Data Sheet - Altera Corporation

Altera Corporation 299

ByteBlaster Parallel Port

Download Cable

February 1998, ver. 2.01 Data Sheet

A-DS-BYTE-02.01

Development

Tools

Features

■

Allows PC users to perform the following functions:

Ð Program MAX

9000 (including MAX 9000A), MAX 7000S, and

MAX 7000A devices

in-system via a standard parallel port

Ð Configure FLEX

10K, FLEX 8000, and FLEX 6000 devices

in-circuit via a standard parallel port

■

Provides a fast and low-cost method for in-system programming

■

Downloads data from the MAX+PLUS

II development software

■

Interfaces with a standard 25-pin parallel port on PCs

■

Uses 10-pin circuit board connector, which is identical to that of the

BitBlaster

serial download cable

Functional

Description

The ByteBlaster

parallel port download cable (ordering code:

PL-BYTEBLASTER) is a hardware interface to a standard PC parallel port

(also known as an LPT port). This cable channels configuration data to

FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, and FLEX 6000 devices, as well as programming

data to MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, and MAX 7000A devices. Because design

changes are downloaded directly to the device, prototyping is easy and

multiple design iterations can be accomplished in quick succession. See

Figure 1.

Figure 1. ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable

YTE

LASTER

300 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Download Modes

The ByteBlaster cable provides two download modes:

■

Passive serial (PS) modeÑUsed for configuring FLEX 10K,

FLEX 8000, and FLEX 6000 devices

■

JTAG modeÑIndustry-standard Joint Test Action Group (JTAG)

boundary-scan test (BST) circuitry (compliant with IEEE Std.

1149.1-1990) implemented for configuring FLEX 10K or

programming MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, and MAX 7000A devices

ByteBlaster Connections

The ByteBlaster cable has a 25-pin male header that connects to the PC

parallel port, and a 10-pin female plug that connects to the circuit board.

Data is downloaded from the PCÕs parallel port through the ByteBlaster

download cable to the circuit board via the connections discussed in this

section.

To configure/program 3.3-V devices (e.g., FLEX 10KA and

MAX 7000A devices) using the ByteBlaster cable, connect the

cableÕs

VCC

pin to a 5.0-V power supply and the device to a 3.3-V

power supply. FLEX 10KA and MAX 7000A devices have 5.0-V

tolerant inputs, so the ByteBlaster cableÕs 5.0-V output will not

harm these 3.0-V devices. The pull-up resistors should be

connected to the 5.0-V power supply.

ByteBlaster Header & Plug Connections

The 25-pin male header connects to a parallel port with a standard parallel

cable. Table 1 identifies the pins and the download modes.

Table 1. ByteBlaster 25-Pin Header Pin-Outs

Pin JTAG Mode

Signal Name PS Mode

Signal Name

TCK DCLK

TMS nCONFIG

TDI DATA0

TDO CONF_DONE

NC nSTATUS

GND

18 to 25

GND GND

Altera Corporation 301

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

Figure 2 shows a schematic of the ByteBlaster download cable.

Figure 2. ByteBlaster Schematic

Note:

(1) All resistors are 33

Ω

The 10-pin female plug connects to a 10-pin male header on the circuit

board containing the target device(s). Figure 3 shows the dimensions of

the female plug.

25-Pin Male Header

Connections

1Y1

1Y2

1Y3

1Y4

2Y1

2Y2

2Y3

2Y4

1A1

1A2

1A3

1A4

2A1

2A2

2A3

2A4

74LS244

GND

VCC

2,10

GND

VCC

GND

VCC

GND

(1)

(

(1)

(

10-Pin Plug Connections

GND

18-25

302 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Figure 3. ByteBlaster 10-Pin Female Plug Dimensions

Dimensions are shown in inches. The spacing between pin centers is 0.1 inch.

Table 2 identiÞes the 10-pin female plugÕs pin names for the

corresponding download mode.

