Upgrade Your Intel MAX 10 Devices Remotely with RSU

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Remote System Upgrade (RSU)?
• Why Use RSU?
• The Advantages of RSU
• Implementing RSU in Intel Max 10 Devices
  • Configuration Flash Memory (CFM)
  • Configuration Control Logic
  • FPGA Design with RSU Control Mechanism
• Two Methods for Controlling RSU Implementation
  • Discrete Logic Implementation
  • Processor-Based Implementation
• Steps for Performing RSU
  1. Creating the Initial Programming Image
  2. Programming the Initial Image to CFM
  3. Creating the Updated Programming Image
  4. Isolating the Updated Data for CFM
  5. Transferring and Programming the Updated Image to CFM
  6. Triggering Reconfiguration from the Updated CFM
  7. Fail-safe RSU: Triggering Reconfiguration from the Factory Image

# Implementing Remote System Upgrade in Intel Max 10 FPGA Devices

Remote System Upgrade (RSU) is an essential feature in Intel Max 10 FPGA devices that allows for remote access and alteration of system design functionality while the device is already in operation. Unlike traditional reconfiguration methods that simply reprogram the FPGA device with the same design, RSU enables a complete switch to a different programming image, potentially altering the device's functionality. In this article, we will explore the concept of RSU, its advantages, and the implementation details for Intel Max 10 devices.

## What is Remote System Upgrade (RSU)?

Remote System Upgrade (RSU) is the ability to remotely access a system design and modify its functionality while it is running. This feature allows for the reconfiguration of an FPGA device with a different programming image, effectively changing the behavior of the device in real-time. RSU enables the upgrade of a design remotely, eliminating the need for service calls or hardware returns to a factory or service center.

## Why Use RSU?

RSU offers several advantages for remote system upgrades, making it a valuable feature for FPGA devices. The key benefits of RSU include:

1. Remote Monitoring: RSU allows for the remote monitoring of system designs deployed in the field. This enables the detection of problems or the need for design upgrades without the need for physical access to the device.

2. Cost and Time Savings: Performing design upgrades remotely through RSU eliminates the need for service calls, hardware returns, or visits to the field. This significantly reduces costs and saves time by minimizing downtime and avoiding potential loss of revenue.

3. Extended Device Lifetime: Devices that can be regularly upgraded, both in terms of hardware and software, have a longer lifespan. RSU prevents hardware obsolescence and keeps devices up-to-date with the latest designs, extending their operational life.

## Implementing RSU in Intel Max 10 Devices

Intel Max 10 devices have built-in flash memory that enables RSU functionality. These devices feature a Configuration Flash Memory (CFM) that can store multiple programming images, allowing for easy switching between designs. The implementation of RSU in Intel Max 10 devices involves the following elements:

1. Configuration Flash Memory (CFM): The CFM is a part of the on-chip flash memory in Intel Max 10 devices. It is used to store the programming images required for RSU. The CFM is organized into sectors and pages, and the number, size, and addressing of these sectors and pages depend on the specific device. Typically, CFM consists of a golden image (image 0) and an application image (image 1) for RSU.

2. Configuration Control Logic: The Configuration Control Logic is responsible for managing the reconfiguration process in Intel Max 10 devices. It controls the selection and switching between programming images stored in the CFM. The control logic also handles error situations, such as interrupted or failed image transfers, through the use of a watchdog timer.

3. FPGA Design with RSU Control Mechanism: The FPGA design itself includes an RSU control mechanism that interacts with the Configuration Control Logic. This control mechanism allows for the transfer of new programming images from an external source, such as a serial interface, to the CFM. It also triggers the reconfiguration process to switch to the new image.

## Two Methods for Controlling RSU Implementation

There are two primary methods for controlling the RSU implementation:

1. Discrete Logic Implementation: In this method, the RSU control is entirely handled by discrete hardware components. A manually-coded state machine is used as the control logic, and the serial interface and CFM are connected to the control logic. This implementation allows for better optimization and is suitable for low logic density devices.

