April 2008

Optimized PLDA XpressLite Solution Simplifies Evaluation and Design

Website improvements and new design kit features make the XpressLite solution easier to use than ever before.

In 2007, Lattice introduced PLDA, our ispLeverCORE Connection partner for PCI Express solutions. PLDA offers the XpressLite solution optimized for the LatticeECP2M FPGA family. Since this introduction, Lattice and PLDA have teamed to help designers generate a series of successful solutions for their end products. The solution has improved over time, as PLDA and Lattice have worked to continuously improve the product.

Website Enhancements

The Lattice ispLeverCORE Connection Partner web page now links directly to the PLDA web site. Designers can also find Lattice right on the PLDA home page, with links to collateral.

Lattice is just a click away on the new and improved PLDA web page.

New Design Kit Features

The standard PLDA XpressLite Design Kit incorporates some new features to simplify evaluation and design functions:

• The XpressLite core is now available with a free one-month download, allowing designers to check out a pre-configured bitstream for the LatticeECP2M PCI Express x4 Evaluation Board.
• A PLDA PCI Express test bench is now included with the design package, providing users the ability to simulate and verify an endpoint design with the Lattice version of the XpressLite core before committing to hardware. This is a very attractive alternative to purchasing expensive full-scale test benches or attending a PCI-SIG event in order to ensure PCI Express functionality.

Lattice/PLDA Solution Offers Tight Integration

Lattice and PLDA have streamlined the way the XpressLite core is integrated with the LattceECP2M family design flow. Because the PLDA core is a PIPE (Physical Interface for PCI Express) compliant core, it directly interfaces to the LatticeECP2M PCS (Physical Coding Sublayer). PLDA includes a PIPE wrapper integrated in the design package that automates configuration of the LatticeECP2M PCS/SERDES, eliminating unnecessary guesswork. When using the PLDA design package, designers simply choose the LatticeECP2M device for their design, and the PLDA software tools do the rest, saving time in the design flow. The PIPE wrapper for PCS/SERDES configuration is also available from Lattice and has been tested and certified with Lattice's latest ispLEVER design tools. 

To Learn More

Lattice's ispLEVER software provides the latest support for the PLDA XpressLite x1 and x4 IP cores. Further information can also be found on the PLDA website, including the new Lattice-specific landing page.