The circuit board must supply V

and ground to the

ByteBlaster cable.

0.250 Typ.

0.700 Typ.

0.425 Typ.

0.100 Sq.

0.025 Sq.

Color Strip

Table 2. ByteBlaster Female Plug’s Pin Names & Download Modes

Pin JTAG Mode PS Mode

Signal Name Description Signal Name Description

TCK

Clock signal

DCLK

Clock signal

GND

Signal ground

GND

Signal ground

TDO

Data from device

CONFIG_DONE

Configuration

control

VCC

Power supply

VCC

Power supply

TMS

JTAG state

machine control

nCONFIG

Configuration

control

No connect

nSTATUS

Configuration

status

No connect

TDI

Data to device

DATA0

Data to device

GND

Signal ground

GND

Signal ground

Altera Corporation 303

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

Circuit Board Header Connection

The ByteBlaster 10-pin female plug connects to a 10-pin male header on

the circuit board. The 10-pin male header has two rows of five pins, which

are connected to the deviceÕs programming or configuration pins. The

ByteBlaster cable receives power and downloads data via the male

header. Figure 4 shows the dimensions of a typical 10-pin male header.

Figure 4. 10-Pin Male Header Dimensions

Dimensions are shown in inches.

Operating

Conditions

The following tables summarize the absolute maximum ratings,

recommended operating conditions, and DC operating conditions for the

ByteBlaster cable.

ByteBlaster Cable Absolute Maximum Ratings

ByteBlaster Cable Recommended Operating Conditions

0.025 Sq.

0.235

0.100

Side View

0.100

Top View

Symbol Parameter Conditions Min Max Unit

Supply voltage With respect to ground 7.0 V

DC input voltage With respect to ground 7.0 V

Symbol Parameter Conditions Min Max Unit

Supply voltage, 5.0-V

operation 4.75 5.25 V

304 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

ByteBlaster Cable DC Operating Conditions

Passive

Serial Mode

This section discusses PS configuration for single and multiple

FLEX devices. In PS configuration the data is sent to the FLEX device

serially by the data source; in this case, the data source is the ByteBlaster

download cable. The data is synchronized to a clock that is supplied by

the data source.

PS Conﬁguration of a Single FLEX Device

Single FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, or FLEX 6000 devices can be configured

using the PS configuration scheme and the MAX+PLUS II Programmer.

Devices are configured with an SRAM Object File (

.sof

), which is

generated automatically during project compilation. For more

information, refer to ÒSoftware InstructionsÓ on page 312.

Figure 5 shows how the ByteBlaster cable interfaces with a single

FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, or FLEX 6000 device. If the

DATA0

pin is used in

user mode, it must be isolated during configuration.

Go to the following sources for additional information:

■

Application Note 59 (Configuring FLEX 10K Devices)

■

Application Note 33 (Configuring FLEX 8000 Devices)

■

Application Note 38 (Configuring Multiple FLEX 8000 Devices)

■

Application Note 87 (Configuring FLEX 6000 Devices)

■

Search for ÒConfiguring a Single Device with the BitBlaster,

ByteBlaster, or FLEX Download CableÓ in MAX+PLUS II Help

Symbol Parameter Conditions Min Max Unit

High-level input voltage 2.0 V

Low-level input voltage 0.8 V

5.0-V high-level TTL output

voltage I

= 3 mA, V

= 4.75 V 2.3 V

Low-level output voltage I

= 4 mA DC, VCC = 4.75 V 0.53 V

ICC Operating current 50 mA

Altera Corporation 305

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

Figure 5. Single FLEX Device Conﬁguration with the ByteBlaster Cable

FLEX 10K Device

FLEX 8000 Device

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

MSEL1

MSEL0

nCE

DCLK

DATA0

nCONFIG

FLEX 10K Device

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

GND

10-Pin Male

Header (Top View)

