About Lattice IP

Lattice's ispLeverCORE™ IP cores are configurable design blocks that implement popular industry-standard functions. These IP blocks can be easily combined with your generated logic to provide complete custom solutions.  Lattice IP cores help you get to market more quickly, and with maximum efficiency - using programmable solutions that are already optimized for Lattice programmable products. Lattice delivers IP in two forms: IP implemented using LUTs in the FPGA fabric (soft IP) and IP using an ASIC technology referred to as MACO. See below for a comparison of the approaches.

Configure Lattice IP Cores

Most Lattice IP cores can be easily configured using IPexpress. IPexpress is a software tool included with the ispLEVER Design Software. When you launch IPexpress, a catalog of available IP cores will be shown. Be sure to check for updates and additions to this catalog by clicking on the IPexpress "globe" icon. This will check the Lattice web site for updates.

For a more complete description of how to use IPexpress, see these tutorials:

• IPexpress Quick Start Guide
• ispLeverCORE IP Tutorial for IPexpress
  

Some older Lattice IP cores require configuration by the Lattice engineering team. Click here to learn more.

Try Before You Buy

Using the Lattice IPexpress tool you can create custom configurations of IP cores, fully integrate them into your design, and even test them in hardware before you buy anything. These trial configurations will run for a limited time in hardware (usually 4 hours), after which time you’ll have to re-program the silicon device.  MACO IP does not have a trial period, but is licensed free of charge.  See below for more details.

If you like what you see, just purchase the IP core license to remove the time-limited restriction, and you’re done.

Purchasing and Licensing IP Cores

To purchase a Lattice IP core, contact your local Lattice Sales Representative. Lattice IP cores are typically licensed for a use as defined in the Lattice IP license agreement. Options for multiple-use site licenses or even source code variations are often available upon request.  Click here to read the Lattice IP License Agreement

Lattice IP Suites

Lattice IP Suites are an alternate IP licensing arrangement for many popular Lattice IP cores. Each IP Suite includes a group of IP cores that can be used on a variety of Lattice programmable products. You can use any combination of IP cores included in the IP Suite as often as you like for one year. When the 1-year period is over, you can extend your IP Suite license at a discounted rate. Click here to learn more.

MACO IP

MACO IP cores are only available for the LatticeSCM family of devices.  Depending on part size. the devices contain from 4 to 12 islands of On-Chip Structured ASIC blocks upon which MACO (Masked Array for Cost Optimization) IP is based.  MACO enables Lattice to offer select IP with enhanced area, power and speed. Each MACO core contains a wrapper of soft logic around the structured ASIC logic to allow for configuration.

To obtain a free MACO IP license, simply call your local Lattice Sales Office.  It's that easy!