General NIOS Processor Core Questions

Altera_Forum · ‎05-25-2011

So I am new to this world as well.. I wanted to know a few things about the Nios 2 software:

1) How do I know which core IP I require for my project (e.g. 'economy'. 'standard' or 'fast')?

2) How do I know if I need licensing for my project? I have downloaded Quartus 2 web version along with Nios 2, ModelSim and DSP Builder.

3) If I have purchased hardware from Altera (FPGAs, JTAG programmer and an EPCS for configuring fpgas) do I need to purchase any software required to program the devices?

Thank you!

Altera_Forum · ‎05-26-2011

1) It depends on the processing power that you need and the available resources on the fpga. You can try the different cores to see which one is more adapted to your project.

2) The economy core doesn't require any license, the other two do. But you can still evaluate the /s and /f cores before you buy a license.

3) The web edition should have everything you need. But for some high-end FPGAs (Stratix series) you will need a subscription edition. The Stratix kits come with a one year license.