Altera and Xilinx cables co-shareable?

[System.out]

Do you know if I can use Xilinx USB download **broken link removed** cable with Altera Devices (Arria GX FPGA)? Or do I need USB byteblaster http://www.buyaltera.com/scripts/partsearch.dll?Detail&name=544-1775-ND

Of course, I understand that it is recommended to use manufacturer cable with their devices.

Cheers

 

[FvM]

You can use the Xilinx cable with Altera devices, if the Xilinx programming tool (or any other tool operational with the cable) will support a portable programming file, e.g. STAPL (Standard Test and Programming Language) or SVF (Serial Vector Format), that can be generated directly or indirectly (by conversion tools) from the Altera programming files. I know, that e.g. Lattice ispVM System is good in integrating 3rd party programming files, but I don't about Xilinx. Your surely can't use the Xilinx cable with Altera tools (unless you manage to write a bridging driver, good luck).