Quartus Prime Download Lite: A Free FPGA Design Software
If you are looking for a free and easy way to design, simulate, and program FPGA devices, you might want to check out Quartus Prime Download Lite. This is a free version of the Intel Quartus Prime Design Software, a powerful and comprehensive tool for FPGA development. In this article, we will introduce you to Quartus Prime, its features and editions, and how to download and install Quartus Prime Lite. We will also show you how to get started with your first FPGA project using Quartus Prime Lite.
What is Quartus Prime?
Quartus Prime is a programmable logic device design software produced by Intel. It supports the advanced features in Intel's next-generation FPGAs and SoCs, as well as the low-cost FPGA device families. Quartus Prime enables analysis and synthesis of HDL designs, which allows the developer to compile their designs, perform timing analysis, examine RTL diagrams, simulate a design's reaction to different stimuli, and configure the target device with the programmer.
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Quartus Prime Features
Some of the features of Quartus Prime include:
Platform Designer (previously QSys), a system integration tool that simplifies integrating customized IP cores in your project. The Platform Designer automatically generates interconnect logic and creates a testbench to verify functionality.
Design Optimization, a set of tools and techniques that help you achieve the highest design performance in Intel FPGAs. Techniques include optimizing the design netlist, addressing critical chains that limit retiming and timing closure, and optimization of device resource usage.
Timing Analyzer, a tool that performs static timing analysis on your design. It helps you identify and resolve timing violations, create timing constraints, and generate timing reports.
Power Analyzer, a tool that estimates the power consumption of your design based on device characteristics, operating conditions, and design activity. It helps you optimize your design for power efficiency and thermal management.
Signal Tap Logic Analyzer, a tool that allows you to capture and analyze signals in your design using an on-chip logic analyzer. It helps you debug your design behavior and functionality.
Transceiver Toolkit, a tool that allows you to test and monitor the performance of high-speed serial transceivers in your design. It helps you configure transceiver settings, perform eye diagram analysis, and generate test patterns.
Intel Advanced Link Analyzer, a tool that allows you to simulate and optimize high-speed serial links in your design. It helps you model channel characteristics, perform signal integrity analysis, and optimize equalization settings.
Quartus Prime Editions
There are three editions of Quartus Prime software available:
EditionDescription
Pro EditionThe Pro Edition supports the advanced features in Intel's next-generation FPGAs and SoCs with the Intel Agilex, Intel Stratix 10, Intel Arria 10, and Intel Cyclone 10 GX device families. It also supports block-based design, partial reconfiguration, fractal synthesis, early placement, register retiming, multiprocessor support, Platform Designer (Pro ), and the Intel Quartus Prime Programmer and Tools.
Standard EditionThe Standard Edition supports the broadest range of FPGA device families, including Intel Cyclone 10 LP, Intel Cyclone V, Intel Arria V, and Intel MAX 10 devices. It also supports Platform Designer (Standard), the Intel Quartus Prime Programmer and Tools, and most of the features in the Pro Edition except for the ones mentioned above.
Lite EditionThe Lite Edition is a free version of the Quartus Prime software that provides an easy entry point to FPGA design. It supports a subset of devices in the Intel Cyclone 10 LP, Intel Cyclone V, Intel Arria V, and Intel MAX 10 device families. It also supports basic features such as design entry, simulation, synthesis, place and route, timing analysis, and device programming. However, it does not support advanced features such as Platform Designer, Design Optimization, Power Analyzer, Signal Tap Logic Analyzer, Transceiver Toolkit, and Intel Advanced Link Analyzer.
Why Use Quartus Prime Lite?
If you are new to FPGA design or want to try out some of the features of Quartus Prime software without purchasing a license, Quartus Prime Lite is a good option for you. Here are some of the benefits of using Quartus Prime Lite:
Device Support
Quartus Prime Lite supports a wide range of low-cost FPGA devices that are suitable for various applications such as IoT, industrial control, automotive, consumer electronics, and education. You can choose from over 200 devices in the Intel Cyclone 10 LP, Intel Cyclone V, Intel Arria V, and Intel MAX 10 device families. These devices offer high performance, low power consumption, and rich functionality at an affordable price.
Design Entry and Simulation
Quartus Prime Lite allows you to enter your design using various methods such as schematic capture, HDL text editor, or IP catalog. You can use standard HDL languages such as Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog to describe your logic. You can also use graphical symbols or IP cores from the IP catalog to create your design. Quartus Prime Lite supports over 100 IP cores that provide common functions such as arithmetic operations, memory controllers, interfaces, DSP blocks, and encryption algorithms. You can also create your own custom IP cores using Platform Designer (Standard) or HDL Coder.
Quartus Prime Lite also allows you to simulate your design using ModelSim*-Intel FPGA Edition (starter), a free version of the industry-standard ModelSim simulator. You can perform functional simulation to verify the behavior of your design before synthesis. You can also perform timing simulation to check the timing performance of your design after synthesis. You can use various debugging tools such as waveform viewer, source code browser, and expression evaluator to analyze your simulation results.
