Altera

At UBC, we make extensive use of Altera tools and technology. On this page, you will find instructions on how to download and install the Altera software tools on your own computer. There are also some basic tutorials to get you started using the software as quickly as possible.

Downloading Altera Software

Here is a list of Altera software tools you might need:

1. Quartus II. The initial software to compile VHDL/Verilog into a bitstream that can configure the DE1 and DE2 boards. The Web Edition is free. Note: for EECE355, please use Quartus II version 9.1sp2.

2. ModelSim. VHDL/Verilog simulator. If you are using Quartus II version 11.0 or later, this is the official simulator to use. If you are using Quartus II prior to version 11.0, there is also a simpler, built-in simulator. The Starter Edition is free. Note: for EECE355, we will not be using ModelSim.

3. Nios II Embedded Design Suite (EDS). This is the C compiler and Integrated Development Environment (IDE -- a combined editor and compiler) for programming Altera's Nios II processor. This is already included in Quartus II versions 11.0 and above. However, if you are using an older version of Quartus II, you must download this separately. Note: for EECE355, you must first download and install this file. Then, download and apply 91sp2_nios2eds_windows.exe this patch.

4. Altera University Program IP Cores. This is a set of IP cores or modules, in VHDL or Verilog, that are used to control individual devices (such as VGA, DRAM, SRAM, or even the switches and LEDs) on the DE1 or DE2 boards. These IP cores simplify the process or connecting a Nios II processor to these on-board devices. Note: for EECE355, use version 9.1.

5. Altera Monitor Program. This is a simplified user interface for compiling C programs for a Nios II processor on a DE1 or DE2 board. You must already have the EDS and University IP Cores installed.

6. USB-Blaster Device Driver. This device driver is essential so that Altera software can communicate with your DE1 or DE2 board. Normally, this comes bundled with Quartus II. However, if you are using Windows 7 with Quartus II versions prior to 10.0, you must separately download the USB Blaster driver from Quartus II version 10.0 or above.

7. Quartus II Programmer. Use this program if you already have a .sof or .pof file, and you simply want to download it onto your DE1/DE2 board. (This will save you from downloading the entire Quartus II software package.)

Installing Altera Software

You should install Altera software in the order listed above in the download section. Below, we will give step-by-step instructions for installing each tool.

Installing Altera Quartus II

Do this.