JTAG vs. Passive Serial Config speed

Hi

Is there a significant difference in the time it takes to download a
configuration to an Altera Cyclone (EP1C6) using JTAG, vs. the Passive
Serial Configuration method?

In January, Greg Steinke here mentioned a program to program a Serial
Configuration Device (e.g. EPCS1) _through_ a Cyclone, with the
programmer attached only to the Cyclone's JTAG port. It was beta, then.
Is this option available in e.g. Quartus today, or even available as
source code (a "combined" Jrunner + Srunner?).

Thanks for info
Kolja

"Kolja Waschk" <kawk@20.12.2004.telos.info> wrote in message
news:pan.2004.12.15.16.00.52.620341@20.12.2004.telos.info...
> Hi
>
> Is there a significant difference in the time it takes to download a
> configuration to an Altera Cyclone (EP1C6) using JTAG, vs. the Passive
> Serial Configuration method?
>
> In January, Greg Steinke here mentioned a program to program a Serial
> Configuration Device (e.g. EPCS1) _through_ a Cyclone, with the
> programmer attached only to the Cyclone's JTAG port. It was beta, then.
> Is this option available in e.g. Quartus today, or even available as
> source code (a "combined" Jrunner + Srunner?).
>
> Thanks for info
> Kolja
>

yes, the new Quartus can now program an EPCS1/4 through the FPGA. You have
to convert the SOF file by using the 'Convert Programming Files' in the
Files Menu. Select JTAG Indirect (*.JIC). Then add the necessary SOF file.
Open the programmer and use the generated JIC file. Works excellent, and
quite speedy. It's takes around one minute depending on the size of the SOF
file. It even works with multiple devices. Don't forget to check the
checkbox for EPCS in the programmer, it defaults to off.

This was previously done using the ByteJammer software, which is extremely
slow and cumbersome. Basically because the JAM file is some kind of simple
BASIC looking language (STAPL) that's being interpreted runtime.

Configuring a device over JTAG at full speed (10MHz) takes only half a
second or so. That's with hardware assisted JRunner software running on a
NIOS.

Jeroen