Pin 1

VCC

GND

VCC

1 kΩ

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

nSP

MSEL1

MSEL0

DCLK

DATA0

nCONFIG

FLEX 8000 Device

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

GND

10-Pin Male

Header (Top View)

Pin 1

VCC

GND

VCC

1 kΩ

FLEX 6000 Device

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

MSEL

FLEX 6000 Device

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

GND

10-Pin Male

Header (Top View)

Pin 1

VCC

GND

DCLK

DATA

nCONFIG

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

nCE

GND

VCC

GND

306 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

PS Conﬁguration of Multiple FLEX Devices

Multiple FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, or FLEX 6000 devices can be configured

via the ByteBlaster cable in PS mode using the MAX+PLUS II

Programmer. See Figures 6, 7, and 8.

Figure 6. FLEX 10K Multi-Device PS Conﬁguration with the ByteBlaster Cable

FLEX 10K Device

MSEL1

MSEL0

nCE

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

MSEL1

MSEL0

nCE

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

MSEL1

MSEL0

nCE

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

VCC

1 kΩ

nCEO

GND

ByteBlaster

10-Pin Male Header

(Passive Serial Mode)

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩVCC

1 kΩ

GND

FLEX 10K Device

VCC

Altera Corporation 307

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

Figure 7. FLEX 8000 Multi-Device PS Conﬁguration with the ByteBlaster Cable

FLEX 8000

Device

nSP

MSEL1

MSEL0

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

FLEX 8000

Device

nSP

MSEL1

MSEL0

DCLK

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

FLEX 8000

Device

nSP

MSEL1

MSEL0

DCLK

DATA0

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

ByteBlaster

10-Pin Male Header

(Passive Serial Mode)

GND

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

GND

VCC

GND

1 kΩ

VCC

308 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Figure 8. FLEX 6000 Multi-Device PS Conﬁguration with the ByteBlaster Cable

FLEX 10K and FLEX 6000 devices can also be configured in the same

configuration chain. The nCEO pin of a FLEX 10K device can be connected

to the nCE pin of a FLEX 6000 device and vice versa. The CONF_DONE and

nSTATUS pins of all the devices in the configuration chain need to be tied

together.

FLEX 6000

Device

MSEL

nCE

DATA

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

VCC

1 kΩ

FLEX 6000

Device

MSEL

nCE

DATA

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

FLEX 6000

Device

MSEL

nCE

DATA

nCONFIG

CONF_DONE

nSTATUS

DCLK

nCEO

GND

ByteBlaster

10-Pin Male Header

(Passive Serial Mode)

VCC

GND

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩVCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

Altera Corporation 309

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

fSearch for ÒConfiguring Multiple FLEX Devices in a FLEX Chain with the

BitBlaster, ByteBlaster, or FLEX Download CableÓ in MAX+PLUS II Help.

JTAG Mode For in-system programming and in-circuit reconfiguration in JTAG mode,

the ByteBlaster cable connects to devices on the circuit board via any

standard parallel port. This section discusses the following topics:

■JTAG configuration of a single FLEX 10K device

■JTAG programming of a single MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, or

MAX 7000A device

■JTAG programming and configuration of multiple devices

JTAG Conﬁguration of a Single FLEX 10K Device

The MAX+PLUS II software downloads the SRAM Object File (.sof),

created during compilation, directly to the device via the ByteBlaster

cable. Refer to ÒSoftware InstructionsÓ on page 312 for more information.

Devices are configured via the JTAG pins: TCK, TMS, TDI, and TDO.

Figure 9 shows how the ByteBlaster cable interfaces with a single

FLEX 10K device. All other I/O pins are tri-stated in this configuration.

