ispLEVER Release Notes

Version 3.1 - PC

Technical Support Line: 1-800-LATTICE or (408) 826-6002

Web Update: To view the most current version of this document, go to www.latticesemi.com.
LEVER-RN-PC 3.1.2 (Supersedes Rev 3.1.1)

Copyright

This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,

translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without
prior written consent from Lattice Semiconductor Corporation.
The software described in this manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation. Information in this document is subject to change
without notice.
The distribution and sale of this product is intended for the use of the original purchaser
only and for use only on the computer system specified. Lawful users of this product
are hereby licensed only to read the programs on the disks, cassettes, or tapes from
their medium into the memory of a computer solely for the purpose of executing them.
Unauthorized copying, duplicating, selling, or otherwise distributing this product is a
violation of the law.
Trademarks

Copyright (c) 2003 Lattice Semiconductor Corporation.

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation, L Lattice Semiconductor Corporation (logo), L
(stylized), L (design), Lattice (design), LSC, Beyond Performance, E2CMOS,
FIRST-TIME-FIT, GAL, Generic Array Logic, In-System Programmable, In-System
Programmability, ISP, ispATE, ispDesignEXPERT, ispDOWNLOAD, ispGAL,
ispGDS, ispGDX, ispGDXVA, ispJTAG, ispLEVER, ispLSI, ispMACH, ispPAC,
ispSOC, ispSVF, ispTURBO, ispVIRTUAL MACHINE, ispVM, LINE2AR, MACH,
MMI (logo), ORCA, PAC, PAC-Designer, PAL, PALCE, Performance Analyst,
Silicon Forest, Speedlocked, Speed Locking, SuperBIG, SuperCOOL, SuperFAST,
SuperWIDE, UltraMOS, V Vantis (design), Vantis, Vantis (design), Variable-GrainBlock, and Variable-Length-Interconnect are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Lattice Semiconductor Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United
States and/or other countries. ISP is a service mark of Lattice Semiconductor
Corporation.
GENERAL NOTICE: Other product names used in this publication are for
identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Lattice Semiconductor Corporation
5555 NE Moore Court
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 268-8000
November 2003

ii

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Limited Warranty

Lattice Semiconductor Corporation warrants the original purchaser that the Lattice
Semiconductor software shall be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of ninety days from the date of purchase. If a defect covered by this limited
warranty occurs during this 90-day warranty period, Lattice Semiconductor will
repair or replace the component part at its option free of charge.
This limited warranty does not apply if the defects have been caused by negligence,
accident, unreasonable or unintended use, modification, or any causes not related to
defective materials or workmanship.
To receive service during the 90-day warranty period, contact Lattice Semiconductor
Corporation at:
Phone: 1-800-LATTICE or (408) 826-6002
E-mail: techsupport@latticesemi.com
If the Lattice Semiconductor support personnel are unable to solve your problem over
the phone, we will provide you with instructions on returning your defective software
to us. The cost of returning the software to the Lattice Semiconductor Service Center
shall be paid by the purchaser.
Limitations on Warranty

Any applicable implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and

fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby limited to ninety days from the date of
purchase and are subject to the conditions set forth herein. In no event shall Lattice
Semiconductor Corporation be liable for consequential or incidental damages
resulting from the breach of any expressed or implied warranties.
Purchasers sole remedy for any cause whatsoever, regardless of the form of action,
shall be limited to the price paid to Lattice Semiconductor for the Lattice
Semiconductor software.
The provisions of this limited warranty are valid in the United States only. Some states
do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or exclusion of
consequential or incidental damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.
This warranty provides you with specific legal rights. You may have other rights which
vary from state to state.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

iii

iv

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Contents

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

New Features and Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
New Device Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
New Production Device Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Preliminary Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Software Installation Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Project Navigator Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Revision Control Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Project Archiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
LPC Source File Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Query for Synthesis Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
View and Edit Unrelated Files When a Process is Running . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Console for Running the ispLEVER software from the Command Line. . . . . . . . . . 5
ispVM Icon on the Tool Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ISC-1532 File Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
New Reentrant Feature for ORCA4 and Above. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Text Editor Enhancements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Wheel Mouse Scrolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Syntax Color Customizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Boundary Checking for Parenthesis, Brackets, and Braces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
File > New VHDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ispXPLD 5000MX Templates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Constraint Editor Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Fast Bypass Value Change for ispXPLD 5000MX Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Multiple Columns Sorting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Nodal Constraints Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Verify Bank Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Multiple Signals Selection & Pin Locking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
New Global Constraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Preference Editor for ORCA Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Module/IP Manager Support for ispXPLD Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Expanded Source Constraints Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
LVDS Macro Support for ispXPLD 5000MX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Enhanced CPLD Unified Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Floorplanner Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
EPIC Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Performance Analyst Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Online Documentation Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
The ispLEVER Software Documentation Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Comprehensive Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Restructured Help Toolbars and Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ORCA Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ORCA FPSC Kit Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
ORCA PROM Generation Command Line -t Option Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Use of GSR/PUR in Verilog for ORCA4 and Later Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Ability To Run Multiple Versions of the ispLEVER Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Known Issues and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Constraint Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Floorplanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ispLSI Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ispVM Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ispXPGA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
ispXPLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lattice Logic Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
legacy2lci. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Module/IP Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Online Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ORCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Performance Analyst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Place and Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
PLL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Preference Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Project Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

vi

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

This section describes the ispLEVER software support for Lattice CPLD,
ispXPLD, ispXPGA, and ORCA FPGA devices. The following topics are discussed
in this section:

New Features and Enhancements

Known Issues and Solutions

New Features and Enhancements

New features and enhancements are available in the ispLEVER 3.1 software. The
following topics are discussed in this section:

