Embedded Files
The EPM7032AE PCB also has a small graphic indicating the orientation of the JTAG 10-pin connector. The graphic shows the orientation of the notch found on the connector.
To program the EPM7032AE, and many other Altera CPLD and FPGAs you will need a USB Blaster.
The USB Blaster provides a JTAG connection to the target device via your computer's USB.
The USB Blaster is controlled by Quartus in the 'Device Programming' section of a project.
I've made a short video previously on using Quartus to program the EPM7032AE.
Found: here
Important Note: It is important to remember that JTAG programmers do not usually supply power to the target device. The user will still need to supply power to the power pins of the board for programming.
Where to buy
USB Blasters are available from most major electronic component retailers such as Digikey, RS Components, Element 14. The USB Blasters from these major suppliers are genuine Altera products, and unfortunately they can be very expensive ($400+).
Luckily, there are clone USB Blasters on the market that can be purchased from around $10. You can find these clone USB Blasters on websites such as eBay and AliExpress. I use a clone USB programmer myself which works absolutely fine.
Some example links of where to buy a USB Blaster:
Example - Genuine USB Blaster by Altera: https://www.digikey.com.au/product-detail/en/intel/PL-USB-BLASTER-RCN/544-1775-ND/1212940
Example - USB Blaster Clone from eBay: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/altera-Mini-Usb-Blaster-Cable-For-CNJD-FPGA-NIOS-JTAG-Altera-Programmer-LJBD-DH/283954759277
JTAG Connector Orientation
The USB Blaster connects to the target device with a 10-pin IDC (insulation displacement) connector. It is important that the 10-pin connector is plugged in at the correct orientation to function properly and to avoid damage to either the target device or USB Blaster.
The EPM7032AE board has markings on the PCB with indicate the correct orientation of the 10 pin connector.
As shown below a small triangle on the PCB indicates the position of [pin 1] of the JTAG 10-pin connector.
A properly made IDC connector cable should also have a red wire indicating [pin 1].
A small triangle should also be on one side of the 10-pin connector, this triangle also indicates [pin 1].
Aligning the triangle on the connector to the triangle on the board is the correct orientation for the making the JTAG connection.
TLDR: Connect Pin 1 of the USB Blaster cable to Pin 1 of the EPM7032AE board.
USB Blaster Cable: Pin 1 is indicated by a triangle on the connector, or the red (or different colour) wire.
EPM7032AE Board: Pin 1 is indicated by a triangle printed on the PCB.
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