A binary file (with the extension .pof) containing the data for programming a MAX^® 3000 device, a MAX 7000 device, or a configuration device that can configure other devices. A POF for a configuration device is generated by the Compiler's Assembler module, by the makeprogfile command-line utility, by the Convert Programming Files command (File menu), or by convert_prog_file from the command line. You create a POF for a MAX 3000 device or MAX 7000 device using only the Compiler's Assembler module.

A POF for Remote Update is a POF that consists of a remote update enabled POF and additional remote update enabled SRAM Object Files (.sof), and is used to program configuration devices in remote update configuration mode. You create a remote update enabled POF by adding remote update enabled SOFs to a POF in the Convert Programming Files dialog box. You create a remote update enabled SOF by creating a design for a Stratix^™ or Stratix^™ GX device with a remote update block, and choosing Remote in the Configuration mode list in the Configuration tab of the Device & Pin Options dialog box, which is available from the Device page of the Settings dialog box (Assignments menu).

A POF for Local Update is a POF that consists of a local update enabled POF and additional local update enabled SOFs, and is used to program configuration devices in local update configuration mode. You create a local update enabled POF by adding local update enabled SOFs to a POF in the Convert Programming Files dialog box. You create a local update enabled SOF by creating a design for a Stratix or Stratix GX device and choosing Local in the Configuration mode list in the Configuration tab of the Device & Pin Options dialog box, which is available from the Device page.

A POF for Remote Update can be created for only EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 configuration devices, and can contain only remote update enabled POFs and SOFs. A POF for Remote Update can be used only by Stratix devices.

A POF for Local Update can be created for only EPC4, EPC8, and EPC16 configuration devices, and can contain only local update enabled POFs and SOFs. A POF for Local Update can be used only by Stratix devices.