MICROCHIP Libero SoC Design Suite Software User Guide

MICROCHIP Libero SoC Design Suite Software

Product Information
The product is called Libero SoC Design Suite, which is a software suite used for designing and configuring systems-on-chip (SoC). It provides tools and features for system installation, configuration, and design.

System Requirements
Before installing the Libero SoC software, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Visit the Libero SoC Requirements page for detailed information on product families, platforms, and system requirements.

Logging In
To download the Libero Design Suite and licenses, you need a Microchip portal login account. Follow these steps to log in:

1. Open a browser and go to the Microchip Portal. The sign-in page will appear.
2. If you already have an account, enter your credentials in the required fields. Otherwise, click “Register for an account” to create a new account.
3. Click “Sign In” to log in.

Downloading the Libero SoC Software
To download the Libero SoC software, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Lucero SoC Software page.
2. On the “Latest Software” tab, click the link for the latest version of the Libero SoC software. This will take you to the download page.
3. Download the software to your system.

Installing the Libero SoC Software
You can install the Libero SoC Software on either Windows or Linux. Follow the appropriate instructions below:

Installing on Windows
Before proceeding with the installation on Windows, ensure that You have Administrator rights. To install the Libero SoC Software from a DVD or over the web:

• If you have a USB Hardware Key Dongle license, do not attach the USB dongle before installing Libero or USB drivers. The USB dongle should be attached after the software and USB driver installation. For more information, refer to the section “Installing a Node-Locked USB Dongle License on Windows” regarding  USB driver installation.
• For the recommended method, download the Libero SoC for Windows Web Installer from the Download Software page to your local machine.
• Then, execute the .exe file and select the features you want to install on your local machine. Configuration options will be provided.

Introduction

Libero® SoC software offers high productivity, with comprehensive, easy-to- learn, easy-to-adopt development tools for designing with Microchip’s PolarFire® SoC, IGLOO® 2, SmartFusion® 2, RTG4® SmartFusion®, IGLOO®,
ProASIC® 3, and Fusion families. A license is required to run the Libero SoC software. To select the appropriate license, visit the Licensing web page and download the Libero License Selector Guide. This guide describes how to download and install the Libero SoC software and the prerequisites needed to run the application on your system. It also describes how to obtain and install licenses on your system. Note: In this document, the term “Libero” refers to the Libero SoC Design Suite.

Important
This document is updated frequently. The latest version of this document is available at this location: Libero SoC Design Suite Documentation.

Libero SoC Software Installation and Configuration
This section explains how to install and configure the Libero SoC Design Suite.

System Requirements
You must meet all system requirements to install the Libero SoC software on your system. For more information about product families, platforms, and details about current system requirements, visit the Libero SoC Requirements page. Important: Libero SoC supports 64-bit Windows® and Linux® operating systems only.

Logging In

1. You need a Microchip portal login account to download the required Libero Design Suite and licenses. To log in: Open the Microchip Portal in a browser. The sign-in page appears.
2. If you are an existing user, enter the credentials in the required fields. Otherwise, click Register for an account to register for a new account.
3. Click Sign In.

Downloading the Libero SoC Software
You must have Admin rights on the installation machine to install the Libero SoC software.
To run the Libero SoC software on your system, download the software from the Libero SoC Software page.

1. Visit the Libero SoC Software page. The Libero SoC Design Suite Versions 2022.1 to 12.0 page appears.
2. Go to the Latest Software tab and click the latest Libero SoC software download link. The download page appears.
3. Download the Libero SoC software to your system.

Installing the Libero SoC Software
You can install the Libero SoC Software on your system for Windows or Linux.
Note: You must have Administrator rights on Windows to install the Libero SoC Software.

Installing the Libero SoC Software on Windows
Install the Libero SoC Software from a DVD or over the web.
Important: If you have a USB Hardware Key Dongle license, DO NOT attach the USB dongle prior to installing Libero or USB drivers. The USB dongle must be attached after the software and USB driver installation. See “Installing a Node-Locked USB Dongle License on Windows” regarding USB Driver installation.

