Getting Started with Lattice Nexus Platform FPGAs

Overview

the Lattice Nexus Platform is breakthrough in low-power FPGA technology, built on 28nm FD-SOI process technology. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start your first Nexus FPGA project.

Prerequisites

before starting, ensure you have:

  • Lattice Radiant design software installed
  • A supported Lattice development board
  • Basic understanding of digital logic design

Step 1: Install Lattice Radiant

  • Download Lattice Radiant from the Lattice Semiconductor website
  • Run the installer and select your target device families
  • Activate your license (free licenses available for certain devices)

    • Step 2: Create Your First Project

  • Open Lattice Radiant
  • Select File → New → Project
  • Choose your target device (e.g., LFD2NX-40 or LFD4NX-100)
  • Select your preferred HDL (VHDL or Verilog)

    • Step 3: Design Entry

    Create a simple design to test your setup:

    ``verilog module blink_led ( input wire clk, output wire led ); reg [24:0] counter; always @(posedge clk) counter <= counter + 1; assign led = counter[24]; endmodule ``

    Step 4: Synthesis and Implementation

  • Run Synthesis to convert HDL to gate-level netlist
  • Run Map to fit design into FPGA resources
  • Run Place and Route for physical implementation
  • Generate Bitstream for device programming

    • Step 5: Program the Device

  • Connect your development board via USB
  • Open Programmer tool in Radiant
  • Load the generated bitstream file
  • Program the FPGA

    • Next Steps

    • Explore IP Catalog for pre-built cores
    • Learn about power optimization features
    • Study the FD-SOI technology advantages
    • Review application notes for your specific use case