New Device Support

Software Installation Changes

Project Navigator Enhancements

Text Editor Enhancements

Constraint Editor Enhancements

Preference Editor for ORCA Designs

Module/IP Manager Support for ispXPLDs

Expanded Source Constraints Support

LVDS Macro Support for ispXPLD 5000MX

Enhanced CPLD Unified Report

Floorplanner Enhancements

EPIC Enhancements

Performance Analyst Enhancements

Online Documentation Enhancements

Use of GSR/PUR in Verilog for ORCA4 and Later Libraries

ORCA PROM Generation Command Line -t Option Usage

Ability to Run Multiple Versions of the ispLEVER software

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

New Device Support

New Production Device Support
Support is added for the following devices:

ispMACH4000: LC4064ZC, LC4128ZC

ispXPLD: LC51024MX

Preliminary Support
This release adds or updates preliminary support for the following devices:

ispXPLD: LC5768MX

ispMACH4000: LC4256ZC

The ispLEVER software does not generate a JEDEC file and the JEDEC File process
is not available for LC4256ZC devices. Silicon timing delay models for devices with
Preliminary Support are based on estimated data, and subject to change.

Software Installation Changes

The LS EXM ADV PC F (ispLEVER Exemplar Advanced) option has been

removed from the selection options. The LS HDL ADV PC N (ispLEVER HDL
Advanced) should be installed in its place. Refer to the ispLEVER Installation
Notice Version 3.1 - PC document for more information on the ispLEVER
software installation.

The licensing scheme has been changed from locking to the users hard disk ID to
locking to the users network interface card (NIC) address.

Windows 98 is no longer supported.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Project Navigator Enhancements

The Project Navigator has been enhanced to include the following features.

Revision Control Enhancements

Revision Control Supports More Devices. In addition to the support for ispXPGA
and ORCA FPGA families, Revision Control now supports the following device
families in this release of ispLEVER:

ispLSI 5000VE

ispMACH 5000VG

ispMACH 5000B

ispXPLD 5000MX

ispMACH 4000

ispGDX2

Copy Revision. You can copy a particular revision by right-clicking a revision and
choosing Copy Revision. A copy of the selected revision and all its sub-level revisions
will be created.
Rename Revision. The revision names can be customized in this release. You can
change a revision name by selecting the name, clicking it again, and then typing in a
new name.
Revision Comment. Comments can be added to any revision to better identify
different design versions. Right-click a revision and choose Property to add a
comment. The comment will then appear in a pop-up text box when you move your
mouse over the revision name (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Revision Comment

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Option to Show/Not Show Revision Window in the Project Navigator. In the

Environment Options dialog box, you have an option (Figure 2) to close the Revision
window whenever Revision Control is turned off. To display the Environment Options
dialog box, click Options > Environment.

Figure 2. Option to Show/Not Show Revision Window

Project Archiving
File > Archive Current Project and File > Open Archived Project are two new
commands in the Project Navigator. You can use them to save your project to a .zip
archive, and reload it as necessary.

LPC Source File Support

For ispXPLD, ispXPGA, and ORCA designs, the Project Navigator has been
enhanced to support a Lattice Parameter Configuration File (*.lpc) as source file.
The LPC file contains the configuration parameter data that has been selected using
the Module/IP Manager. This file is used to order custom IP configurations from
Lattice.
You can import an LPC file into the Project Navigator and double-click it for quick
editing. For more information, see Importing a Module/IP Source and Modifying
a Source in Module/IP Manager in Project Navigator Help.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Query for Synthesis Tool

Each time you create a new Verilog or VHDL design, the Project Navigator now
prompts you to choose a synthesis tool (Figure 3). You can keep the default synthesis
tool selected in the prompt dialog box, or choose the other tool for the new project.

Figure 3. Query for Synthesis Tool

View and Edit Unrelated Files When a Process is Running

When running a process in the Project Navigator, you can open other source files
unrelated to the process in any text editor for viewing and editing.

Console for Running the ispLEVER software from the Command Line
Window > ispLEVER Console is a new command in the Project Navigator. You can
use this command to open a command line prompt window if you want to run the
ispLEVER software from the command line.

ispVM Icon on the Tool Bar

An ispVM icon (Figure 4) has been added to the Toolbar of the Project Navigator.
The icon is equivalent to Tools > ispVM System.

Figure 4. ispVM icon

ISC-1532 File Process

For ispGAL22V10A, ispLSI 2KVE/VL, MACH 4A, ispGDXVA, ispGDX2,
ispLSI 5000VE, ispMACH 4000, ispMACH 5000B, ispMACH 5000VG,
ispXPLD 5000MX devices, you can use the newly-added process ISC-1532 File to
convert any ISP programmable parts JEDEC to an ISC format that supports IEEE
1532 standard.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

New Reentrant Feature for ORCA4 and Above

This new process allows you to use a routed physical database (.ncd) file as the
starting point for running additional routing iterations. This process is available for
ORCA4 and FPSC devices.The process is highlighted (Figure 5) in the Project
Navigator Processes Window.

Figure 5. Reentrant Route Design Process for ORCA4 and Above

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Text Editor Enhancements

The following enhancements are available in the Text Editor.

Wheel Mouse Scrolling

Wheel mouse scrolling is supported.

Syntax Color Customizing

The Text Editor displays different syntax elements with different colors to improve
readability. Click Options > Set Color. You can then customize colors in the Set
Color dialog box (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Set Color Dialog Box

Boundary Checking for Parenthesis, Brackets, and Braces

The Text Editor has been enhanced to monitor parenthesis ( ), bracket [ ] and brace
{ } constructs in a text file. You can match an opening parenthesis, bracket, or brace
with a closing one, and vice versa. For details, see Matching Parenthesis, Brackets,
and Braces in Text Editor Help.

