Intel Quartus Prime Lite Edition asks for license even though their website says that license isn't required
Started by 6 years ago●4 replies●latest reply 6 years ago●2812 viewsA user encountered a licensing error when trying to use Quartus Prime Lite Edition via the open-source Cascade compiler, despite the Lite version being marketed as free. The discussion identifies that the error stemmed from the user unknowingly running the Standard or Pro version instead of the Lite edition.
The issue was resolved by correctly installing and selecting the Lite version, which successfully enabled compilation for the Cyclone V FPGA without requiring a license.
- Quartus Prime Lite Edition does not require a license for Cyclone V FPGA support.
- Installers for different Quartus editions are often bundled, which can lead to accidental installation of the licensed version.
- The 'Evaluation Mode' error message typically indicates that the Standard or Pro edition is being used instead of the Lite version.
- Verifying the software version through the 'About Quartus Prime' menu helps diagnose licensing discrepancies.
I am trying to bring up the DE10 Nano kit that has Cyclone V FPGA using the open source Cascade compiler https://github.com/vmware/cascade from VMware. It uses Quartus Lite edition by calling Quartus command line tools.
Compilation fails:
Warning (292011): Can't generate programming files because you are currently using the Quartus Prime software in Evaluation Mode.But the website says that Quartus Lite doesn't require license: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/programmab...
I am confused now, do I really need a license just to try a simple design? Why does their website say otherwise?
Is there a time_limited.sof file in your quartus directory?
No, there's no such file.
OK. So I don't think this a licensing error...
As the Lite edition can program Cyclone V, it should work...
Can you check for Quartus revision in the 'About Quartus Prime' windows (in GUI mode, help menu). It seems that your error message indicates that you are in evaluation version.
How do you install your Quartus software (with Cascade compiler or directly through Intel website)? Maybe you should re-install and/or take the latest version in Intel website?
Never mind, the problem was that I had Quartus Prime installed, because their installers are bundled together. After updating to Lite I was able to compile.
Thank you for your help!
