Embedded Software
With the Nios® II embedded processor you have access to a broad range of software components. Altera and its partners provide the following solutions:
Applications
Download the latest design examples, reference designs, and white papers demonstrating the Nios II processor in various applications. Many of these resources include sample code to help you get your design up and running quickly.
Middleware/Libraries
The Nios II processor is supported by a comprehensive set of software partner middleware, as shown in Table 1.
Notes:
- Included with the Nios II Embedded Design Suite.
- Contact company for availability.
- Included with the Nios II Embedded Design Suite, but licensed separately.
Operating Systems
Altera's embedded software partners provide an array of operating systems for use with the Nios II processor. Many of the operating systems are provided as plug-in components to the Nios II integrated development environment (IDE) for seamless configuration. Table 2 shows the operating systems available for the Nios II processor.
Notes:
- Included with the Nios II Embedded Design Suite, but licensed separately.
- OSEK/VDX compliant. OSEK/VDX is an open standard of the automotive industry.
Device Drivers/HAL API
Altera provides a complete set of peripheral device drivers and even generates a custom board support package automatically to accelerate your software development effort.
- HAL—Increase your productivity by building your applications on top of the Nios II HAL. The HAL is a well-defined software layer that forms a clear distinction between application and device-level software (refer to Figure 1). The HAL also provides services such as file descriptors, I/O control, and buffering, which are required by the ANSI C library functions, so that your HAL driver does not need to provide these functions. Learn about the HAL System Library (PDF).
- Board support package—The Nios IDE automatically generates a complete board support package, including drivers for the peripherals in your system. Learn about the HAL System Library (PDF).
- Custom drivers—Create your own custom drivers on top of the HAL by leveraging the HAL API using a predefined and well documented driver development procedure. This modular approach promotes consistent, portable, and reusable code. Download Developing Device Drivers for the HAL (PDF).
Figure 1. Nios II HAL
Notes:
- SPI = serial peripheral interface
- DMA = direct memory access
- CFI = common flash interface
IP Cores
Simply drag and drop from a menu of available peripheral components to add them to your system. Altera provides a diverse portfolio of IP cores needed for most embedded applications, including communication, memory controller, and device interface IP cores. Additionally, you can create and import your own IP cores to enable the same drag-and-drop reuse. See Table 3 for graphics cores.
For a complete list of IP cores, go to the MegaCore® IP Library page.
Partner Tools
For a listing of development and debug tool partners, visit the Software Development Tool page.
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