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 potential 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. Download the latest version of Quartus II directly from Altera.

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. ModelSim-Altera web page.

3. Nios II Embedded Design Suite. 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.

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.