DMA Firmware Installation Checklist for 75T and 100T FPGA Boards
A reliable DMA firmware installation starts with identification and documentation. The goal of this checklist is to make every step reversible and easy to review before a firmware file is programmed.
1. Record the board before changing anything
Photograph the board label, connector layout and current firmware screen. Write down the FPGA family, the reported target (for example 75T or 100T), the cable interface and the tool version. This small record makes support and rollback much faster.
2. Confirm the FPGA target through JTAG
Run a non-destructive JTAG identity scan and save the IDCODE, DNA, chain index and configuration state. The target must come from the scan, not from a reseller title or PCB colour. If the scan is incomplete, stop and solve the driver or cable issue first.
3. Validate the firmware package
- Check that the file format is supported by the flashing tool.
- Confirm that the package names the same FPGA target as the scan.
- Verify the release version and read its changelog.
- Keep an untouched copy of the previous file and the diagnostic report.
4. Flash, verify and document
Use stable power, close applications that can hold the interface and flash only after the target check passes. When the tool finishes, read the identity again, compare the configuration state and save the log. A successful write is not complete until the post-flash readback is recorded.
5. Get a second pair of eyes
When a board label and a JTAG report disagree, do not guess. Share the report with the NAPOLEON team on Discord and ask for a compatibility review before ordering or programming.