The Questa-Intel FPGA Edition software is the simulation tool required for verifying GeMRTOS designs on Altera FPGA platforms with Nios V processors. Before launching Questa, the license must be configured using the Siemens EDA license daemon mgcld and the MGLS_LICENSE_FILE environment variable. This guide covers both supported license configuration methods: a local license file and a network license server.
License Setup Requirements #
The Questa-Intel FPGA Edition software uses the Siemens EDA license daemon mgcld to manage license access. On Windows, the mgcld daemon is located in the Questa-Intel FPGA Edition system directory:
- Windows:
<Questa - Intel FPGA Edition system directory>\
The license daemon must be running and accessible before Questa can start. You can use either a local license file or a floating license server.
How to Configure the License #
Before starting the Questa-Intel FPGA Edition software, set the MGLS_LICENSE_FILE environment variable to point to the license. Two formats are supported:
Local license file: set
MGLS_LICENSE_FILEto the full path of the license file:MGLS_LICENSE_FILE (<Questa installation directory>/licenses/eda/license.dat)License server: set
MGLS_LICENSE_FILEto the port and hostname of the license server:MGLS_LICENSE_FILE <port>@<hostname>
Key Takeaways #
- Questa-Intel FPGA Edition requires the mgcld Siemens EDA license daemon — on Windows it is located in the Questa system directory.
- Set the
MGLS_LICENSE_FILEenvironment variable before launching Questa; it accepts either a local file path or a<port>@<hostname>license server address. - This configuration must be completed before running GeMRTOS Nios V simulations in the Quartus Prime / Platform Designer design flow.
Source: Intel, “Specifying the License for the Questa-Intel FPGA Edition Software,” Intel Quartus Prime Pro Edition User Guide, intel.com.