Figure 9. JTAG Conﬁguration of a Single FLEX 10K Device

Notes:

(1) FLEX 10K devices in 144-pin TQFP packages do not have a TRST pin. Therefore, the TRST pin can be ignored when

using these devices.The nCONFIG, MSEL0, and MSEL1 pins should be connected to support a FLEX configuration

scheme. If only JTAG configuration is used, connect nCONFIG to VCC, and MSEL0 and MSEL1 to ground.

(2) The nCONFIG, MSEL0, and MSEL1 pins should be connected to support a FLEX configuration scheme. If only JTAG

configuration is used, connect nCONFIG to VCC, and MSEL0 and MSEL1 to ground.

10-Pin Male

Header (Top View)

Pin 1

VCC

GND

TCK

TDO

TMS

TDI

TRST,

Note (1)

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

nSTATUS

CONF_DONE

nCONFIG

MSEL0

MSEL1

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

Note (2)

nCE

GND

VCC

FLEX 10K Device

310 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

JTAG Programming of a Single MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, or

MAX 7000A Device

The MAX+PLUS II software downloads the Programmer Object File

(.pof) created during compilation directly to the device via the ByteBlaster

cable. Refer to ÒSoftware InstructionsÓ on page 312 in this data sheet for

more information.

Devices are programmed via the device JTAG pins: TCK, TMS, TDI, and

TDO. Figure 10 shows how the ByteBlaster cable interfaces with a

MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, or MAX 7000A device. The I/O pins are tri-stated

during in-system programming.

Figure 10. MAX 9000, MAX 7000S & MAX 7000A Device Programming with the

ByteBlaster Cable

fSearch for ÒProgramming a Single Device with the BitBlaster or

ByteBlasterÓ in MAX+PLUS II Help for more information.

JTAG Programming & Conﬁguration of Multiple Devices

When programming a JTAG chain of devices, one JTAG-compatible plug,

such as the ByteBlaster 10-pin female plug, is connected to several

devices. The number of devices in the JTAG chain is limited only by the

drive capability of the ByteBlaster cable. Refer to ÒByteBlaster Cable DC

Operating ConditionsÓ on page 304. However, when more than 5 devices

are connected in a JTAG chain, Altera recommends buffering the TCK,

TDI, and TMS pins.

JTAG-chain device programming is ideal when the circuit board contains

multiple devices, or when the circuit board is tested using JTAG

boundary-scan testing. Refer to Figure 11.

MAX 9000 Device

MAX 7000S Device

MAX 7000A Device

GND

10-Pin Male

Header (Top View)

Pin 1

VCC

GND

TCK

TDO

TMS

TDI

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

Altera Corporation 311

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

Figure 11. JTAG-Chain Device Programming & Conﬁguration with the ByteBlaster Cable

If FLEX 10K devices are part of the JTAG configuration chain, the

nCONFIG, MSEL0, MSEL1, CONF_DONE, and nSTATUS pins should be

connected as shown in Figure 9; this setup only applies when a JTAG

configuration scheme is used, i.e., not when a combination of FLEX and

JTAG configuration schemes are used. The CONF_DONE and nSTATUS pins

on each device should be pulled-up independently.

1FLEX 10K devices in 144-pin TQFP packages do not have a TRST

pin. Therefore, the TRST pin can be ignored when configuring

multiple FLEX 10K 144-pin TQFP devices.

To program a single device in a JTAG chain, the programming software

places all other devices (including non-Altera devices) in the JTAG chain

in BYPASS mode. In BYPASS mode, devices pass programming data from

the TDI pin to the TDO pin through a single bypass register without being

affected internally, thereby enabling the programming software to

program or verify the target device.

MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, and MAX 7000A devices can be programmed in-

system using a JTAG chain; FLEX 10K devices can be configured in-circuit

using a JTAG chain. In addition, MAX and FLEX devices can be placed

within the same JTAG chain for device programming and configuration.

See Figure 11.

