Altera Quartus II 13.0, specifically the Service Pack 1 (SP1), remains a popular version for developers working with legacy FPGA hardware like the Cyclone II family, which is not supported in newer Quartus Prime versions. While Intel (which acquired Altera) has discontinued many older versions, 13.0 SP1 is still accessible for specific development needs. Download Options There are two primary ways to obtain the software for free:
Quartus II Web Edition (Free): This version does not require a paid license and supports a wide range of entry-level and legacy FPGAs, including the Cyclone II, III, and IV families.
Official Intel/Altera Download Center: You can typically find 13.0 SP1 by navigating to the Intel FPGA Software Download Center and selecting the "Legacy" or "Archives" section.
External Archives: If the official site is unavailable due to discontinuation notices, some users rely on the Internet Archive for verified copies of the installer. System Requirements
Before downloading, ensure your system meets these specifications:
Altera Quartus II 13.0 Web Edition is the final version to support several "Legacy" device families, making it a critical download for those working with older FPGA hardware. You can find this version on the official Intel FPGA Download Center Why Version 13.0? Legacy Support : This is the last version to support Cyclone II Web Edition
(now called Lite Edition) does not require a paid license for these devices. Built-in Simulation : It typically includes ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition
, allowing for functional and timing simulations without extra cost. Altera Community Key Download Components
To get a fully functional environment, ensure you download the following from the Intel Download Center Quartus II Software : The core compiler and IDE. Device Support : You must specifically download the files for your hardware (e.g., Cyclone II, Cyclone IV). ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition : For testing your HDL code. Altera Community Installation Quick Tips Single Directory : Place the installer and the device support files ( same folder
before running the setup; the installer will automatically detect and install the hardware libraries. Operating System
: Version 13.0 is compatible with Windows (7/8/10) and certain Linux distributions. : After installation, you may need to manually install the USB-Blaster driver found in the
subfolder of your installation directory to program your board. , or do you need help setting up the USB-Blaster altera quartus ii 13.0 free download
Is there a free student version of Modelsim - Altera Community
ModelSim-Altera is included and you can download it without cost. on Intel homepage. All you need is a no-cost license. Altera Community
Downloading & Installation of Intel Quartus Prime & ModelSim [2022]
Report: Altera Quartus II 13.0 SP1 Free Download Altera Quartus II 13.0 SP1 Web Edition is widely sought after because it is the last version to support several legacy FPGA and CPLD device families, such as the Cyclone II series. While Intel has discontinued many older versions, 13.0 SP1 was specifically retained for community access for several years. Official Download Status
Availability: As of recent reports, the public direct download links for the Web Edition (Lite) have become unstable or were removed from the primary Intel/Altera download portal after certain devices were declared End-of-Life (EOL).
Official Portal: You can typically check the Intel FPGA Software Download Center for archived versions.
Direct Link (Legacy): Some users have found success using specific legacy landing pages like the Quartus II Web Edition 13.0sp1 Windows page. Required Installation Files
For a complete installation, you must download multiple components and save them in the same temporary directory before running the installer. File Name (Typical) Quartus II Software QuartusSetupWeb-13.0.1.232.exe Main design environment (includes Nios II EDS) Device Support cyclone_web-13.0.1.232.qdz Libraries for Cyclone II, III, and IV Simulator ModelSimSetup-13.0.1.232.exe ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition (Free) Legacy Devices max_web-13.0.1.232.qdz Support for MAX II, V, 3000, and 7000 Installation Procedure
Download all files into one folder. The installer automatically detects the .qdz device files if they are in the same location. Run the executable (.exe for Windows, .run for Linux).
Select Components: Ensure the "ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition" and the specific device families (e.g., Cyclone II) you need are checked.
Finish Setup: Uncheck the "feedback" option if you prefer not to send data to the vendor. Technical Considerations Altera Quartus II 13
Quartus II Web Edition Design Software Version 13.0sp1 for Linux
Altera Quartus II 13.0 SP1 (Web Edition) is widely recognized as the last version to support legacy FPGA families like Cyclone II. Because it is a legacy release, it is often archived rather than featured on main product pages. Where to Download
Official Intel/Altera Download Center: The most reliable way to obtain the software is through the Altera Download Center. You must specifically select the Web Edition for free use, as the "Subscription Edition" requires a paid license.
Operating Systems: It is available for both Windows and Linux. Essential Files to Download
To have a functional environment, you generally need to download multiple components and place them in the same temporary directory before running the installer:
Quartus II Software: The core design environment (approx. 1.5 GB).
Device Support Files: You must download the specific database for your chip (e.g., Cyclone II, III, IV support).
ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition: The simulation tool. Ensure you choose the Starter Edition, which is free and does not require a license. Installation Steps
Preparation: Move the core installer (.exe or .run) and the device support files (.qdz) into the same folder.
Run Setup: Execute the main installer. It will automatically detect the device support files in the same directory.
USB-Blaster Driver: After installation, you may need to manually install the USB-Blaster driver via the Windows Device Manager to program your hardware. Disk space : At least 8 GB free
License: Upon first launch, select "Run the Quartus II software in a free mode" (Web Edition) to avoid license prompts. Version Comparison Web Edition (Free) Subscription Edition (Paid) Cost Requires paid subscription Devices Supports Cyclone II/III/IV, Max II/V Full device support Simulator ModelSim-Altera Starter Edition ModelSim-Altera Edition
For further technical details, you can consult the official Quartus II 13.0 Handbook provided by Intel.
Quartus II Web Edition Design Software Version 13.0 ... - Altera
Yes – but with a key distinction:
| Edition | Cost | Limitations | |---------|------|--------------| | Quartus II Web Edition | Free | Supports only certain low-density devices (e.g., Cyclone IV, MAX II). No CPLD or high-end FPGA support. | | Quartus II Subscription Edition | Paid (license required) | Full device support. |
For free download, you want the Web Edition.
⚠️ Important: Intel no longer provides direct public links for versions before 16.0 through their main download portal. However, they maintain a legacy archive accessible with a free Intel account.
Quartus II 13.0sp1 was the last version to support some of the most popular low-cost FPGA families (like Cyclone III and IV). Here is how to find, download, and install it.
| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | “No devices installed” | Run the device installer separately after Quartus installation. | | USB-Blaster driver error on Win 10 | Use legacy driver signing or install Quartus 13.0 on a VM with Win 7. | | License error popup | You downloaded Subscription Edition by mistake – re-download Web Edition. |
Before diving into the download process, it is essential to understand why this specific version is still in high demand years after its release.
