The document 'Configuring Arria GX Devices' by Altera Corporation provides an introduction to the configuration methods and features of Arria GX II devices.
This chapter describes how to configure Arria GX devices using five supported schemes: Fast Passive Parallel (FPP), Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), Passive Parallel Asynchronous (PPA), and Joint Test Action Group (JTAG). It explains that these devices use volatile SRAM cells, requiring configuration data download upon every power-up. The text details the selection of schemes via MSEL pins and lists compatible external controllers or configuration devices such as MAX II microprocessors and Enhanced Configuration Devices (EPC16, EPC8, EPC4).
Key features discussed include configuration data decompression to reduce file size and storage requirements, and remote system upgrades for real-time updates. The document provides specific information on uncompressed .rbf file sizes for various Arria GX models, pin configurations for different modes, and instructions for enabling compression within the Quartus II software environment.
Preliminary data indicates that compression typically reduces configuration bitstream size by 35 to 55%.
The intelligent host must provide a DCLK that is 4x the data rate.