Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) configuration process gets better by the day. This time, one can make one of these circuit boards using more of a “drag-and-drop” interface or platform. The Altera QSYS by Intel is a reliable platform to us for this purpose.
This article explains everything you need to know about using the Altera QSYS platform to start your next FPGA project.
What is Altera QSYS?
It is a dedicated Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform by Intel, optimized to simplify the process of configuring a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
Intel’s idea is to make the Altera QSYS an “integration tool,” a medium for adding or integrating the relevant components into the circuit board.
Furthermore, the Altera QSYS is primarily optimized for the digital hardware systems that utilize components ranging from timers, processors and Input/Output (I/O) interfaces. Memory options are also supported.
How the Altera QSYS Works
The process of working with the Altera QSYS is quite simple. The major work the circuit designer has to do is to pick the relevant components needed for the project from the library and adding the same to the Graphical User Interface.
Once that is done, the next step is the generation of a hardware system. The generated hardware system connects all the components needed for the project.
Features of the Altera QSYS
The Intel Altera QSYS tool doesn’t work as a “standalone tool.” Rather, it leverages other components, most especially the NIOS II softcore processor. Before the processor would be used, the Altera QSYS must have been used with the Quartus II CAD software.
Through that medium, the circuit board developer easily generates a system that would be based on the NIOS II softcore processor.
The circuit board designer must have specified the parameters and selected the desired functional units of the circuit board.
Here are some of the additional features of the Intel Altera QSYS tool:
1. Standard Library
The Altera QSYS has a standard library, from where the reusable IP blocks are gotten.
2. Interconnect Fabric
Connecting the systems requires an interconnector or a means of connecting them. That is what the Altera QSYS tool does. It automatically generates the system interconnect fabrics and connects the binding blocks.
3. Full-Featured Processor System
The Intel Altera QSYS becomes a full-feature processor system after it connects to the NIOS II softcore processor. The connection aids the system to fully run across multiple Operating Systems (OS), ranging from Linux, and Micro SIOS II.
4. The NIOS II Softcore Processor
Aside from making the Altera QSYS tool to function as a full-feature system, the NIOS II softcore processor also has other contributions.
Ideally, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) need a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The NIOS II softcore processor readily fills that gap, as it is a 32-bit CPU built on the FPGA programmable logic.
The ease of configuration allows for the integration into the Altera QSYS to help the processor system cover other important components, ranging from peripherals and extendable memory.
Conclusion
The Altera QSYS is one of Intel’s contributions to improve the standards of working with programmable logic devices. The integration of the NIOS II softcore processor helps to facilitate the elevation of the Altera QSYS to a full-feature processor system for programmable devices.
