[Mr_Ed]

Just found the answer to my question at the hyperlink below.

Can I use a USB Blaster download cable for AES key programming? (intel.com)

What it says is...

For device families that support non-volatile AES key programming for design security, you will need to use either an EthernetBlaster, EthernetBlaster II or USB-Blaster™ II cable. These cables are the only download cable solutions for non-volatile key programming because the JTAG TCK pulse width (period) needs to be regulated for proper poly-fuse programming.  

The first generation USB-Blaster does not have this capability for non-volatile key programming. Only devices that support volatile AES key programming support the USB-Blaster cable.