Installing the Software from the Web (Recommended)
Download the Libero SoC for Windows Web Installer from the Download Software page to your local machine. Then execute the .exe file and select the features you want to install on your local machine. Options are provided for configuring the features.
To install the Libero SoC Software over the web:

1. Make sure your hard drive has at least 25GB of available disk space.
2. Navigate to the Download Software page.
3. Choose the Windows Web Installer option.
4. Execute the .exe file from the downloaded folder.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Installing the Software from a DVD (or full ZIP file from the Web)
To install the software from a DVD or full installer:

1.  Make sure your hard drive has at least 25 GB of available disk space.
2. Insert the Libero SoC Software DVD or double-click the Windows Full Installer ZIP file you downloaded from the web.
3. Unzip (extract) the ZIP archive.
4. Execute the Libero_SoC shortcut in the extracted folder. When the Libero SoC Install Anywhere Wizard appears, follow the on-screen instructions.

Installing the Libero SoC Software on Linux
You can install the Libero SoC Software on Linux in GUI or Console mode. Important: For information about how to set up the Linux environment, see the Libero SoC Linux Environment Setup User Guide.

Installing the Libero SoC Software in GUI Mode (Small Binary Installer)
Perform the following steps to download and install the Libero SoC Software in GUI mode with a small installer binary (100 MB). With this installer mode, you can save time and storage by selecting different products in the Libero SoC Software suite to install. This is the default and recommended installation procedure. Important: Before installing the Libero SoC software, make sure your hard drive has at least 30 GB free and at least 35 GB in the temp directory during installation.

1. Download LiberoSoC_Web_lin.zip installer to a temp directory.
2. Change the directory to the temp directory.
3. Unzip(extract) the ZIP archive.
4. Launch the Libero SoC installer: %./launch_installer.sh
5. Launch the Libero SoC installer: %./LiberoSoC_lin.bin
6. When the installer Welcome page appears, follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Installing the Libero SoC Software in Console Mode (Full Product Installer)
Perform the following procedure to download and install the Libero SoC software suite with a full installer binary (11 GB).
Important: Before installing the Libero SoC software, make sure your hard drive has at least 30 GB of available space and at least 35 GB of available space in the temp directory during installation.

1. Download LiberoSoC_lin.zip installer to a temp directory.
2. Change the directory to the temp directory.
3. Unzip(extract) the ZIP archive.
4. Launch the Libero SoC installer: %./launch_installer.sh
5. When the installer Welcome page appears, follow the prompts to complete the installation

Installing the Service Pack
Service packs are incremental, and must be installed on top of previous releases. To verify your Libero SoC version, from the Help menu, click About Libero.
IMPORTANT: _Lin.tar.gz must be placed in the $ALSDIR/Libero directory and the installation must take place on the local system.

1. Log in with read/write permission to the system on which Libero SoC is installed.
2. Download _Lin.tar.gz into $ALSDIR/Libero. _Lin.tar.gz is now located at the same level as adm/, bin/, data/, and so on.
3. Type: tar xzvf _Lin.tar.gz
4. Type: ./wsupdate.sh to complete the installation of the update.

Tips for Launching Libero on Linux Red Hat Operating Systems
For detailed instructions on how to launch Libero on Linux Red Hat operating systems, see the Libero SoC Linux Environment Setup User Guide

Obtaining the Licenses
You must have a license to run the Libero SoC Software. Navigate to the following URL to learn about available licenses, how to purchase new licenses or renew existing licenses, and how to obtain evaluation licenses: Do you need help with selecting the right license for your design? Use the Libero License Selector Guide, a license selection tool that allows you to select the appropriate license option based on multiple parameters such as FPGA/SoC device, Libero version, and operating system.

Libero License Options
Two license types are offered: node-locked or floating. A node-locked license is locked to a specific hard disk ID or movable USB hardware key dongle. A USB dongle with the accompanying license file allows the software to operate
on any PC to which the dongle is attached and the license file and software are installed. View the tool and device support for the various licenses
Node-locked license installation is covered in 1.6. Installing Licenses.

Notes

• Node-locked licenses are supported on the Windows platform and Floating licenses are supported on Windows, Linux, and Solaris platforms.
• Remote access is not supported for node-locked Evaluation, Gold, Platinum, and Silver licenses. However, it supports a standalone license.

