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Solution ID: rd03092007_117
Last Modified: Mar 20, 2007
Product Category: Design Software
Product Area: Design Entry/Planning
Product Sub-area: Megafunctions/MegaWizard
Problem
Are there any known issues with the DDR & DDR2 High-Performance Controller MegaCore function or the ALTMEMPHY megafunction that can cause hardware failures?
Solution
Yes, there is a problem with the DDR & DDR2 High-Performance Controller MegaCore® function versions 6.1 & 7.0, and the ALTMEMPHY megafunction in the Quartus® II software versions 6.1 & 7.0. This problem in the megafunction's calibration sequencer logic block could lead to data corruption when reading from external memory devices, which can cause hardware failures in the megafunction’s supported devices including Stratix® II, Stratix II GX and Cyclone® III devices.
The problem is caused by an error in the soft logic block that controls the voltage and temperature tracking (VT) mechanism of the ALTMEMPHY megafunction. Because the problem is dependent on voltage and temperature, it affects only board-level functionality and does not affect design compilation or simulation. Note that this problem is not due to any hardware issues.
Your design is affected by this problem if it uses one of the following memory functions:
- DDR & DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance Controller MegaCore function version 6.1 or 7.0
- ALTMEMPHY Megafunction from the Quartus II software version 6.1 or 7.0 with your own SDRAM controller
You should install the Quartus II software patch and the MegaCore IP Library patch before you take your design to production. The information below provides procedures to fix this problem in software version 7.0 and version 6.1.
Version 7.0
For version 7.0 of the Quartus II software and MegaCore IP Library, follow these steps to fix the problem:
- Install patch 0.01 listed below for the Quartus II software version 7.0.
- Install patch 0.01 listed below for the MegaCore IP Library version 7.0.
- Use the MegaWizard® Plug-In Manager to regenerate all your DDR or DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance Controller MegaCore functions and ALTMEMPHY megafunctions.
- Recompile your design.
Note that you must apply the corresponding patch to both the Quartus II software and the MegaCore IP Library to fix this problem.
Version 6.1
For version 6.1 of the Quartus II software and MegaCore IP Library, follow these steps to fix the problem:
- Install patch 0.44 listed below for the Quartus II software version 6.1.
- Install patch 0.04 listed below for the MegaCore IP Library version 6.1.
- Use the MegaWizard Plug-In Manager to regenerate all your DDR or DDR2 SDRAM High-Performance Controller MegaCore functions and ALTMEMPHY megafunctions.
- Recompile your design.
Note that you must apply the corresponding patch to both the Quartus II software and the MegaCore IP Library to fix this problem.
Feedback
Altera does not warrant that this solution will work for the customer's intended purpose and disclaims all liability for use of or reliance on the solution.
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