File > New VHDL

This new menu command in the Text Editor opens a VHDL template. The template
automatically creates entity and architecture pairs, making VHDL source creation
easier.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

ispXPLD 5000MX Templates

The following two template files have been introduced to support the unique
ispXPLD 5000MX device family. You can use the Templates menu to access them.

vlog_5kmx.tpl includes Verilog templates specially designed for

ispXPLD 5000MX device family

vhdl_5kmx.tpl includes VHDL templates specially designed for

ispXPLD 5000MX device family

Constraint Editor Enhancements

The following enhancements have been made to the Constraint Editor.

Fast Bypass Value Change for ispXPLD 5000MX Devices

The value of the Fast Bypass constraint has been changed for ispXPLD 5000MX
devices. The value remains unchanged for all other devices.

In the 3.0
Release

In the 3.1
Release

None (default)

Auto (default)

The ispLEVER software will use the

PTSA Bypass automatically

Bypass

Bypass

The ispLEVER software must use

PTSA Bypass

None

The ispLEVER software must not

use the PTSA Bypass

If the value is specified...

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Multiple Columns Sorting

You can sort multiple columns of lists in the Data Sheet pane of the Constraint Editor
via the newly-added Sort dialog box (Figure 7). The list will be sorted first by the
column specified in the Sort by box, then by the additional columns in the Then by
boxes in sequence. To display the Sort dialog box, click View > Sort in the Constraint
Editor.

Figure 7. Sort Dialog Box

Nodal Constraints Sheet

For ispLSI 5000VE, ispMACH 4000, ispMACH 5000B, ispMACH 5000VG, and
ispXPLD 5000MX devices, you can set nodal constraints using the Constraint
Editors Nodal Constraints sheet.
Choose Tools > Nodal Constraints in the Project Navigator, and the Constraint Editor
will open with the Nodal Constraints sheet only. You can set constraints for individual
output and node signals in the sheet, save the settings and go back to the Project
Navigator.
The Nodal Constraints sheet is not available for normal Constraint Editor flow.
ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Verify Bank Setting

Pin Attribute > Verify Bank Setting is a new command in the Constraint Editor. Use
this command to check the current bank setting and to display the check results in a
pop-up window. If the current device of your project has no bank, this command is
disabled.

Multiple Signals Selection & Pin Locking

The Constraint Editor lets you select multiple signals in the Element List pane and Pin
Attributes sheet, or select multiple pins in the Package View by using the Shift and
Ctrl keys.
You can also drag and drop multiple signals from the Element List pane to the desired
location in the Package View for locking multiple pins at the same time.

New Global Constraints

The following two global constraints have been added to the Global Constraints sheet
of the Constraint Editor. They are supported by ispLSI 5000VE, ispMACH 4000,
ispMACH 5000B, ispMACH 5000VG, and ispXPLD 5000MX devices.
Auto_buffering_for_high_glb(mfb)_fanin. Defaults to Off. If you set it to On in
the Constraint Editor, the automatic buffer insertion function is enabled to reduce the
total input number to a GLB/MFB when the AND array input number exceeds the
device limitation.
Clock_enable_optimization. Defaults to keep_all. Listed below are the three
options of this constraint and their descriptions:

10

Wrap_all No clock enable is used. The software folds clock enable into
register data equation.

Keep_all If the number of clock enable product terms is greater than the
maximum clock enable PT limit of the target device, the software will insert
clock enable nodes, otherwise it just keeps the clock enable equation.

Auto If the number of clock enable product terms is greater than the
maximum clock enable PT limit of the target device, the software will wrap
the clock enable equation into register data equation to avoid a timing delay
issue, otherwise it just keeps the clock enable equation.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Preference Editor for ORCA Designs

The Preference Editor (Figure 8) is a dedicated tool for ORCA FPGA designs. It lets
you specify many ORCA preferences, thus saving the time it normally takes to write
out preference syntax manually to the preference file (*.prf). The Preference Editor
reads the PRF file and displays the preference settings. You can use the Pin Attributes
sheet and the function dialog boxes to define groups, pin locations, IO types, as well
as various timing preferences such as MULTICYCLE, BLOCK, PERIOD,
FREQUENCY, INPUT_SETUP, and CLOCK_TO_OUT. You can also make pin
assignments in the Package View using drag-and-drop functionality.
Preference Editor is available pre-map and post-map. Editing IO types is only
available pre-map, so attributes associate with IO types are not visible in the post-map
preference editor. Groups (available both pre- and post- map) allow definition of cell,
port, or ASIC groups for use in timing preferences. For example, a group of all flipflops which share a particular clock is easily defined. Timing between groups can be
specified using MULTICYCLE or BLOCKed.
The Preference Editor only supports Lattice ORCA FPGA device families. For
designs of other Lattice devices, use the Constraint Editor.
For more information, choose Help > Help Topics in the Preference Editor.

Figure 8. Preference Editor

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

11

Module/IP Manager Support for ispXPLD Devices

Module/IP Manager now supports ispXPLD devices (5KMX) with seven new Lattice
Parameterized Modules (LPMs). EBR modules for ispXPLD include:

CAM

FIFO_DC

FIFO_DCX

RAM_DP

RAM_DP_TRUE

RAM_DQ

ROM

Figure 9. Module/IP Manager

12

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Expanded Source Constraints Support

More source constraints are supported. Most Lattice constraints can be added into
your schematic or ABEL design source files.

LVDS Macro Support for ispXPLD 5000MX

This release of the ispLEVER software supports LVDS macros for ispXPLD
5000MX device family.

