4.1.1. QuestaSim Licensing Error Messages - The HLS compiler issues error messages if it cannot locate the license for the installed version of QuestaSim software. - 2025-12-15

Altera High Level Synthesis Compiler Pro Edition Getting Started Guide
Version
24.1
Product Type
Development Software and Tools > FPGA Design & Simulation Tools > Quartus Prime Design Software > Pro Edition
Device Families > Arria Families > Arria 10
Device Families > Agilex Families
Device Families > Agilex Families > Agilex 7 > F-Series
Device Families > Stratix Families > Stratix 10
Development Software and Tools > FPGA Design & Simulation Tools > Quartus Prime Design Software
Device Families > Agilex Families > Agilex 7
Device Families > Cyclone Families
Device Families > Arria Families
Device Families > Stratix Families
Device Families > Cyclone Families > Cyclone V
Device Families > Agilex Families > Agilex 7 > I-Series
Device Families > Cyclone Families > Cyclone 10 > Cyclone 10 GX
Device Families > Cyclone Families > Cyclone 10
Resource Type
Documentation > User Guides
ft:sourceName
DITA
The HLS compiler issues error messages if it cannot locate the license for the installed version of QuestaSim® software.

If the HLS compiler fails to locate the QuestaSim® software license, it issues the following error message when you compile your design to the FPGA architecture:

$ i++ -march="<FPGA_family_or_part_number>" program.cpp 
HLS Elaborate verification testbench. FAILED.
See ./a.prj/debug.log for details.
Error: Missing simulator license for <questa_path_to_vsim_executable>. Either:
1) Ensure you have a valid ModelSim license
2) Use the --simulator none flag to skip the verification flow

Common causes for these errors include:

  • Missing, expired, or invalid licenses
  • Incorrect license server name in the license.dat file
  • Unspecified or incorrectly-specified license location
Note: The running speed of the HLS compiler might decrease if the compiler has to search the network for missing or corrupted licenses. If this problem occurs, correct the license file or license location accordingly.