Max10 nstatus pin without pull-up

[Nirrr]

Hi,
I have boards without a pull-up for the nstatus pin, some of which work well and others do not.
What can I do to complete the configuration process without adding a pull-up?

[sstrell]

You can...add a pull up.  It's required for that signal since it's open drain: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683865/current/configuration-pins.html

[Nirrr]

So how come most boards work well without a pull up? Is it random?

Thanks!

[sstrell]

"Most boards" is not all boards.  If this is a board you are putting into production, you would not be able to go without the pull-up.

Why is it working on these boards?  Not sure.  The die on the ones that are working may be able to barely get to the high voltage level needed to register correctly.  Luck of the draw (and luck of the fabrication).

[Fakhrul]

Hi,

The MAX 10 needs a pull-up on the nSTATUS pin to work reliably during configuration. Without it, the pin can float and cause random issues — that’s why some boards work and some don’t. I’d suggest adding a 10kΩ pull-up to VCCIO to fix this. Let me know if you have any questions.

Regards,

Fakhrul

[Nirrr]

Thanks!
But, I can't add a pull up on this pin.
I need another solution.

[sstrell]

I think it's pretty clear there is no work around for this.  Time for board rework or a respin.

[Fakhrul]

Hi Nirrr,

As sstrell mentioned, there’s no reliable workaround without the pull-up on the nSTATUS pin. A board rework or respin would be the recommended path forward.

Do let us know if you have any further questions, otherwise, we’ll mark this thread as inactive and transition it to community support.

Regards,

Fakhrul