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This guide offers a quick overview of using IPexpress® to use LatticeCORE™ IP modules. For more
information, check the IPexpress Help in the Help menu.
Note:
This guide describes the Lattice Diamond® software version of IPexpress, which differs slightly from the Lattice
ispLEVER® software version of IPexpress. For a complete description of the Lattice ispLEVER version of IPexpress,
check the IPexpress Help in the Help menu.
IPexpress Main Window
When you start IPexpress, the main window lets you browse LatticeCORE IP modules available on your
local computer and on the Lattice IP Server.
LatticeCORE IP modules allow you to configure the IP and generate a netlist and simulation file for use in
your design. Please note that you may be prevented from generating a bitstream or the bitstream may
have time logic present unless you purchase a license for the IP.
Note:
A red “X” next to the LatticeCORE IP icon indicates that the IP is not available for the selected device.
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Lattice IPexpress
Quick Start Guide
Lattice IPexpress Quick Start Guide
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Viewing IP Modules Available for Download
From the IPexpress main window, you can view LatticeCORE IP modules available for download. An
Internet connection is required.
To view LatticeCORE IP modules available from the Lattice Web site:
1. In the main window, click the IP Server button in the IPexpress toolbar. IPexpress automatically
connects to the internet.
2. Click the IP folder in the left panel to download IP information and view the available LatticeCORE IP
modules.
Installing or Downloading a LatticeCORE IP Module
You can download and install LatticeCORE IP modules on your computer, or you can simply download
them and then install them at a later time.
To download an IP for installation at a later time:
1. Highlight the desired IP in the IP list, then click the Download button on the main window toolbar or
you can right-click on the desired IP and choose Download from the drop-down menu.
To install an IP in IPexpress:
1. Highlight the desired IP in the IP list, then click the Install button on the main window toolbar, or
you can right-click on the desired IP and choose Install from the drop-down menu.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Specify a location in which to save the IP in the dialog box, and click Save.
Install and Download
Toolbar Buttons
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4. When you are ready to install the IP, double-click on the <ip_name>.exe file that you had previously
saved, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once completed, the installed IPs will appear in the
IP/Modules tree of the main window. Click the Local button to view the IP/Modules tree.
Customizing an IP Module With IPexpress
Once you have downloaded and installed an LatticeCORE IP module, you can customize it with the
IPexpress software.
To customize a LatticeCORE IP module in IPexpress:
1. Select the desired IP in the list. IPs are indicated in the list with a icon.
2. Enter the following information in the right pane of the main window:
Project Path – Enter or browse to the directory where the generated IP files will be located.
File Name – Enter the base name for the module’s files (that is, with no extension).
Module Output – Select a design entry format from the drop-down list.
Device Family – Select the device family for the module or core you’ve selected.
Part Name – Select the specific part from the drop-down list.
3. Click Customize in the lower-right corner of the main wIndow. This displays the Configuration dialog
box for your IP.
Customize
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To generate IP output files:
1. Set desired IP parameters, if available, in the Configuration dialog box.
2. Click Generate.The output directories and files are generated in the location you specified in the main
window.
Extensive documentation is provided with each LatticeCORE and with the IPexpress software.
User’s Guide. Each LatticeCORE IP module comes with a user’s guide containing information specific
to that IP. Access the user’s guide by clicking Help in the IP Configuration dialog box.
Online Help. The online Help includes instructions on how to use IPexpress. Access the online Help
from the IPexpress software by choosing Help > IPexpress Help.
More information about LatticeCORE IP modules can be found online at:
http://www.latticesemi.com/ip.
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