Altera

Configuration bitstream sizes are increasing with the introduction of higher-density FPGAs. This increase requires larger configuration devices to store the data and configure these FPGAs. As an alternative to using larger configuration devices, designers can use flash memory to store configuration data. To use flash memory to perform configuration, designers must use a flash memory configuration controller, which also allows the implementation of a remote system upgrade configuration scheme in the design. This white paper shows how to implement the flash memory controller in Altera's MAX II, MAX 3000A, or MAX 7000 devices.