A floating license is typically installed on a network server (Windows, Linux, or Solaris) and allows networked client PCs to access the license from the server. The Client PCs can be Windows or Linux OS. Client seats can be purchased to allow up to 999 users to run the Libero software simultaneously.
Note: Node-locked and floating licenses do not support virtual machine servers.
Note : To use 64-bit lmgrd, obtain it directly from Flexera. For information about installing a floating license.

Installing Licenses

Obtaining Free Licenses
Microchip supports two types of free licenses: Evaluation and Silver.

How to obtain a Disk ID?
The DISK ID is the computer hard drive’s serial number, also called Disk Serial Number. It is typically the c:\ drive in your computer. The Disk ID is an 8-character hexadecimal number of the form, xxxx-xxxx, similar to “A085-AFE9”.
The requested license is sent to you within 45 minutes. If you select a Node- Locked License, the registration page requires the hard disk ID of the PC where the Libero SoC Software is installed. If you are not sure how to find the
hard disk ID, click the How to find a DiskID link to locate the ID, and provide the Disk ID in the entry field. To obtain your computer’s Disk ID, type the following at a DOS or Command Prompt: C:> Vol C: Enter your C drive’s Disk ID number into the license registration page window where indicated and click Submit.

How to Obtain a MAC ID?
If you select a floating license type, the registration window requires your MAC ID for your Windows or Linux PC, and it requires the Host ID for your Solaris PC or Server.

Linux Node Locked or Floating
If you are not sure how to find the MAC ID, click the How to find a MAC ID link to locate the ID and provide the MAC ID in the ID entry field. To obtain the MAC ID, type the following from the command prompt: /sbin/ifconfig
The Ethernet/MAC ID address appears. The MAC ID address is a 12-character hexadecimal number, similar to “00A0C982BEE3”. Enter your MAC ID into the registration page window where indicated. Windows Floating or Synplicity “Server-Based Node-Locked” (SBNL) Licenses

To obtain the PC MAC ID, type the following at a DOS or Command Prompt
C:> lm util hosted
You can also use:
C:> <path_to_actel_installation\bin\lmhostid>

The Ethernet/MAC ID address appears. The MAC ID address is a twelve-character hexadecimal number, similar to “00A0C982BEE3”. Enter the 12-character MAC ID into the registration page window where indicated. In some PC configurations, there can be more than one MAC ID. Use the MAC ID that will be the “active” ID. Some users may configure their laptops to have a wired MAC ID for docked laptop use and a wireless MAC ID for undocked use. Tools using the MAC ID depend on the MAC ID being active for use. When finished, click Submit. Print or write down the Software ID on the Registration Confirmation web page. Normally, the license is generated and sent to your email address, typically in less than 45 minutes. The License.dat file is an attachment to the email. When the email and license arrive, follow the license installation instructions in 1.6. Installing Licenses.

You can purchase the Libero Gold, Platinum, Standalone, and Archival licenses. Also, Microchip has Paid DirectCores, Video SolutionCores, and MotorControl SolutionCores.  Upon receipt of the purchase order, you will receive a SW ID document from Microchip through an email, which contains the SW ID# number and the instructions to generate the required license. For USB license type, you will be shipped USB dongle hardware and a software DVD, not the SW ID attached to the DVD. The Software ID number for Libero licenses is in the format LXXX- XXXX-XXXX. The Software ID for Paid DirectCores is in the format of CXXX-XXXX- XXXX. The Software ID for paid Video SolutionCores is in the format of VXXX- XXXX-XXXX. The Software ID for paid MotorControl SolutionCores is in the format of MXXX-XXXX-XXXX Do not generate the USB dongle license until you receive the USB dongle hardware from Microchip.
Note : The Libero SoC Software DVD is not available with node locked or floating licenses. It is available only with USB node-locked licenses.

Note: Starting from 4/16/2019, Microchip discontinued USB Dongle license for Gold, Platinum, Gold Archival and Platinum Archival licenses because Mentor has discontinued support for the USB dongle license. See PDN19017 for
discontinued Libero licenses. Enter this Software ID number in the Register Purchased Product window, as shown in the following figure and click Software ID for the Purchased Product. Depending on the type of license you purchased, depending on the Software ID you provide, the web page will ask you for a hard Disk ID, USB Dongle number or MAC ID. If necessary, determine your DiskID or MAC ID number, enter it into the window, and click Submit.

