Altera’s new device configuration mode – configuration via protocol (CvP) – can be used with PCI Express® to configure the core fabric of Altera’s 28-nm Arria® V, Cyclone® V, and Stratix® V FPGAs. CvP can reduce product cost and board size, while simplifying the software usage model, and providing robust in-field system upgrade capability. In addition, the autonomous, embedded PCIe IP core helps ensure that designs meet PCIe power-up time requirements, irrespective of the FPGA core fabric configuration time, guaranteeing a wide range of interoperability with various PCIe-based computer platforms.

Author:  Arye Ziklik, Senior Manager, Product Planning, Altera Corporation