P0071 datasheet(39/43 Pages) ALTERA

39 / 43 page

names can be anything so long as they adhere to the FAT file system long file name rules. Spaces

are permitted.

CFI Flash

CFI flash is used to store the software binary files of applications. All software binary files used by

the application selector contain a boot copier which is pre-ended by the Nios2-elf-objcopy utility

during file conversion process described in the “Creating Your Own Loadable Applications” section.

The boot copier copies the software code to program memory before running it. The Application

software binary file is stored in flash at load time to an offset 0x0.

EPCS Device

EPCS is used to store both the binary file of the Application Selector (both hardware and software

image) itself, as well as hardware binary files of applications which are being loaded. The

Application Selector binary file is permanently stored in EPCS device at offset 0x0. Hardware

binary files for the applications being loaded get written to EPCS at load time to an offset

0x400000.

Creating Your Own Loadable Applications

It is easy to convert your own Nios II design into an application which is loadable by the

Application Selector utility. All you need is a hardware image (a .SOF file) and a software image

which runs on that hardware (a Nios II .ELF file).

The only restrictions are:

•

The hardware designs must contain a CFI Flash controller (1*)

•

The .SOF file must contain a Nios II CPU whose reset address is set to CFI Flash at offset 0x0

•

Before compiling the software, make sure you have set your software’s program memory (.text

section) in Flash memory under the System Library Properties (Nios II IDE) page or through

BSP Editor (Nios II SBT for Eclipse) utility (2*)

Once you have your working .SOF and .ELF file pair, perform the following steps to convert them

to a loadable application selector compatible application.

•

Copy both the .SOF and .ELF files into a common directory relying on your choice. This

directory is where you will convert the files

•

On your host PC, launch a Nios II Command Shell from Start ->Programs -> Altera -> Nios

II <version #> EDS -> Nios II Command Shell

•

From the command shell navigate to where your SOF file is located and create your hardware

binary file using the following commands

•

Convert .sof file into .flash file

sof2flash --epcs --input=”your example.sof” --output= “your example_HW.flash”(3*)

P0071 Datasheet(PDF) 39 Page - Altera Corporation