2. Processor-Based Implementation: The processor-based implementation involves using a soft processor, such as the Neos II processor, to handle the RSU control. The required components, including the processor, on-chip RAM, and interface IP cores, are added to the design using Platform Designer. This implementation is easier to set up but requires a larger density target device.

## Steps for Performing RSU

Performing a remote system upgrade (RSU) in Intel Max 10 devices involves the following steps:

Step 1: Creating the Initial Programming Image

• Generate the programming files for the initial design using Quartus Prime.
• Configure the device settings for RSU, such as the configuration mode and scheme.
• Generate the programming file in the desired format (e.g., .POF).

Step 2: Programming the Initial Image to CFM

• Use the Quartus Programmer to program the initial image into the CFM of the device.
• Choose the appropriate CFM sector for programming, usually CFM 0.

Step 3: Creating the Updated Programming Image

• Modify the design to create the updated functionality.
• Generate the programming files for the updated design, ensuring RSU compatibility.
• Consider compressing the programming image to optimize size.

Step 4: Isolating the Updated Data for CFM

• Use a hex editor to isolate the programming data corresponding to the CFM sector to be updated (e.g., CFM 1).
• Ensure that the isolated data is stored in a separate programming file.

Step 5: Transferring and Programming the Updated Image to CFM

• Connect to the device using a UART interface and transfer the isolated programming file (e.g., .RPD) to the device.
• Use the provided software code to program the updated image into the CFM.

Step 6: Triggering Reconfiguration from the Updated CFM

• Trigger the reconfiguration process by either pulsing the end config signal or using the internal signal to the dual configuration logic.
• Ensure that the configuration control logic switches to the updated image and reconfigures the device accordingly.

Step 7: Fail-safe RSU: Triggering Reconfiguration from the Factory Image

• In case of a problem with the updated image, trigger a reconfiguration from the factory image (e.g., CFM 0) to maintain system functionality.
• This fail-safe mechanism ensures that the device can always fall back to a known working state.

Performing RSU allows for seamless upgrades and updates of FPGA devices in the field, minimizing downtime and reducing costs. With the RSU feature in Intel Max 10 devices, remote monitoring, cost savings, and extended device lifetimes become achievable realities.

Highlights

• Remote System Upgrade (RSU) enables the remote access and modification of system designs running on FPGA devices.
• RSU offers advantages like remote monitoring, cost and time savings, and extended device lifetimes.
• Intel Max 10 devices have built-in Configuration Flash Memory (CFM) for storing programming images for RSU.
• RSU implementation can be done using discrete logic or processor-based methods.
• Performing RSU involves creating initial and updated programming images, programming them into CFM, and triggering reconfiguration.

FAQ

Q: Can RSU be performed on any FPGA device? A: RSU is a feature specific to Intel Max 10 devices and is not available on all FPGA devices. Check the device specifications to determine if RSU is supported.

Q: Can RSU be used to upgrade both hardware and software in an FPGA device? A: Yes, RSU allows for the upgrade of both hardware and software designs in the field. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for maintaining and improving FPGA devices remotely.

Q: Are there any limitations to RSU in Intel Max 10 devices? A: RSU requires sufficient space in the Configuration Flash Memory (CFM) of Intel Max 10 devices to store multiple programming images. Ensure that your device has enough CFM capacity for RSU implementations.

Q: Can RSU be performed without interrupting the operation of a device? A: Yes, RSU enables the reconfiguration of the device while it is running. This means that the device can be upgraded without interrupting its normal operation, reducing downtime and potential revenue loss.

Q: Is RSU reversible? Can the device be reverted to its previous programming image? A: Yes, RSU enables the switching between programming images stored in the CFM of Intel Max 10 devices. By triggering a reconfiguration, the device can switch back to a previous image, effectively reverting to its previous functionality.

Resources

• Intel Max 10 FPGA Documentation
• Intel Quartus Prime Documentation