Other

JTAG 1149.1-

Compliant Device

TMS TCK

TDI TDO

TMS TCK

Target

Altera Device

Other

JTAG 1149.1-

Compliant Device

TDI TDO

ByteBlaster

10-Pin Male Header

TDI TDO

TMS TCK

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

VCC

1 kΩ

312 Altera Corporation

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

fGo to the following sources for additional information:

■Application Note 39 (JTAG Boundary-Scan Testing in Altera

Devices)

■Search for ÒSetting Up Multi-Device JTAG Chains,Ó ÓConfiguring

Multiple Devices in a JTAG Chain with the BitBlaster or

ByteBlaster,Ó and ÒProgramming Multiple Devices in a JTAG Chain

with the BitBlaster or ByteBlaster Ó in MAX+PLUS II Help.

Software

Instructions

The MAX+PLUS II Programmer downloads configuration or

programming data for FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, FLEX 6000, MAX 9000,

MAX 7000S, or MAX 7000A devices.

To configure or program one or more devices with the ByteBlaster

cable and the MAX+PLUS II Programmer, follow these steps:

1. Compile a project. The MAX+PLUS II Compiler automatically

generates an SOF for FLEX 10K, FLEX 8000, and FLEX 6000

device conÞguration, or a POF for MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, and

MAX 7000A device programming.

2. Attach the ByteBlaster cable to a parallel port on a PC and

insert the 10-pin female plug into the prototype system

containing the target device. The board must supply power to

the ByteBlaster cable.

3. Open the MAX+PLUS II Programmer. Choose the Hardware

Setup command (Options menu) to specify the ByteBlaster

cable and the appropriate LPT port. See ÒChanging the

Hardware SetupÓ in MAX+PLUS II Help for more information.

1MAX+PLUS II automatically loads the programming file

for the current project (either a POF or SOF), or the first

programming file for a multi-device project. To specify

another programming file, choose Select Programming

File (File menu) and specify the correct file. For a FLEX 10K,

FLEX 8000, or FLEX 6000 device, select an SOF; for a

MAX 9000, MAX 7000S, or MAX 7000A device, select a

POF.

Altera Corporation 313

ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet

Development

Tools

4. For JTAG or FLEX-chain programming or conÞguration,

perform the following:

vTo program or conÞgure devices in a JTAG chain (multi- or

single-device chain), turn on Multi-Device JTAG-Chain

(JTAG menu) and choose Multi-Device JTAG Chain

Setup to set up the multi-device JTAG chain. See ÒSetting

up Multi-Device JTAG ChainsÓ in MAX+PLUS II Help for

more information.

1If the JTAG chain includes either FLEX or MAX devices

exclusively, set up and create just one JTAG Chain File

(.jcf). Likewise, if the JTAG chain includes a mixture of

FLEX and MAX devices, set up and create two separate

JCFs.

vTo conÞgure multiple devices in a FLEX chain, turn on

Multi-Device FLEX Chain (FLEX menu) and choose

Multi-Device FLEX Chain Setup to setup the multi-device

FLEX chain. See ÒSetting Up Multi-Device FLEX ChainsÓ

in MAX+PLUS II Help for more information.

5. Choose the Program or ConÞgure button to program or

conÞgure the device(s).

The ByteBlaster downloads the data from the SOF or POF File(s) into

the device(s).

Conclusion Downloading configuration and programming data directly to the

device via the ByteBlaster cable allows designers to verify multiple

design iterations in quick succession, thereby speeding the design

cycle.

Revision History The information contained in the ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download

Cable Data Sheet version 2.01 supersedes information published in

the ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet version 2.0 in

the 1998 Data Book.

The ByteBlaster Parallel Port Download Cable Data Sheet version 2.01

contains the following changes:

■References to MAX 9000A devices were added as needed.

■References to FLEX 10KB and FLEX 10KE devices were added to

the configuring/programming 3.3-V devices paragraph in

ÒByteBlaster Connections.Ó

■Minor textual, illustration, and style changes were made to the

data sheet.

Notes: