Configuration via Protocol (CvP) Implementation in V-series FPGA Devices User Guide

ID 683889
Date 9/04/2020
Public
Document Table of Contents

1.3. CvP Modes

The CvP configuration scheme supports the following modes:

  • CvP initialization mode
  • CvP update mode

CvP Initialization Mode

This mode configures the core of the FPGA through the PCIe link upon system power up. Initialization refers to the initial fabric configuration image loaded in the FPGA fabric after power up.

Benefits of using CvP initialization mode include:

  • Satisfying the PCIe wake-up time requirement
  • Saving cost by storing the core image in the host memory
  • Preventing unauthorized access to the core image

CvP Update Mode

This mode assumes that you have configured the FPGA with the full configuration image (both periphery and core) from a local configuration device after the initial system power up. The PCIe link is used for subsequent core image updates (only core, the periphery must remain unchanged during CvP update).

Choose this mode if you want to update the core image for any of the following reasons:

  • To change core algorithms
  • To perform standard updates as part of a release process
  • To customize core processing for different components that are part of a complex system
Note: The CvP update mode works after the FPGA enters user mode. In user mode, the PCIe link is available for normal PCIe applications as well as to perform an FPGA core image update.
Table 1.  CvP Support for Device Families
Device CvP Modes Supported
PCIe Gen 1 PCIe Gen 2 PCIe Gen 3
Arria 10 1 CvP Initialization CvP Initialization CvP Initialization
Stratix® V CvP Initialization

CvP Update

CvP Initialization

CvP Update

No support
Arria® V GZ CvP Initialization

CvP Update

CvP Initialization

CvP Update

No support
Arria® V CvP Initialization

CvP Update

CvP Initialization No support
Cyclone® V CvP Initialization

CvP Update

CvP Initialization No support
1 For Arria 10 devices, refer to the Arria 10 CvP Initialization and Partial Reconfiguration over PCI Express User Guide.