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Compilation and Programming
Quartus Prime Lite enables you to compile your design using the Quartus Prime Compiler, which performs synthesis, place and route, timing analysis, and device programming. The compiler optimizes your design for speed, area, and power consumption using advanced algorithms and heuristics. The compiler also generates various reports and files that help you evaluate your design quality and performance.
Quartus Prime Lite also enables you to program your FPGA device using the Quartus Prime Programmer. The programmer supports various programming methods such as JTAG, Active Serial (AS), Passive Serial (PS), or Fast Passive Parallel (FPP). The programmer also supports various programming hardware such as USB-Blaster II Download Cable, ByteBlaster II Download Cable, EthernetBlaster II Download Cable, or Intel FPGA Download Cable. You can use the programmer to configure your device with your design file or perform device testing and debugging.
How to Download and Install Quartus Prime Lite?
If you want to download and install Quartus Prime Lite on your computer, you need to follow these steps:
System Requirements
Before you download Quartus Prime Lite, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running the software. The system requirements vary depending on the operating system and the device family that you want to use. Here are some general guidelines for the system requirements:
Operating System: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) or Linux (64-bit)
Processor: Intel Core i5 or higher
Memory: 8 GB RAM Hard Disk Space: 40 GB or more
Display: 1024 x 768 or higher resolution
Internet Connection: Required for downloading and installing the software
Download Options
To download Quartus Prime Lite, you need to visit the Intel FPGA Download Center and select the version and device family that you want to use. The latest version of Quartus Prime Lite is 21.1, which supports the following device families:
Intel Cyclone 10 LP
Intel Cyclone V
Intel Arria V
Intel MAX 10
You can choose to download the full installation package, which includes all the components and device support files, or the individual components, which allow you to select only the components and device support files that you need. The full installation package is about 6 GB in size, while the individual components vary in size depending on the selection. You can also choose to download the offline installer, which allows you to install the software without an internet connection, or the web installer, which requires an internet connection during installation.
Installation Steps
To install Quartus Prime Lite, you need to follow these steps:
Extract the downloaded file to a temporary location on your computer.
Run the setup.exe file (for Windows) or the setup.sh file (for Linux) from the extracted folder.
Follow the instructions on the screen to select the installation directory, accept the license agreement, and choose the components and device support files that you want to install.
Wait for the installation to complete and click Finish.
Launch Quartus Prime Lite from the Start menu (for Windows) or the command line (for Linux).
How to Get Started with Quartus Prime Lite?
Now that you have downloaded and installed Quartus Prime Lite, you are ready to create your first FPGA project using the software. Here are some steps to guide you through the process:
Creating a Project
To create a project in Quartus Prime Lite, you need to follow these steps:
In Quartus Prime Lite, click File > New Project Wizard.
In the Introduction page, click Next.
In the Directory, Name, Top-Level Entity page, enter a name and a location for your project, and specify whether you want to create a new top-level HDL file or use an existing one. Click Next.
In the Add Files page, add any existing HDL files or IP cores that you want to include in your project. Click Next.
In the Family & Device Settings page, select the device family and device that you want to target for your project. You can also specify other settings such as device speed grade, package type, pin count, and temperature range. Click Next.
In the EDA Tool Settings page, select the simulation tool that you want to use for your project. You can also specify other settings such as synthesis tool, timing analysis tool, and netlist format. Click Next.
In the Summary page, review your project settings and click Finish.
Writing and Synthesizing HDL Code
To write and synthesize HDL code in Quartus Prime Lite, you need to follow these steps:
In Quartus Prime Lite, open or create a new HDL file for your top-level entity or module. You can use Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog as your HDL language.
Write your HDL code using the text editor. You can use various features such as syntax highlighting, auto-completion, code folding, and error checking to help you write your code. You can also use graphical symbols or IP cores from the IP catalog to create your design.
To synthesize your HDL code, click Processing > Start Compilation. This will run the Quartus Prime Compiler on your design and generate various reports and files that show the synthesis results.
To view the synthesis results, click Tools > Netlist Viewers > RTL Viewer. This will open a graphical representation of your design after synthesis. You can also view other reports such as resource utilization summary, timing summary, power summary, and messages by clicking Tools > Report Menu.
Assigning Pins and Constraints
To assign pins and constraints in Quartus Prime Lite , you need to follow these steps:
In Quartus Prime Lite, click Assignments > Pin Planner. This will open a graphical interface that allows you to assign pins to your design signals. You can use various features such as device view, pin table, pin map, and pin filter to help you assign pins. You can also import or export pin assignments from or to a CSV file.
To assign constraints to your design, click Assignments > Settings. This will open a dialog box that allows you to specify various settings and constraints for your design. You can use various categories such as Analysis & Synthesis Settings, Fitter Settings, Timing Analyzer Settings, and Power Analyzer Settings to set your constraints. You can also import or export constraints from or to an SDC file.
To apply your pin assignments and constraints, click Processing > Start Compilation. This will run the Quartus Prime Compiler on your design and generate various reports and files that show the compilation results.
