Installation of Intel® FPGA development software (tools) can be done basically by following the Wizard. However, if you are installing for the first time, you may be confused because all the messages are in English.

If you are using the Nios® II embedded processor, you also need the Nios® II Software Build Tools (Nios® II SBT), but the Nios® II SBT installs automatically when you install the Quartus® Prime development software. will be split.

Also included here is the installation of ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition for use in RTL simulation.

install

Preparing for installation

Have you downloaded the installation files?

If you have not downloaded it yet, first download the installation file (installer) of the tool you want to install.

How to Download Intel® FPGA Tools

To install the Quartus® Prime software, the Quartus® Prime software itself (EXE file) and device library (QDZ file) are required.

  • Quartus® Prime development software (only the edition to be installed is sufficient)
    • Pro Edition
    • Standard Edition
    • Lite Edition


Pro and Standard editions require a paid license. After the installation is complete, set the license. Also, the lite edition is free to install and use, but it supports limited devices and functions. For supported OS and devices, see Quartus® Prime Supported Windows® OS Matrix and Quartus® Prime Supported Device Matrix.

  • Device library (just the device you want to use)
    • Stratix® 10 devices
    • Stratix® V devices
    • Stratix® IV devices
    • Arria® 10 devices
    • Arria® V device (separate files for GZ and GT/GX/St/SX)
    • Arria® II devices
    • Cyclone® 10 device (separate files for GX and LP)
    • Cyclone® V devices
    • Cyclone® IV device
    • MAX® 10 devices
    • MAX® V/MAX® II devices


It is recommended that you also download the file for ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition (EXE file) and save it in the same directory.

  • ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition Main Unit


It's a good idea to keep these files in the same directory, like this:

Article header v1800 installer 1
Save the installer

Run the installation

Once you have all the necessary files, it's time to install. Double-click the Quartus® Prime software executable to launch the wizard. Follow the instructions to proceed with the installation. This time, we will use the Standard Edition as an example.

Article header v1800 qp setup 1
Setup (Quartus Prime)
Article header v1800 qp license agreement 1
Acceptance of Use (Quartus Prime)
Article header v1800 qp installation directory 1
Specify Installation Location (Quartus Prime)

Next, decide which tools and devices to install. Keeping the installer in the same directory as the Quartus® Prime software installer will automatically recognize other tools and device libraries, saving you the trouble of doing a total installation.

If you save it in a different directory, it will not be recognized here, and you will need to install the device library and other tools separately after completing the installation of the Quartus® Prime development software.

The simulator is available in two editions: ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition (paid license required) and ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Starter Edition (free). Please set which edition to install. See below for edition differences.

ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition Introduction Page

Article header v1800 qp select components 1
Choosing Tools and Devices (Quartus Prime)
Article header v1800 qp ready to install 1
Final Check Before Installation (Quartus Prime)
Article header v1800 qp installing 1
Installing (Quartus Prime)

After installing the Quartus® Prime development software, the installation of ModelSim® - Intel® FPGA Edition will begin immediately. Please keep an eye on it.

Article header v1800 ms installing 1
Installing (ModelSim - Intel FPGA Edition)

When the installation of the tool is completed, the following screen will be displayed. Check where you need it and click Finish.

Article header v1800 qp installation complete 1
Installation complete (Quartus Prime)

Installing the USB-Blaster™ II driver

Next, let's install the driver for the Intel® FPGA Download Cable (USB-Blaster™ II). USB-Blaster™ II is a download cable used for writing data to FPGA/CPLD and debugging.

Article header v1700 ub2 installing 1

License settings

After the installation is complete, set the license. As mentioned above, the Pro and Standard editions require a license. (The lite edition can be used just by installing it.)

By the way, do you have the license file?

See here for license settings.

Click here for how to install older versions

Quartus® Prime & ModelSim® Installation Instructions (v17.1)
Quartus® Prime & ModelSim® Installation Instructions (v17.0)
Quartus® Prime & ModelSim® Installation Instructions (v16.1)
Quartus® Prime & ModelSim® Installation Instructions (v16.0)

Click here for recommended articles/materials

Quartus® Prime related articles and resources
Intel® FPGA Development Flow/FPGA Top Page

Click here for recommended FAQ

ModelSim® FAQs
Quartus® Prime FAQs
Intel® FPGA FAQs