Nios II Classic Processor Reference Guide

ID 683620
Date 10/28/2016
Public
Document Table of Contents

1.2. Getting Started with the Nios II Processor

The easiest way to start designing effectively is to use an Intel development kit that includes a ready-made development board and the Nios II Embedded Design Suite (EDS) containing all the software development tools necessary to write Nios II software.

The Nios II EDS includes the following two closely-related software development tool flows:

  • The Nios II SBT
  • The Nios II SBT for Eclipse

Both tools flows are based on the GNU C/C++ compiler. The Nios II SBT for Eclipse™ provides a familiar and established environment for software development. Using the Nios II SBT for Eclipse, you can immediately begin developing and simulating Nios II software applications.

The Nios II SBT also provides a command line interface.

Using the Nios® II hardware reference designs included in an Intel development kit, you can prototype an application running on a board before building a custom hardware platform.

Figure 1. Example of a Nios® II Processor System

If the prototype system adequately meets design requirements using an Intel-provided reference design, you can copy the reference design and use it without modification in the final hardware platform. Otherwise, you can customize the Nios® II processor system until it meets cost or performance requirements.