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Lattice Introduces ispVM™ Embedded-Industry's First Embedded, Multi-Vendor, Single-Chain In-System Programming Tool- HILLSBORO, OR - SEPTEMBER 18, 2000- Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: LSCC) today announced a revolutionary new tool, ispVM EMBEDDED, which facilitates efficient, multi-vendor, multi-device, single-chain in-system programming via a system's on-board microcontroller or microprocessor. The ispVM EMBEDDED tool combines the power of Lattice's ispVM Virtual Machine with the industry-standard Serial Vector Format (SVF) language for Boundary Scan programming and test. Systems can now be easily self-reconfigured in the field as part of their normal operation, or easily upgraded, remotely, without a technician. The ispVM Virtual Machine, originally introduced by Lattice in September 1998, is a Virtual Machine that has been optimized specifically for programming devices which are compatible with the IEEE 1149.1 Standard for Boundary Scan Test. A Virtual Machine is simply a software implementation (or emulation) of a microcontroller or microprocessor. The power of the Virtual Machine is that this "software" programming engine can be installed (embedded) into any microcontroller or microprocessor and is therefore platform independent. Once installed, the system has the ability to program and reprogram all of the PLDs on the board directly from the on-board processor without download cables or human intervention. "ispVM EMBEDDED, with its ability to program virtually any vendor's PLD, using industry-standard, vendor-supplied SVF files, represents a high-performance solution superior to any other vendor-supplied programming tool available today," stated Steve Stark, Director of Product Marketing. "Lattice now offers a single tool for programming any device or chain of devices. This capability can be either embedded in a system (ispVM EMBEDDED) or deployed from a PC or Workstation via our ispVM System. Simply stated, Lattice delivers flexible, hassle-free, in-system programming." SVF File Format - Since the early 1990's, the Serial Vector Format has been the industry's de-facto standard language for IEEE 1149.1 Boundary Scan programming and test. SVF files support "instant-on" programming as they contain the programming algorithm as well as the programming data for each device in a single, portable file. All CPLD vendors generate SVF files for their devices today. ispVM EMBEDDED - Consists of portable ANSI "C" code that can be easily embedded within the user's microcontroller/microprocessor source code to create a platform-specific, multi-vendor, in-system programming engine. In addition to the C source code, ispVM EMBEDDED provides various software utilities, which convert any SVF file(s) into a single chain file. These files are then compiled down to a single, byte-code-based chain file. This portable, executable chain file contains the device-specific programming algorithms and the device data required to program the entire chain of devices. The ispVM tool executes this chain file and generates all of the programming signals required to efficiently program the entire chain. Another benefit of the ispVM tool is that all Lattice devices in a single scan chain are able to be programmed concurrently, delivering dramatic economies of scale to the manufacturing environment. The ispVM EMBEDDED solution does not consume many system resources. Only 8K bytes of system memory and 6K bytes of RAM allocation are needed to support any length programming chain. The C source code is scalable for microprocessors and microcontrollers from 8-bits and up. The ispVM EMBEDDED tool is available now and can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Lattice website at www.latticesemi.com "Other programming languages, like the recently published "STAPL" (Standard Test and Programming Language) language from JEDEC represent a sub-optimal solution that is likely to never gain momentum in the PLD industry" continued Steve Stark. "The STAPL language is overly complex and not well suited for high performance programming, particularly in the embedded environment. The combination of Lattice's ispVM Virtual Machine and the industry-standard SVF programming file format has delivered a single set of in-system programming tools, capable of programming virtually any vendor's PLD in a single programming chain. This ispVM approach provides an optimized, high-performance programming solution today. Lattice does not plan to support the JEDEC "STAPL" programming language." About Lattice Semiconductor Oregon-based Lattice Semiconductor Corporation designs, develops and markets the broadest range of high-performance ISPTM programmable logic devices (PLDs) and offers total solutions for today's advanced logic designs. Lattice products are sold worldwide through an extensive network of independent sales representatives and distributors, primarily to OEM customers in the fields of communications, computing, computer peripherals, instrumentation, industrial controls and military systems. Company headquarters are located at 5555 NE Moore Court, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124 USA; Telephone 503-268-8000, FAX 503-268-8037. For more information on Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, access our World Wide Web site at http://www.latticesemi.com. Statements in this news release looking forward in time are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including technological and product development risks and other risk factors detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from forward-looking statements. # # # Lattice Semiconductor, L (stylized) Lattice, Vantis, MACH, PAL, ispLSI, ISP, in-system programmable, ispGDX, GAL, ispVM, ispDesignEXPERT, ispEXPERT, ispANALYZER, and Performance Analyst are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other marks are the property of their respective holders. For more information contact: Steve Stark, Director, Product Marketing |