For developers working with RISC-V on PolarFire, Microchip provides specialized, lower-cost access to tools, though these might still fall under the Silver limitations. Summary Table: Libero License Comparison Libero Silver (Free) Libero Gold/Platinum (Paid) Device Support Limited (Low Density) Full (All Devices) Synthesis/Simulation License Type Node-locked Node-locked or Floating Support Community Forums Priority Technical Support Conclusion
Follow the Libero Installation & Licensing Guide to activate your software. 4. Alternatives and Upgrades
The complimentary tiers offer significant power, but it is important to know which specific silicon families they support. The table below provides a quick breakdown of device coverage across the free and paid tiers. Feature / Device Family Silver License (Free) Evaluation License (Free) Gold & Platinum Licenses (Paid) 1 Year (Renewable) Silicon Bitstream Generation Yes (Fully Enabled) No (Simulate Only) Yes (Fully Enabled) PolarFire & PolarFire SoC Up to 250K LE (Non-Security / Kit-Based Only) All Sizes (No Programming) All Sizes & Security Tiers Enabled SmartFusion 2 & IGLOO 2 All Devices All Devices All Devices Legacy Families (ProASIC3, Fusion) Bundled Tooling (Synplify, ModelSim) Step-by-Step Acquisition Process Installing and Licensing Libero® SoC - Developer Help microchip libero license free
Here is the detailed story behind the — what it is, how it works, its limitations, and the strategic reasoning behind it.
Offers support for a broader range of devices. For developers working with RISC-V on PolarFire, Microchip
Microchip’s unique advantage is —widely regarded as superior to open-source or vendor-native synthesizers for area optimization and timing closure. Getting Synplify Pro for free is a massive value.
All Microchip FPGAs, including the cutting-edge PolarFire and PolarFire SoC families. Offers support for a broader range of devices
The Complete Guide to the Microchip Libero Free License: How to Get Started Without Spending a Dime
The free license does not support all Microchip FPGAs, specifically limiting support for high-density, expensive devices.