Enhanced CPLD Unified Report

The HTML format report file for all CPLD families has been enhanced as follows:

Added a field to the Device Resource Summary section for Usable

Macrocells/Product Terms

Added Totals field at the bottom of the GLB Resource Summary section

Added a column for IO Bank Number in the Pinout Listing section

Added a column for Fan In per macrocell in the GLB Cluster sections

Added a single line indicating the number of signals per GLB in the GLB
Logic Array Fanin sections

Added a column to the GLB Logic Array Fanin sections that indicates the
fanout load inside the GLB for each signal

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

13

Floorplanner Enhancements
A separate Floorplanner interface has been added for ORCA FPGA devices. The
ORCA Floorplanner displays a completely separate window for the Package, PreMapped, Post-Mapped, and Floorplan views.

Figure 10. ORCA FPGA Floorplanner

The appropriate view opens automatically from the Project Navigator when you run
one of the following processes:
Pre-Map Logical Design Floorplan. This process opens only the Pre-Mapped View,
allowing you to create logical groups (Ugroups) before mapping the design. The
changes that you save are applied to the logical design file (.ngd).
Post-Map Physical Design Floorplan. This process opens all four Floorplanner
windows. Any Ugroups that you created in the Pre-Mapped Floorplan are converted to
physical groups (Pgroups). You can create other Pgroups, make pin assignments, and
specify regions before placing and routing the design.
Post-PAR Design Floorplan. This process opens all four windows for the placed and
routed design. You can make further adjustments to the design and rerun the Place and
Route process.

14

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

EPIC Enhancements
Enhancements for EPIC (Editor for Programmable ICs) include:

GUI enhancements to the EPIC Main Window.

Menu reorganization.

New-look push button panel.

Improved Objects dialog box with wildcard filtering feature.

Layers dialog auto-toggles layers on check boxes.

Green dashed boundary lines show viewable area in Editing Area.

Locator area features new boundaries for active area and cross-hair zoom-in
feature.

Improved zooming and panning capability in Editing Area.

New EPIC Start dialog box has been added. The EPIC Start dialog box appears
after you start the EPIC program independently or when you launch EPIC
initially from within Project Navigator.

Figure 11. EPIC Enhancements

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

15

Performance Analyst Enhancements

Improved filtering functionality in Timing Analysis type option dialog boxes.

Delay Table enhancements.

New corresponding MHz value column

New Delay Constraint column that displays closest timing constraint

New Slack column that displays difference between real and required delay

Constraint ID column that displays the matching timing constraint ID in the

.lct file for fMAX timing analysis.

New Path Tracing Options and point selection dialog functionality for tP2P
timing delay type.

New Preferences > Save GUI Settings command that allows you to maintain
preferred dialog box sizes and fonts.

New information on timing constraints available in Delay Table columns, for

example, now shows slack or difference between real delay and required delay.

Figure 12. Improved Performance Analyst GUI

16

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Online Documentation Enhancements

The ispLEVER Software Documentation Library
The ispLEVER software Documentation Library provides links to all Online Help,
User Guides, Release Notes, Installation Notice, Application Notes, Tutorials, Legacy
Manuals, and Third-Party Manuals. You can view this list by selecting it from the
Project Navigator Help menu or by clicking Library in the toolbar.

Figure 13. The ispLEVER Software Documentation Library

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

17

Comprehensive Glossary
The Online Help now features a comprehensive glossary of terms commonly used
with the ispLEVER software. You can view the Glossary by selecting it from the
Project Navigator Help menu or by clicking Glossary in the Toolbar.

Figure 14. Glossary

Restructured Help Toolbars and Menu

Help toolbars and the Project Navigator Help menu have been restructured to give
you quick access to online and printable documentation. From the Help toolbar of
each application, click the appropriate button to access the Flow Help, Document
Library, or Glossary.

Figure 15. Help Toolbar

18

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Use the Project Navigator Help menu to access documents for other applications
through the ispLEVER Documentation Library.

Figure 16. Project Navigator Help Menu

ORCA Documentation

ORCA Libraries Manual (ORCA2, 3, 4, and above) and ORCA Attributes for
Design Entry Design Reference are available under User Guides in the
ispLEVER Documentation Library.

We now refer to ORCA properties as ORCA attributes, in all of the

ispLEVER software user documentation. ORCA attributes are user-defined
parameters attached to objects in design entry that specify placement and routing
instructions that later appear in the physical design. These attributes must appear
in the netlist.

A new users guide has been supplied for EPIC Device Editor documentation.

ORCA FPSC Kit Documentation

ORCA FPSC kit documentation is now available on your software CD. Tutorials for
the ORCA FPSC kit documentation can be accessed through the Help > ispLEVER
Tutorials or Help > ispLEVER Documentation Library > Tutorials commands
from the Help menu in Project Navigator. From the command line, you can run
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the fpsc_toc.pdf file in the
ispcpld/tutorials path in the directory in which you installed the ispLEVER
software. See instructions in each tutorial in the Before You Begin section on how
to download design files online and how to obtain updated tutorials.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

19

ORCA PROM Generation Command Line -t Option Usage

Previously, the t option required a file argument:
promgen

-p exo

-t 256

orca.bit

However, now it is a separate parameter. To do the same action, do the following:

promgen

-p exo

-t 256

-u 0 orca.bit

Use of GSR/PUR in Verilog for ORCA4 and Later Libraries

The global set/reset function in front-end Verilog simulation for ORCA Series 4 and
higher must be done differently than in prior architectures. To ensure proper
simulation, it is necessary to instantiate GSR, PUR, and TSALL elements in your
designs which contain any library elements that are affected by them.
For instance, when you instantiate a flip-flop, for example, that is affected by global
set/reset in front-end Verilog netlists, then you must instantiate the GSR and PUR
elements in the top-level module with the instance names GSR_INST and PUR_INST,
respectively. Similarly, for any output or bidirectional buffer instantiation, you must
instantiate TSALL with the instance name TSALL_INST.
The example below shows proper syntax for instantiating GSR and PUR elements:
GSR

GSR_INST (.GSR (<global reset sig>));

PUR

PUR_INST (.PUR (<powerup reset sig>));

The example below shows proper syntax for instantiating TSALL:

TSALL

TSALL_INST (.TSALL (<global tristate sig>));

Ability To Run Multiple Versions of the ispLEVER Software

The new ispLEVER user interface allows you to use 3.1 and previous version without
the need to reset the environment variables. Refer to the ispLEVER Installation
Notice Version 3.1 - PC document for more information on running multiple
versions of the ispLEVER software.