To view the compilation results, click Tools > Netlist Viewers > Technology Map Viewer. This will open a graphical representation of your design after place and route. You can also view other reports such as resource utilization summary, timing summary, power summary, and messages by clicking Tools > Report Menu.
Simulating and Debugging the Design
To simulate and debug your design in Quartus Prime Lite, you need to follow these steps:
In Quartus Prime Lite, click Tools > Run Simulation Tool > RTL Simulation. This will launch ModelSim*-Intel FPGA Edition (starter) and load your design files for simulation. You can also use other simulation tools such as Mentor Graphics ModelSim or Cadence Incisive by setting them in the EDA Tool Settings page.
In ModelSim, create a testbench file that provides stimulus to your design inputs and monitors your design outputs. You can use Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog as your testbench language. You can also use graphical waveforms or IP cores from the IP catalog to create your testbench.
To run the simulation, click Simulate > Run All in ModelSim. This will run the simulation until the end of the testbench or until you pause or stop it. You can also use various commands such as run, step, restart, or force to control the simulation.
To view the simulation results, click View > Wave in ModelSim. This will open a waveform window that shows the signals in your design and testbench. You can also use various debugging tools such as source code browser, expression evaluator, memory viewer, and signal probe to analyze your simulation results.
To debug your design using Signal Tap Logic Analyzer, click Tools > Signal Tap Logic Analyzer in Quartus Prime Lite. This will open a graphical interface that allows you to capture and analyze signals in your design using an on-chip logic analyzer. You can use various features such as instance list, signal list, trigger conditions, data storage options, and data display options to configure and run the Signal Tap Logic Analyzer.
Programming the FPGA Device
To program your FPGA device in Quartus Prime Lite, you need to follow these steps:
In Quartus Prime Lite, click Tools > Programmer. This will open a graphical interface that allows you to program your device with your design file.
Connect your programming hardware (such as USB-Blaster II Download Cable) to your computer and your FPGA board.
Click Hardware Setup in the Programmer window and select the programming hardware that you are using.
Click Auto Detect in the Programmer window and select the device that you want to program from the list of detected devices.
Click Add File in the Programmer window and browse to the location of your design file (such as .sof or .pof file).
Check the Program/Configure checkbox for your device and file in the Programmer window.
Click Start in the Programmer window to program your device with your design file.
Verify that the programming is successful by checking the Progress column and the messages in the Programmer window.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced you to Quartus Prime Download Lite, a free FPGA design software from Intel. We have explained what Quartus Prime is, its features and editions, and why you should use Quartus Prime Lite. We have also shown you how to download and install Quartus Prime Lite on your computer and how to get started with your first FPGA project using Quartus Prime Lite. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about Quartus Prime Lite and inspired you to try it out for yourself.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Quartus Prime Lite and their answers:
Q: How can I get a license for Quartus Prime Lite?
A: You do not need a license to use Quartus Prime Lite. It is a free version of the Quartus Prime software that does not require any activation or registration. You can download and install Quartus Prime Lite from the Intel FPGA Download Center and use it without any limitations.
Q: What are the differences between Quartus Prime Lite and Quartus Prime Pro?
A: Quartus Prime Lite and Quartus Prime Pro are two editions of the Quartus Prime software that have different features and device support. Quartus Prime Lite is a free version that supports a subset of devices in the Intel Cyclone 10 LP, Intel Cyclone V, Intel Arria V, and Intel MAX 10 device families. It also supports basic features such as design entry, simulation, synthesis, place and route, timing analysis, and device programming. However, it does not support advanced features such as Platform Designer, Design Optimization, Power Analyzer, Signal Tap Logic Analyzer, Transceiver Toolkit, and Intel Advanced Link Analyzer. Quartus Prime Pro is a paid version that supports the advanced features in Intel's next-generation FPGAs and SoCs with the Intel Agilex, Intel Stratix 10, Intel Arria 10, and Intel Cyclone 10 GX device families. It also supports block-based design, partial reconfiguration, fractal synthesis, early placement, register retiming, multiprocessor support, Platform Designer (Pro), and the Intel Quartus Prime Programmer and Tools.
Q: How can I learn more about Quartus Prime Lite?
A: You can learn more about Quartus Prime Lite by visiting the Intel FPGA website or the Intel FPGA Documentation Center. You can also find various tutorials, videos, webinars, and forums that can help you get started with Quartus Prime Lite.
Q: How can I get technical support for Quartus Prime Lite?
A: You can get technical support for Quartus Prime Lite by contacting the Intel FPGA Technical Support. You can also use the online service request system to submit your questions or issues. You can also browse the knowledge base or the community forums to find answers to common questions or problems.
Q: How can I upgrade from Quartus Prime Lite to Quartus Prime Standard or Pro?
A: You can upgrade from Quartus Prime Lite to Quartus Prime Standard or Pro by purchasing a license from the Intel FPGA Store. You can also request a free trial license to evaluate the features and performance of Quartus Prime Standard or Pro before buying. You can also download and install Quartus Prime Standard or Pro from the Intel FPGA Download Center and use them with your license.
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