diff --git a/ethosu/vela/npu_performance.py b/ethosu/vela/npu_performance.py
index e315f1f..c83f8f5 100644
--- a/ethosu/vela/npu_performance.py
+++ b/ethosu/vela/npu_performance.py
@@ -389,7 +389,8 @@
     elem_size = tensor.dtype.size_in_bytes()
     is_ifm = direction == BandwidthDirection.Read
     tens = tensor.clone()
-    if not tens.avoid_NHCWB16:
+
+    if not tensor.needs_linear_format:
         tens.set_format(TensorFormat.NHCWB16, arch)
     strides = tens.get_strides(shape4D=shape4D)