Specifications

The Nios II Processor Reference Handbook defines the processor hardware architecture and features,
including the instruction set architecture.
The Embedded Peripherals IP User Guide provides a reference for the peripherals distributed with the
Nios II processor. This handbook describes the hardware structure and Nios II software drivers for each
peripheral.
The Embedded Design Handbook describes how to use Altera software development tools effectively, and
recommends design styles and practices for developing, debugging, and optimizing embedded systems.
• The Altera Knowledge Database is an Internet resource that offers solutions to frequently asked
questions with an easy-to-use search engine.
• Altera application notes and tutorials offer step-by-step instructions on using the Nios II processor for
a specific application or purpose. These documents are available on the Altera website.
• The Nios II EDS documentation launchpad. The launchpad is an HTML page installed with the Nios II
EDS, which provides links to Nios II documentation, examples, and other resources. The way you
open the launchpad depends on your software platform.
• In the Windows operating system, on the Start menu, point to Programs > Altera > Nios II EDS,
and click Nios II <version> Documentation.
• In the Linux operating system, open <Nios II EDS install path>/documents/index.html in a web
browser.
Related Information
• Nios II Processor Reference Handbook
For more information on hardware architecture and features, including the instruction set architec‐
ture.
• Embedded Peripherals IP User Guide
For more information on hardware structure and Nios II software drivers for each peripheral.
• Embedded Design Handbook
For more information on design styles and practices for developing, debugging, and optimizing
embedded systems.
• Knowledge Database
For more information, refer to the Knowledge Database page of the Altera website.
• Literature: Nios II Processor
Document Revision History for Overview of Nios II Embedded
Development
Date Version Changes
May 2015 2015.05.14
• Maintenance release.
• Renamed to Nios II Classic.
January 2014 13.1.0
• Removed references to Nios II IDE.
• Removed references to Nios II C2H.
• Updated the "Hardware Examples" section.
May 2011 11.0.0 Introduced Qsys system integration tool
NII5V2
2015.05.14
Document Revision History for Overview of Nios II Embedded Development
1-7
Overview of Nios II Embedded Development
Altera Corporation
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