Are the programming/configuration files for devices within the APEX device family compatible?

However, a configuration file that was generated for a APEX 20K-XV device can not be used to configure an APEX 20K device.

Using a pre-existing configuration file generated for one device to configure another device within the same family is possible in many cases. Please see the details below:

First, the target device must have the same package and density as the device for which the original configuration file was generated.

In addition, when the target device has a greater feature set then the device for which the configuration file was created, the Altera software will automatically disable the superset features.

Below is a list of some configuration file compatibilities. Although the cross-programming options outlined below are supported, Altera recommends you recompile your source files and generate a new configuration file whenever possible so that timing can be verified in the target device.