20

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Known Issues and Solutions

Constraint Editor
Issue:

Routing of memory blocks and arithmetic functions to I/O pins is highly

restrictive. It is very difficult to manually assign pins for these functions so that
the assignments will be compatible with the device architecture. Incompatible
pin assignments are likely to cause the fitter to fail to partition the design.

Workaround:

First, let the design run through the software flow without any pin locking.
This allows the fitter to choose compatible placement for the functions (you
should allow the fitter to run without any pin locking constraints until you
absolutely have to lock down the pinout). Second, backannotate the pin
assignments (the location assignments of the memory and arithmetic will be
automatically written into the constraints file) as you continue to make changes
to your design. This gives the fitter a known compatible placement of these
functions.

Devices Affected:

ispXPLD 5000 MX

Issue:

The Disable right-click drop-down menu command is visible in the

Constraint Editor Package View for CPLD devices, but the command is not
applicable for CPLD Devices, and should not be used.

Workaround:

Ignore the Disable right-click drop-down menu command when viewing

CPLD devices in Constraint Editor Package View.

Devices Affected:

CPLD

Issue:

IO_TYPES attribute is not supported for ORCA devices.

Workaround:

Use LEVELMODE instead of IO_TYPES attribute for ORCA devices.

Device Affected:

ORCA FPGA and FPSC

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

21

Issue:

When you try to save changes to the projects constraint file (.lct) using the
Constraint Editor, a message instructs you to close the other application that
has the LCT file open. This message appears after youve attempted to import
the <project_name>.lct file.

Workaround:

Do not try to import the <project_name>.lct file.

Devices Affected:

All

Issue:

The following warning messages appear in the Constraint Editor output panel
after fitting a design, backannotating constraints, and then running the Post-Fit
Pinouts process in the Project Navigator.
C:\ispTOOLS31_starter\ispcpld\examples\ispXPLD\Veril
og\test_ramdq16kx2\test_ramdq16kx2.lco : <W0613> :
IO Types Setting Reset : bank setting 2 is
conflict with Pin locking.
C:\ispTOOLS31_starter\ispcpld\examples\ispXPLD\Veril
og\test_ramdq16kx2\test_ramdq16kx2.lco : <W0613> :
IO Types Setting Reset : bank setting 2 is
conflict with Pin locking.
Loading Lattice Constraint File
C:\ispTOOLS31_starter\ispcpld\examples\ispXPLD\Veri
log\test_ramdq16kx2\test_ramdq16kx2.lco done!

Workaround:

None. Ignore the warnings.

Device Affected:

All

Floorplanner
Issue:

The pins on the ASIC (non-FPGA core) side of an FPSC device are fixed, but
the Floorplanner allows them to be moved via drag and drop. The placer will
issue a warning and disregard the invalid assignment.

Workaround:

None needed.

Devices Affected:

FPSC

22

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Issue:

If you right-click in the Package View in the Floorplanner, the pop-up menus
Package Property command displays the Package Property dialog box.
However, the Package Property dialog box does not give any information
about the properties of the selected device.

Workaround:

To view package properties of the selected device, in the Project Navigator

Sources window, double-click the target device icon to open the Device
Selector dialog box. The Device Selector dialog box contains package property
information, such as family and speed grade.

Devices Affected:

ispXPGA

Issue:

Some features on the right edges of Floorplan View in the Floorplanner may
not be visibible if you zoom in.

Workaround:

None.

Devices Affected:

ispXPGA

Installation
Issue:

EPIC can crash with a message saying the system is running low on virtual
memory.

Workaround:

Before running the EPIC software, increase the range of virtual memory on
your local computer to accommodate the EPIC software and any other
applications that you will be running simultaneously.

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA

Issue:

The Synplify software license agreement goes blank when the Synplify
software is started for the first time.

Workaround:

In the Synplicity software, choose Help > License Agreement to view the
license agreement.

Devices Affected:

All

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

23

Issue:

The Lattice Semiconductor Setup Program window is minimized as an icon

at the bottom of your screen after you click the "Finished" button at the end of
installation. If you click the Lattice Semiconductor Setup Program icon at
the bottom of your screen to enlarge the window, the window can appear to
hang.

Workaround:

Dont click the Lattice Semiconductor Setup Program icon at the bottom of
the screen after you click the "Finished" button, and dont manually attempt to
stop the installation process. Allow the InstallShield program to completely
install the ispLEVER software. The icon at the bottom of the screen will
disappear by itself when the installation is complete.

Devices Affected:

All

Issue:

When installing ispLEVER software on a client server that has never had v3.x
(v3.0 or v3.1) ispLEVER software previously installed on it, the Product
Options dialog box will only have one checkbox choice named Starter.

Workaround.

Select the Starter checkbox option and click Next to continue with
installation.

Devices Affected:

All

ispLSI Macros
Issue:

When an ispLSI Macro with OE port is used for an ispLSI5000VE

VHDL/Verilog design, a BLO file is generated. This causes design failure. The
following macros are involved:
OT11

OT14

OT18

OT21

OT24

OT28

OT31

OT34

OT38

OT41

OT44

OT48

Workaround:

Do not use the macro in such a design. Use the behavior description instead.

