[Blog] Lattice Developers Conference 2024: Now is a Great Time for Programmability

Lattice Developers Conference 2024, held from December 10-11, was a hybrid event for which over 6,000 global industry leaders, technology experts, and enthusiasts signed up to explore the latest advancements in low power FPGA solutions. The two-day conference had a packed agenda with a robust lineup of keynotes, breakout sessions, and technology demonstrations, highlighting innovative applications of FPGAs across a variety of sectors.

Keynote Highlights

The conference kicked off with the opening keynote from Lattice executives announcing the launch of Lattice Nexus™ 2, a next-generation small FPGA platform, and the Lattice Certus™-N2 FPGA family, the first device family based on the platform. Additionally, Lattice extended its mid-range FPGA portfolio with the launch of new Lattice Avant™ 30 and Avant™ 50 devices, alongside new versions of its design software tools and application-specific solution stacks to help accelerate customers’ time to market. Read the full product announcement and the blog to learn more about how these exciting product updates will enable customers and partners to unlock their full design potential.

The session continued with insightful keynote presentations from prominent companies such as Dell, Microsoft, SICK, and Teledyne FLIR. These sessions provided valuable perspectives on the future of edge AI, security, and advanced connectivity applications.

• SICK: SICK's keynote delved into the applications of FPGAs in industrial automation and robotics. They demonstrated sensor intelligence showing how FPGAs take on real-time sensor tasks on the latest Lattice and NVIDIA Holoscan edge AI platform to enhance the precision and efficiency of automated systems, contributing to smarter and more responsive industrial operations.
• Microsoft: Microsoft highlighted the role of FPGAs in enhancing security and connectivity in cloud computing. Their presentation showcased innovative ways FPGAs are being used to improve data security and network performance, particularly in large-scale cloud environments, with a spotlight on standardized root of trust technology like Caliptra.
• Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR focused on the use of FPGAs in advanced sensing and imaging technologies. Their keynote illustrated how FPGAs are enabling new capabilities in thermal imaging and sensor fusion, which are critical for defense, security, and industrial inspection applications.
• Dell: Dell's keynote focused on the integration of low power FPGAs in edge computing solutions. They discussed how these technologies are driving advancements in data processing and AI at the edge, enabling more efficient and powerful computing capabilities.

These keynotes showcased the diverse applications and benefits of low power FPGAs across different industries, highlighting their potential to drive innovation and efficiency in various technological domains.

Breakout Session Highlights

The conference featured 20 breakout sessions, offering deep dives into various topics related to edge AI, security, and advanced connectivity. Experts from Lattice and other industry leaders shared their knowledge on designing with traditional and emerging technologies, offering practical insights and strategies for leveraging FPGAs in various applications.

Here are some highlights:

• Edge AI: Sessions focused on the implementation of AI at the edge, discussing the benefits of low power FPGAs in enhancing AI performance and efficiency. Experts shared insights on designing AI models optimized for FPGA architectures and real-world applications in industries like healthcare, automotive, and industrial automation.
• Security: These sessions covered the latest security trends and techniques. Topics included hardware root of trust, secure boot, and encryption methods to protect data and intellectual property. Industry leaders provided case studies on how FPGAs are being used to enhance security in critical infrastructure and IoT devices.
• Advanced Connectivity: Discussions centered around the role of FPGAs in enabling high-speed connectivity solutions. Sessions explored the use of FPGAs in 5G networks, datacenters, and automotive communications, highlighting their ability to handle complex protocols and high data throughput with low latency.

Technology Demonstrations

One of the highlights of the conference was the extensive showcase of over 75 technology demonstrations. These demos, presented by Lattice and more than 30 FPGA partners and customers, showcased the versatility and impact of FPGAs in real-world applications. There were solutions for edge AI, automation and robotics, datacenter security, ADAS, telecom, and more.

• Edge AI: Demonstrations included AI-powered vision systems, real-time data analytics, and machine learning models running on low power FPGAs and implemented in smart city, retail, and industrial automation applications.
• Automation and Robotics: Demos featured FPGA-based solutions for robotic control, automation systems, and industrial IoT. These included real-time processing capabilities, sensor fusion, and advanced control algorithms that enhance the performance and reliability of automated systems.
• Datacenter Security: Exhibits showcased how FPGAs are being used to secure datacenters, with solutions for encryption, intrusion detection, and secure data transmission. These demonstrations emphasized the importance of hardware-based security in protecting sensitive information.
• ADAS and Telecom: There were FPGA applications in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and telecommunications. These demos included high-speed data processing for autonomous vehicles, as well as FPGA-based solutions for 5G infrastructure and network optimization.

These sessions and demonstrations provided a multi-faceted look at the innovative applications of FPGAs, offering attendees valuable insights and hands-on experiences with cutting-edge technology.

FPGAs: Key Drivers of Edge to Cloud Innovation

Lattice Developers Conference 2024 offered a glimpse look at the current and future state of FPGA technology. The event highlighted the critical role of low power FPGAs in enabling smart, secure, and connected solutions across various industries.

As the demand for efficient and powerful computing continues to grow, Lattice and its partners are at the forefront of delivering innovative FPGA solutions that meet these evolving needs.

For more details about the event and to watch on-demand sessions, visit Lattice Developers Conference 2024. If you’d like to learn more about how Lattice FPGA solutions can help you achieve your design goals and accelerate time to market, reach out to our team.