You use flash memory for FPGA configuration. Configuration is managed by the configuration PLD based on the state of SEL1, SEL2, and FPGA_IMAGE (see PLD bytestreamer operation).
Two FPGA images (from .bit files) can
be stored in the flash. Depending on the size of the FPGA fitted,
there are some unused areas of the flash device (see Figure 3.15). The unused
area is available for general purpose use, but care must be taken not
to corrupt the FPGA configuration image. Use the Progcards utility
to program binary files (.bin) into the unused
areas of the flash.
You can use flash memory in either 8 or 16-bit mode. (FPGA configuration, however, is always done in 8-bit mode.)
Note
Figure 3.15 shows values for uncompressed bit files. If you are using bit-file compression, the location and size of the Do not use area might be changed. The Do not use area is because of the 128KB block size of the flash.
Caution
Performing a block erase in the regions marked Do not use corrupts the FPGA image.
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