Devices Affected:

ispLSI 5000VE

24

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

ispVM Software
Issue:

You will receive an error message with Code 001 if you attempt to run the
ispVM software from the Project Navigator and the ispVM software is not
installed.

Workaround:

Ensure the ispVM software is installed before running ispVM software from
the Project Navigator.

Devices Affected:

All

ispXPGA
Issue:

When LVDS sysIO Type is configured for a clock signal, ispXPGA prevents
this setting from being placed on an I/O pin because of possible skew that will
degrade the LVDS signal. You can assign a normal clock to an I/O pin. Any
LVDS type clock signal needs to be assigned to a GCLK pin. This causes a
warning message from the ispXPGA placer. However, the warning incorrectly
specifies BLVDS type instead of LVDS type.
Incorrect Error Message:
<Error> F51104: Clock signal Clk0_nside$implicit_buf
with BLVDS sysIO type cannot be assigned to an I/O
pin.It must be assigned to a GCLKn pin.
<Error> F54031: Proper placement of sysCLOCK instance
failed.
Message should be:
<Error> F51104: Clock signal Clk0_nside$implicit_buf
with LVDS sysIO type cannot be assigned to an I/O
pin.It must be assigned to a GCLKn pin.
<Error> F54031: Proper placement of sysCLOCK instance
failed.

Workaround:

Replace the BLVDS with LVDS in the error message.

Devices Affected:

ispXPGA

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

25

Issue:

For Module FIFO_DC, the EDI/EDO feature will not work in functional RTL
Verilog simulation. VHDL simulation works.

Workaround:

None.

Device Affected:

ispXPGA

ispXPLD
Issue:

VHDL examples cause errors due to unknown LC5KMX library when RTL
synthesis is switched to Synplicity. The errors are caused by the LC5KMX
library which is primarily used for logic simulation.

Workaround:

Add a directive Translate_off/Translate_on in the source. The

usage of this directive can be found in the Synplicity for Lattice Reference
Manual. (From the Project Navigator, choose Help >ispLEVER
Documentation Library >Third-Party Manuals.)
Usage:
The use of these directives is to prevent the synthesis of stimulus source code
that only has meaning for logic simulation. You can use
Translate_off/Translate_on to skip over simulation-specific lines
of code that cannot be synthesized.
Syntax and Example:
library IEEE;
use IEEE.std_logic_1164.all;
-- synthesis translate_off //Anything below this
would be skip during synthesis
LIBRARY lc5kmx;
USE lc5kmx.components.all;
--synthesis translate_on //Now..anything below this
are now synthesizable
.....
.....

Device Affected:

26

ispXPLD 5000MX

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Lattice Logic Simulator

Issue:

When using the Lattice Logic Simulator, you can get incorrect simulation
results for Functional Simulation of a D flip-flop and associated logic.
Discussion: The Lattice Logic Simulator will take the D signal value at the
time just prior to the clock edge and reflect that value after the transition of the
clock. In a functional simulation, the data and clock edges will most likely
occur at the same time. In order to catch possible race states in a functional
simulation, the D state just prior to a clock edge is considered in a stable state.
By sampling the data signal prior to the clock edge, the Lattice Logic
Simulator can emulate a setup time requirement similar to a timing simulation.

Workaround:

Adjust the test bench stimulus to transition the data prior to the clock edge or
run the timing simulation.

Device Affected:

CPLD

Issue:

When you simulate a sub-block of a design using the Lattice Logic Simulator,
the functional simulation process sometimes displays incorrect logic
information.

Workaround:

When the clock and data change at the same time for a register, you can
simulate using the previous value or future value of the D port. The Lattice
Logic Simulator uses the previous value known as the t- approach. You can
change the stimulus to prevent the conflict and show a correct value. Or you
can run timing simulation, and the timing simulation can show you the correct
value.

Devices Affected:

CPLD and ispGDX

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

27

legacy2lci
Issue:

When converting ispDesignEXPERT files using the legacy2lci conversion

tool, the pin names in the LCT file are all capitalized and the ABEL source
code signal pin names are not. The ispDesignEXPERT software created the Pin
file using all capital letters. The ispLEVER fitter cannot correlate the LCT files
to the ABEL Signal names causing it to ignore the pin locks. The legacy2lci
tool will give the following warning message when running on this type of
project:
WARNING: The pin names do not preserve case-sensitive names, may cause
warnings in ispLEVER.

Workaround:

1. Change the PPN file names to reflect the case of the ABEL signal names;
or
Go back to ispDesignEXPERT and change case sensitive property to True
and regenerate your pin file.
2. Run the legacy2lci tool to convert the pin names correctly for ispLEVER.

Devices Affected:

28

All devices supported in the ispDesignEXPERT software

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Module/IP Manager
Issue:

When using Module IP/Manager for pipelined multiplier, the D-flops used for
pipeline can only have the reset as global reset. The routed reset is not
available.

Workaround:

None

Devices Affected:

ispXPGA

Issue:

When generating a CAM, RAM, or ROM module in Module/IP Manager, a

memory initialization file is created with a .mem extension. This MEM
extension must be removed for ispXPLD.

Workaround:

Remove the MEM extension on ispXPLD CAM, RAM, or ROM memory

initialization files. To open a memory initialization file in Module/IP Manager
for ispXPGA CAM, RAM, or ROM modules, in the Files of Type box of the
Open dialog box, select All Files (.*.). and open the file.

Devices Affected:

ispXPLD

Issue:

A FIFO 512x32 memory block, with 28 or less data outputs can be

implemented with one MFB. The software currently uses two MFBs to
implement the memory block. The data portion of the FIFO is placed in one
MFB and the FIFO Flag logic in a second MFB. The portion of the second
MFB not used for the FIFO flag logic is available for non-memory logic
function placement.

