Which software supports low-cost devices, Lattice EC or ECP?

[davorin]

Lattice EC/ECP...

Which software supports the new low-cost devices?
Although they devices should be low-cost it isn´t supported by the "starter" package which is free...

And...anyone heard about the prices yet of them?

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Hi,

The devices are supported through starter software, yet with a control pack. This enables the EC20 and ECP20.

Prices are comparable with Cyclone.

Performance is above it.

Regards

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Any reason it doesn't support smaller devices with "Starter" version of ispLever?

Would be better to use the devices available in TQFP for prototyping though...

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Shure, EC/ECP20 is the first device available. The rest of the family will follow.
I can't remember what devices will be supported in starter, but there will certainly be some TQFP's.

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Any schedule on the introduction on the new devices?
Don't remember seeing anything on their website about it...

...so most probably other devices will follow next year...

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

They told me everything should be available by end of the year.

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Just heard that ispLever starter version won't support new EC/ECP devices at all. At least base version with control package (4.1) or base version 4.2 is needed...

Nice..low-cost FPGA with non-free softwar (o;

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

The control pack is indeed needed for the moment. But this will disappear when the devices are in production.

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Yeah..what I've heard also...

Just don't get it why new low-cost FPGA require "base" package which costs money where others like Altera and Xilinx offer free software for their low-cost families (o:

Maybe it's gonna change next year (o;

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Interesting....ispLever Starter 4.1 is available for download now saying in release notes that preliminary EC20 support is built-in (as also the install screen shows messages about new EC/ECP devices).

But after installing no EC/ECP support is installed at all....

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Have you tried contacting a local Lattice sales/disti?
If you plan using the part, you can get a sw control pack that enable a selection of EC and ECP devices, ranging from a 6K LUT to a 20k LUT device.
BTW. the control pack is free of charge.

Best regards

 

[davorin]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

Actually I tried contacting them several times..a pain (o;

Maybe I could try again...but kinda lost interest now (o;

 

[lucbra]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

I'm sorry, I didn't reply earlier. Can you PM me. I'll try to figure out who you should contact to get a control pack.

 

[chinara]

Re: Lattice EC/ECP...

All kind of EC/ECP will be product by the end of the year. I have finished my desgin now and wait for the chip. I even don't have the pin location of the chip until now. I have the software and service pack. But it is very large. I hesitate it is difficult to upload the software.