NiosⅡ Processor Booting from SDRAM to OCRAM using Boot Copier

[Junki]

I want to copy a NiosⅡ application from SDRAM(not Flash Memory) to NiosⅡ OCRAM using Boot Copier.

But, the following official manual do not describe how to boot from SDRAM.

https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/programmable/us/en/pdfs/literature/hb/nios2/edh_ed_handbook.pdf#page=348 

Since the boot copier is based on Memcpy, I expect that copying from SDRAM is also possible, right?

Intel FPGA: Arria10GX

Please let me know what you think.

[KellyJialin_Goh]

Hi,

Thank you for posting on Intel Forum.

You may check out this link to see the booting methods and using the NIOS II Boot Copier for extra information: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683820/current/nios-ii-processor-boot-copier.html

Thank you.

Regards,

Kelly

[KellyJialin_Goh]

Hi,

Any updates from your side regarding the boot copier?

Regards,

Kelly

[Junki]

I have checked this link, but I still don't understand in detail.

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683820/current/nios-ii-processor-boot-copier.html

Does that mean it's not possible to copy NIOS application from DDR to OCRAM using Memcpy based Boot Copier?

I hope that copying from DDR can be realized by the following method.
・Set the NIOS Reset Vector to DDR address, and Exception Vector to OCRAM.
・On NIOS Ⅱ SBT, set all Linker Region Names to OCRAM (.text, .data, .bss, .exceptions, etc.)
・Generate .flash file with "elf2flash" on NIOS command shell
・Save .flash file in DDR and load from NIOS processor.
・Boot Copier starts, NIOS application is copied from DDR to OCRAM and executed.

*If Boot Copier cannot be used, it is necessary to insert my original loader into the NIOS Reset Vector.

I'm aware that alt_load should be enabled in this case. (However, unfortunately .text cannot be copied to OCRAM)

[KellyJialin_Goh]

Hi,

However the Memcpy-based Boot Copier can only support EPCQ flash and CFI flash memory only. You may read the detailed information here: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683820/current/memcpy-based-boot-copier.html

Here is also a summary to understand the NIOS II booting methods based on different flash memories and boot options: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683820/current/nios-ii-processor-booting-methods.html

Thank you.

Regards,

Kelly

[KellyJialin_Goh]

Hi,

Any updates from your side? Did you managed to get the workaround with the link provided?

Regards,

Kelly

[KellyJialin_Goh]

Hi,

As we do not receive any response from you on the previous answer that we have provided. Please login to ‘https://supporttickets.intel.com’, view details of the desire request, and post a feed/response within the next 15 days to allow me to continue to support you. After 15 days, this thread will be transitioned to community support. The community users will be able to help you on your follow-up questions.

p/s: If any answer from the community or Intel Support are helpful, please feel free to give best answer or rate 4/5 survey.

Thank you.

Regards,

Kelly Jialin, GOH

[Junki]

Sorry for late reply. This problem has resolved already. Thanks for your helpful opinion.