Workaround:

None

Devices affected:

ispXPLD 5000 MX

Issue:

Numerous ORCA module and FPSC CORE dialog boxes have nonfunctioning links to datasheets.

Workaround:

Click on Help button for more information on modules and FPSC cores. More
information on all modules and cores, including data sheets, brochures, and
downloads, can be found on the Lattice Semiconductor Corporation web site at
the following URL:http://www.latticesemi.com/products.

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA and FPSC

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

29

Issue:

A synchronous FIFO with some parameters (or any other block using a
ROM16X1 element) generated for an ORCA4 device with Module/IP
Manager can cause an error message when run through the Project Navigator
ORCA design flow. The error states that there is a problem converting ROM
init.

Workaround:

This is a problem with Synplicity 7.3.3. The initval attributes in the Verilog
HDL or VHDL source code should be written in the form OxAEAE.
However, Synplicity writes the initval attribute in the form OxOxAEAE for
ROM16X1 elements for ORCA 4. Edit the HDL source code to remove the
extra Ox and re-run the design flow in Project Navigator. Later versions of
Synplify, such as 7.5.3, should fix this problem.

Devices Affected:

ORCA4

Online Help
Issue:

Clicking the Help button on the ispUPDATE dialog box produces a dialog box
that displays the following error message:
Cannot find the ..\..\ispcpld\bin\concepts.hlp file.
Do you want to try to find this file yourself?

Workaround:

Click No in the error message dialog box. Navigate to the

..\isptools\ispcpld\bin directory, and manually open the
flow.hlp file. Click the Help Topics button in the toolbar, expand any of the
Flow books, expand the Introduction book, and select the Updating
ispLEVER from the Web topic.

Devices Affected:

All

Issue:

Adobe Acrobat documents (.pdf) may not display artwork correctly if using a
version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that is older than version 4.0.

Workaround:

Install Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher to view PDF documents.

Devices Affected:

All

30

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

ORCA
Issue:

Before you perform a JTAG Read and Save operation on an ORCA4 or FPSC
device, you must first instantiate the BNDSCAN library element into your
design, enable the appropriate bitgen settings, and program the device.

Workaround:

In the Project Navigator:

1. Using a text editor, instantiate the BNDSCAN library element into your
design.
2. In the Processes window, right-click the Generate Bitstream Data process
and select Properties.
3. In the Properties dialog box,
- Select JTAG After Configuration from the Properties list, and then
Select True from values list at the top of the dialog box.
- Select Allow Readback from the Properties list, and then select
Command from the values list.
4. Click Close.
5. In the Processes window of the Project Navigator, click the Bitstream
Data File process.
In the ispVM System:
6. Add the ORCA4 or FPSC device, set the chain operation to Program and
Verify, and select the Bitstream Data file generated by Project Navigator.
7. Choose Project > Download to program the device.
8. After the device has been programmed, set the chain operation to Read and
Save.
9. Choose Project > Download to perform the Read and Save operation.

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA and FPSC

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

31

Issue:

There two versions of bitgen in the ispLEVER software: one for CPLD devices
located under <install_path>\ispcpld\bin, and one for ORCA
devices under <install_path>\ispfpga\bin\NT. The Project
Navigator will always use the correct version of bitgen, depending on your
project. However, when running ispLEVER programs via command line in
ispLEVER Console for ORCA devices, the CPLD bitgen will be selected
because the default path points to <install_path>\ispcpld\bin first.

Workaround:

To use the ORCA bitgen using command line, you must first manually set
<install_ path>\ispfpga\bin\NT in the PATH.

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA

Issue:

For better compatibility with simulators, all negative setup/hold delay numbers
in the Standard Delay Format (.sdf) file are set to 0 by default. This may
cause some discrepancies between back annotation and the TRACE (trce)
timing analysis result.

Workaround:

Use the new -neg option to get the negative numbers in the SDF file and back
annotation will match the TRACE report. But make sure that the simulator will
be able to handle negative numbers in the SDF file. For example, the following
command generates Verilog netlist and SDF file without setting the negative
setup/hold delays to 0:
ldbanno -neg -n verilog design.ncd

Devices Affected:

32

ORCA FPGA and FPSC

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Performance Analyst
Issue:

When running Performance Analyst, when there are no timing paths for a
specific analysis type in a design (e.g. tCOE), and an option is enabled by
opening the Options dialog box and clicking OK, the Performance Analyst
may exit abruptly. If the enabled option does provide timing paths, then
Performance Analyst works as expected. If the enabled option does not provide
any timing paths, then Performance Analyst does not inform you that no timing
paths exist, and exits abruptly.

Workaround:

If the enabled options in the Options dialog box do not provide timing paths
and Performance Analyst exits abruptly, simply restart Performance Analyst
from Project Navigator.

Device Affected:

ispXPGA

Place and Route

Issue:

Input registers should be assigned automatically for the M4A devices, but it is
possible that no input registers will be assigned. This is due to the fitter
requirement that all GLBs have a consistent macrocell to pin ratio, such as
16/8. In some M4A devices, the ratio in one GLB may be different than the
ratio in another GLB. Therefore, the input registers will not be assigned
properly for this device.

Workaround:

You can target the M4A3512/256 device and reserve pins so that the pinout of
the desired device is meet. You can then program the M4A3-512/160 device,
or the M4A3-512/192 device, using the M4A3-512/256 JEDEC file. Contact
Lattice Technical Support to obtain a constraint file with the correct pins
reserved for the device being used.

