FPGA Development Platform
Prototype Today.
Deploy Tomorrow.
Built around the Lattice ECP5 LFE5U-25F FPGA, our evaluation and integration platform delivers a compact, production-ready development environment in a standard DDR2 SODIMM form factor. Designed for engineers who need to move fast — from first prototype to deployed system — with open-source toolchain support, one-cable operation, and dual-JTAG debugging.
Specifications
Key technical parameters of the FPGA Evaluation & Integration Platform
FPGA Core
| FPGA Device | Lattice ECP5 LFE5U-25F-6BG256C |
| Logic Cells | 24,000 LUTs |
| Embedded Memory | 1,008 Kb (56 × 18Kb sysMEM blocks) |
| Distributed RAM | 194 Kb |
| 18×18 Multipliers | 28 |
| PLLs | 2 |
| Package | BGA256, 0.8 mm pitch |
Memory & Storage
| SDRAM | 32 MB (IS42S16160B) |
| SPI Flash | 32 MB (W25Q256JV) |
| SD Card | Micro SD slot, SPI/SDIO modes |
Clocking
| System Clock | 25 MHz crystal oscillator (P6) |
| Clock Select | 4 configurable clock sources via icesprog |
I/O & Connectivity
| Usable I/O | 106 pins via SODIMM-DDR2-200P connector |
| Form Factor | DDR2 SODIMM (standard mechanical footprint) |
| USB | 1× USB Type-C (power + data + debug) |
| User LED | 1× RGB LED (A11, A12, B11) |
Debug & Programming
| On-Board Debugger | iCELink (ARM Mbed DAPLink based) |
| Programming | icesprog CLI, GUI application, dapprog |
| JTAG Interfaces | 2× (JTAG-1: native ECP5, JTAG-2: user-defined SoC) |
| Serial Console | USB CDC virtual serial port, direct to FPGA |
| Toolchain | Fully open-source (yosys, nextpnr, icestorm) |
Key Features
What makes this platform the fastest path from prototype to production
SODIMM Form Factor — Design It In
Standard DDR2 SODIMM mechanical footprint means you can design your carrier board today and slot the FPGA module straight in. 106 I/O lines broken out through the edge connector. Prototype on our extension board, then move to your own custom carrier for production.
One-Cable Development
A single USB-C connection provides power, drag-and-drop bitstream programming, USB CDC serial console, and JTAG interfaces. No external programmers. No cable mess. Plug in one cable and start building.
Dual JTAG for SoC Debug
JTAG-1 programs the ECP5 directly from the factory. JTAG-2 connects to user-defined JTAG pins inside your own design — debug your custom RISC-V SoC without additional hardware. Switch between them with a single command.
Easy Programming
Program the FPGA via the icesprog CLI tool or our dedicated GUI application. Supports bitstream flashing, advanced configuration — offsets, GPIO control, and JTAG selection.
Runs RISC-V Linux
With 32 MB SDRAM and support for LiteX/VexRiscv, this platform can boot a full Linux system. Build and deploy a RISC-V SoC with MMU, Ethernet, and peripherals — all on open-source hardware and toolchains.
Open-Source Toolchain
Fully supported by yosys, nextpnr, and Project IceStorm. No license dongles, no vendor lock-in. Use the OSS CAD Suite for a complete development environment that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows (WSL2).
Application Scenarios
Engineered for demanding industries where rapid FPGA deployment matters
Defence & Aerospace
Rapid prototyping of secure communications, radar processing, and embedded control systems.
Telecommunications
Prototype custom protocol accelerators, packet processors, and baseband functions.
Automotive & Industrial
Sensor fusion prototyping, motor control, and safety-critical logic development.
IoT & Edge Computing
Smart sensor hubs, gateway devices, and real-time data preprocessing platforms.
Medical Devices
Custom signal acquisition and processing pipelines for diagnostic equipment, health monitors, and lab instrumentation.
Research & Academia
Teach digital design, computer architecture, and embedded systems with professional-grade hardware.
Design Resources
Everything you need to start developing
Product Brochure
Complete overview with specifications, features, and application scenarios.
Download PDF →Schematics & PCB
Full hardware design files. Design your carrier board with confidence.
Access Files →OSS CAD Suite Guide
Step-by-step setup for the open-source toolchain (yosys, nextpnr, icestorm).
Read Guide →LiteX Linux Demo
Pre-built bitstream and instructions to boot RISC-V Linux on your board.
Get Started →Services Portfolio
More Than Hardware — A Complete Engineering Partner
🖥️ FPGA Design
RTL design in Verilog/VHDL, IP integration, timing closure, and optimization for your target application.
📐 PCB Design
Custom carrier board design, signal integrity analysis, and manufacturing support — from concept to assembled boards.
🔧 Embedded Software
Bare-metal firmware, Linux BSP development, device drivers, and real-time operating system integration.
✅ Verification
Simulation, formal verification, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and compliance validation.
📦 Production Support
Manufacturing test development, production programming, and supply chain management.
🎯 Consulting
Architecture reviews, technology selection, feasibility studies, and project roadmap planning.
Why Work With Us
UK-based FPGA engineering partner with deep expertise and local support
UK-Based Support
Local inventory, local engineers, local timezone. No waiting for overseas shipping or midnight support calls.
Deep FPGA Expertise
Our engineering team has delivered FPGA solutions across defence, telecoms, industrial, and research sectors. We speak Verilog, VHDL, and everything in between.
Production-Ready Deliverables
We don't just hand over a prototype. Every project includes documentation, test benches, and production support — ready for deployment.
Buy / Parametrics
Order the FPGA Evaluation & Integration Platform
Ordering Information
| Part Number | NC-ECP5-EVAL-001 |
| FPGA Device | Lattice ECP5 LFE5U-25F |
| Form Factor | DDR2 SODIMM |
| Included Accessories | Extension board, USB-C cable, quick-start guide |
| Toolchain | Open-source (OSS CAD Suite compatible) |
| Lead Time | Typically 1–2 weeks (UK stock) |
| Minimum Order | 1 unit (volume pricing available) |
Request a Quote
Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with pricing and availability within one business day.
✉️ Email info@novocomms.comContact Us
Need FPGA in your system? Let us handle it.
Get In Touch
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Ready to Start?
Whether you need one board for evaluation or a production run, we're here to help.
✉️ Contact Sales