How to Obtain a USB Dongle License?
If you select a USB Dongle license type, the registration window requires Flex ID available on the dongle key. The following shows an example of a USB Dongle number.
Note: USB dongle license is supported on Libero Standalone license. It is not supported on Gold, Platinum, and its Archival licenses. For more details, see PDN19017.
Note: The Flex ID information is available on the USB Dongle hardware shipped by Microchip. Figure 1-1. Identifying the USB Dongle Hardware Key Number The Registration Confirmation web page appears when you click Submit. Your license will be emailed to you, typically within 45 minutes. When the email and license arrive, follow the license installation instructions in Installing the Libero SoC Software.

Retrieving Copies of Existing Licenses
You can obtain the copies of licenses from the Microchip website and Customer Portal. If you are the registered owner of a license, go to your Microchip Portal Account at  Click the Licenses & Registration link. A list of your software licenses, both current and expired, appears. Click the link under the Software ID of the desired license and click the Download License button to obtain a copy

License Changes and Information
If you purchased a license, then some license changes can be performed.
Change the owner of a license from one person to another. The new licensee must have a Microchip Portal Account. Change the Disk ID for a license

Change the MAC ID for a license
Change the USB Dongle ID for a license Additional email ids can be added to a license registration The registered owner of a license will be notified 30 days, 15 days, and the last day in advance of the license expiration date. An email will also be sent on the expiration date. There is no renewal for free license. Consider purchasing an annual license after the evaluation period.

Installing Licenses
After you register for a license on the Microchip website, your license is automatically emailed to the address you provided. A License.dat file is attached to the email.
Note: You must have Admin rights on the installation machine to install the Libero SoC Software and to set up licensing.

Installing a Node-Locked Disk ID License on Windows

1. Create a folder named flexlm on the c:\ drive and save the License.dat file in that folder.

2. Open your Environment Variables dialog box:

   • Right-click Computer and choose Properties to open the System dialog box.
   • Click Advanced System Settings to open the System Properties dialog box.
   • Click the Advanced tab.
   • Click the Environment Variables button.
   • In Windows Search, select Settings (Windows key +w) and search for Environment Variable.
   • Double-click the environment variable for your account to open the Editor.
   • Opens File Explorer, right-click This PC and select Properties.
   • Click Advanced System Settings and Click Environment Variables.
   • If LM_LICENSE_FILE is already listed in System variables, proceed to Step 3. If not, go to Step 5.

3. Select it, then click Edit.

4. Add the path to the Microchip License.dat file after any existing Variable value, separated with a semicolon (no space), or replace the existing value. Go to Step 10. If LM_LICENSE_FILE is not listed in System VARIABLES:

5. Click New under System Variable to create a new system variable. The New System Variable dialog box appears.

6. Type LM_LICENSE_FILE in the Variable name field.

7. Type c:\flexlm\License.dat in the Variable value field (or the path to where you installed the License.dat file).
   Note: The path to the installed license software is case-sensitive; check for the case of the folder path in which the license is saved.

8. Click OK.

9. Click OK to save new Environment Variables and return to System Properties.

10. Click OK to exit. Installation is complete. Libero and all installed tools that require licenses are ready for use.

Note : In addition to the LM_LICENSE_FILE variable, which applies to all vendors, Synopsys license can be set using two vendor-specific variables:

Table 1-1. Variables to use with Synopsys License

Installing a Node-Locked USB Dongle License on Windows

1. Create a folder named flexlm under your c:\ drive.
2. Save the License.dat file in the flexlm folder. You can save the file in a different folder; if you do so, make sure the correct path is defined in LM_LICENSE_FILE.
3. Open your Environment Variables dialog box:
   • Right-click Computer and choose Properties to open the System dialog box.
   • Click Advanced System Settings to open the System Properties dialog box.
   • Click the Advanced tab.
   • Click the Environment Variables button.
   • In Windows Search, select Settings (Windows key +w) and search for Environment Variable.
   • Double-click the environment variable for your account to open the Editor.
   • Open File Explorer, right-click This PC, and select Properties.
   • Click Advanced System Settings and click Environment Variables.