Devices Affected:

ispMACH4A3-512/160 and ispMACH4A3-512/160

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

33

PLL
Issue:

PLL implementation of Schematic/Verilog PLL design is incorrect for

ispMACH 5000VG. Though the design compiles correctly, the fitter report
shows that one of the internal nodes is automatically forced by the software as
an output. Though signals appear in the report correctly, the summary shows
that another output is generated: the internal node has become an output and
the output is locked to a specific pin.

Workaround:

None.

Devices Affected:

ispMACH 5000VG

Issue:

If the PLL clock output is connected to logic, it should also be connected to a

pin. This will not introduce extra pin usage because the PLL clock output can
be connected to logic only through the pin feedback.A buffer is not considered
logic. If the PLL clock output is connected to a pin through an inverter, an
extra clock output connection to a pin is not needed, unless the output of the
inverter has a fanout greater than 1.

Workaround:

None

Devices affected:

ispXPLD 5000MX

Preference Editor
Issue:

Pin locate attributes defined in the HDL are not visible in the post-map
Preference Editor. These preferences are between SCHEMATIC
START/SCHEMATIC END statements in the post-mapped preference file
(.prf). Place and route will honor pin locates from HDL, and using Preference
Editor to set pin locates (including overriding those from HDL) will also be
honored. Similarly, frequency attributes defined in the HDL are not visible in
the Preference Editor.

Workaround:

To make HDL preferences visible in the Preference Editor post-map, use Edit
Constraints (ASCII) or any text editor to move these preferences to after the
SCHEMATIC END statement. They will then be visible in the Preference
Editor.

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA

34

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Project Navigator
Issue:

Source files opened, and then saved, in Text Editor could fail to generate
database if blank spaces are left in the file name.

Workaround:

Dont leave blank spaces in file names of source files saved in the Text Editor.

Devices Affected:

All Devices

Issue:

When trying to view the JEDEC file by selecting the JEDEC File process in
the Processes for Current Source pane of the Project Navigator, and rightclicking on the view option, the JEDEC (.jed) file will not be displayed. This
option is not supported for the MACH4A, or MACH5 devices.

Workaround:

None. The view JEDEC option is not supported. View the JEDEC file with a
text editor.

Device Affected:

MACH4, MACH5 and ispMACH4A

Issue:

When a new project is created in the same directory as an existing project, the
revision control for the old project appears in the Revision Control window.

Workaround:

None. Do not create multiple projects in the same directory when Revision
Control is enabled.

Devices Affected:

ispXPGA, ORCA FPGA

Issue:

CDR and FIFO are not supported in the Lattice Logic Simulator.

Workaround:

Use ModelSim simulator.

Devices Affected:

ispGDX2

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

35

Issue:

When a register signal drives a RAM/FIFO/CAM block and at the same time
outputs to a pin, it will cause a failure during timing analysis and Standard
Delay File (.sdf) file generation.

Workaround:

The failure can be prevented by preserving the register signal in the design
source code. The following examples show a workaround for a VHDL design:
Exemplar:
Attribute
Attribute
Attribute
Attribute

preserve_signal: boolean;
preserve_signal of reg_out: signal is true;
OPT : string;
OPT OF reg_out : SIGNAL IS "KEEP";

Synplicity:
Attribute
Attribute
Attribute
Attribute

syn_keep: boolean;
syn_keep of reg_out : signal is true;
OPT : string;
OPT OF reg_out: SIGNAL IS "KEEP";

Where signal reg_out is the Q output of the register that drives the memory
block.
Devices Affected:

ispXPLD 5000MX

Issue:

If you import a preference (.prf) file into Project Navigator, and the device
type is industrial, the PRF file must explicitly include the INDUSTRIAL
keyword. Otherwise, correct timing parameters will not be used.

Workaround:

After a PRF file is imported, open it using the Edit Constraints (ASCII)
process, and add keyword INDUSTRIAL;

Devices Affected:

ORCA FPGA

Issue:

The ispLEVER software aborts if you import a Verilog Test File (.tf) and then
attempt to display any Verilog Simulation Properties dialog box.

Workaround:

Before displaying any Verilog Simulation Properties dialog box, save the
project by choosing File > Save in the Project Navigator.

Device Affected:

All

36

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

Issue:

If you to run the ISC-1532 File process in ispLEVER Project Navigator

without having the ispVM System software installed on your computer, you
will receive an error message.

Workaround:

Ensure that you have the latest available version of the ispVM System software
installed on your computer before running the ISC-1532 File process in
Project Navigator.
If you are using ispLEVER Starter software, you must download the ispVM
software from the www.latticesemi.com website, and install the ispVM
software in your <install_path>\ispTOOLS directory

Devices Affected:

All IEEE 1532 compliant devices.

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC

37

Revision History

This version of ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes for PC contains updated information that is not contained
in the original printed version of the document that comes with the software.
Changes include:
Page 22 - A known issue was added describing warning messages that are generated in Constraint
Editor when backannotation is performed.
Page 23 - A known issue was added describing problems with Floorplanner Package View dialog box.
Page 23 - A known issue was added describing a problem with zoom feature of Floorplanner floorplan
view.
Page 23 - A known issue was added describing a problem with viewing the Synplicity License
Agreement during software installation.
Page 24 - A known issue was added describing a a possible problem with the Lattice Semiconductor
Setup Program icon during software installation.
Page 24 - A known issue was added describing a problem with the Product Options dialog box during
software installation on a client server.
Page 30 - A known issue was added describing a problem with synchronous FIFOs generated for
ORCA4 devices with Module/IP Manager when Synplicity v.7.3.3 is used as the synthesis tool.
Page 37- A known issue was added describing how an error message is generated in Project Navigator
if you run the ISC-1532 File process without having first installed the ispVM System software.

38

ispLEVER 3.1 Release Notes - PC