In any stand-alone embedded system that contains a microprocessor, the processor runs a small piece of code called a boot copier, or boot loader, after the system resets. The boot copier locates the appropriate application software in non-volatile memory, copies it to RAM, initializes critical system components, and branches to the entry point of the application software image. The block of data in non-volatile memory that contains the application software is commonly referred to as the boot image. Boot copiers range in complexity from basic byte-for-byte copy routines to comprehensive applications that perform rigorous system tests, select among multiple software applications, and unpack, decompress, and perform error detection on the proper application. This document teaches you how to implement your own custom boot copier software using the Nios? II processor and Nios II software build tools. In addition, this document provides the basic information needed to externally control the Nios II boot process. This document addresses how to implement a custom boot copier for a Nios II processor already configured in the FPGA. It does not address custom methods of configuring Altera? FPGAs. Alternative Nios II Boot Methods AN-458-2.1 Application Note In any stand-alone embedded system that contains a microprocessor, the processor runs a small piece of code called a boot copier, or boot loader, after the system resets. The boot copier locates the appropriate application software in non-volatile memory, copies it to RAM, initializes critical system components, and branches to the entry point of the applica……