Specifications

Program Files
If you disable this option, the flash programmer generates the programming files and the script, but does
not program flash. You can use the files later to program flash by turning off the Generate Files option.
Erase Flash Before Programming
When enabled, this option erases flash memory before programming.
Run From Reset After Programming
When enabled, this option resets and starts the Nios II processor after programming flash.
Creating Memory Initialization Files
Sometimes it is useful to generate memory initialization files. For example, to program your FPGA with a
complete, running Nios II system, you must include the memory contents in your .sof file. In this
configuration, the processor can boot directly from internal memory without downloading.
Creating a Hexadecimal (Intel-Format) File (.hex) is a necessary intermediate step in creating such a .sof
file. The Nios II SBT for Eclipse can create .hex files and other memory initialization formats.
To generate correct memory initialization files, the Nios II SBT needs details about the physical memory
configuration and the types of files required. Typically, this information is specified when the hardware
system is generated.
Note:
If your system contains a user-defined memory, you must specify these details manually.
Related Information
Generate Memory Initialization Files by the Legacy Method on page 2-31
Generate Memory Initialization Files
To generate memory initialization files, perform the following steps:
1. Right-click the application project.
2. Point to Make targets and click Build to open the Make Targets dialog box.
3. Select mem_init_generate.
4. Click Build. The makefile generates a separate file (or files) for each memory device. It also generates a
Quartus II IP File (.qip). The .qip file tells the Quartus II software where to find the initialization files.
5. Add the .qip file to your Quartus II project.
6. Recompile your Quartus II project.
If your hardware system was generated with SOPC Builder, you can alternatively use the legacy
method to generate memory initialization files. However, this method is not preferred.
Generate Memory Initialization Files by the Legacy Method
To generate memory initialization files by the legacy method, perform the following steps:
NII5V2
2015.05.14
Program Files
2-31
Getting Started with the Graphical User Interface
Altera Corporation
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