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. Here is the latest version.

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. Here is the latest version.

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. The latest version of Quartus II (11.0 or higher) already include this. However, for older versions of Quartus II, you must download this separately. Note: for EECE355, download and install the EDS version 9.1, then apply this upgrade to 9.1sp2.

4. Altera University Program Software. This is a set of VHDL files for the DE1/DE2 boards, as well as an easy-to-use C compiler and debugger interface for Nios II. Be sure to select 'VHDL' or 'Verilog', 'DE1' or 'DE2', and the correct version number (corresponding to your Quartus II version) before clicking the link to download the University Program Installer executable Note: for EECE355, use the VHDL version 9.1 for DE1.

5. 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 a copy of the USB Blaster driver from Quartus II version 10.0 or above. Further details. Installation instructions [are here.

6. 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.