If LM_LICENSE_FILE is already listed in System variables, proceed to Step 4. If not, go to Step 6. Click New under System Variable to create a new system variable. The New System Variable dialog box appears. Type LM_LICENSE_FILE in the Variable name field. Type c:\flexlm\License.dat in the Variable value field. Do not put spaces in the path. Click OK. Proceed to Step 10. If LM_LICENSE_FILE is already listed in System Variables:
Select the existing LM_LICENSE_FILE and click Edit. Add the path to the Microchip License.dat file after any existing variable value (separated by a space) or replace the existing value. Click OK. Click OK to save the new Environment Variables and return to System Properties. Click OK to exit. Attach the USB dongle hardware that was sent by Microchip to your PC.

Dongle Driver Version Update
The Libero SoC Installer does not install the FlexLM drivers for the USB dongle. If you use a dongle-based Libero SoC license, you are responsible for installing the current version of the dongle driver.
Note: Before installing the USB drivers, Microchip recommends that you download and run the FlexLM Cleanup Utility (3.9 MB) to remove any older, incompatible FlexLM drivers on your system. To run the Libero SoC releases with a USB dongle license, update the dongle driver version to the current version.

1. Download the current dongle driver from
2. When the download completes, run the Installer.exe file.
3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4. Restart your system after installation for the dongle driver version to take effect.

Installing a Floating License on a Windows Server

1. On the SERVER machine, save the License.dat file into a flexlm folder on your c:\ drive.
2. Download the required license manager daemons to your server platform. Under Documents and Downloads, click the Daemons Download tab and select the appropriate platform download. We recommend placing these files into the same location as the License.dat file.
3. Open License.dat and edit the SERVER line by replacing <put.hostname.here> with your hostname. Do not include the brackets. If necessary, change the port number (1702) to any unused port.
4. Libero floating licenses include Libero, Synplify Pro ME, Identify ME, Synphony Model Compiler ME, and ModelSim ME tools. Edit each VENDOR and DAEMON line with the correct path to each vendor daemon and then save the License.dat file. For example VENDOR snpslmd C:\flexlm\snpslmd DAEMON mgcld C:\flexlm\mgcld DAEMON actlmgrd C:\flexlm\actlmgrd
5. Log in to the SERVER machine and run the following command from the command prompt to start the lmgrd License Manager on the server machine: C:flexlm/lmgrd -c C:flexlm/License.dat If you prefer to have the License Manager output written to a log file, run the following command at the command prompt: C:flexlm/lmgrd -c <path_to_License.dat>/License.dat -l /license.log

Installing a Floating License on a Linux Server

1. On the SERVER machine, save the License.dat file.

2. Download the required license manager daemons to your server platform from  Under Documents and Downloads, click the Daemons Download tab and select the appropriate platform download. We recommend placing these files into the same location as the License.dat file.

3. Open License.dat using any editor. Edit the SERVER line by replacing <put.hostname.here> with your machine Hostname. Do not include the brackets.

4. Libero Linux floating licenses include Libero, Synplify Pro ME, Identify ME, Synphony Model Compiler ME, and ModelSim ME tools. Edit each VENDOR and DAEMON line with the correct path to each vendor daemon and
   then save the License.dat file.

5. Login to the SERVER machine and run the following command to start the License Manager: /lmgrd -c <path_to_License.dat/License.dat> f you prefer to have the License Manager output written to a log file, run the following command at the command prompt: /bin/lmgrd -c <path_to_License.dat>/License.dat -l \ / license.log

Installing a Floating License on a Solaris Server
Libero SoC software does not run on Solaris. Solaris support is only provided for license server applications (License Manager Only). The Solaris License Manager (lmgrd) serves Standalone Libero SoC floating licenses only.

1. On the SERVER machine, save the License.dat file.
2. Download the required license manager daemons to your server platform from . Under Documents and Downloads, click the Daemons Download tab and select the appropriate platform download. We recommend placing these files into the same location as the License.dat file.
3. Open License.dat using any editor. Edit the SERVER line by replacing <put.hostname.here> with your  machine Hostname. Do not include the brackets.
4. Standalone Libero SoC floating licenses include Libero SoC feature only.
5. Login to the SERVER machine and run the following command in a command terminal to start the license manager: /lmgrd -c <path_to_License.dat/License.dat>

If you prefer to have the License Manager output written to a log file, run the following command at the command prompt: : /lmgrd -c