Laker-Calibre RealTime Integration Selected for TSMC Custom Design Reference Flow

Updated

Laker-Calibre RealTime Integration Selected for TSMC Custom Design Reference Flow

20nm Custom Layout Flow Delivers Voltage-Dependent and Double-Patterning Signoff-Quality Design Rule Checking in Real Time

HSINCHU, Taiwan & WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SpringSoft, Inc. (TAIEX: 2473) and Mentor Graphics® Corporation (NAS: MENT) today announced that the Laker™-Calibre® RealTime custom layout flow with signoff-quality design rule checking (DRC) in real time is selected for the TSMC Custom Design Reference Flow. The Reference Flow addresses 20-nanometer (nm) chip design and verification complexity.


The latest Laker-Calibre RealTime flow integrates SpringSoft's next-generation Laker3™ OA custom IC design platform with the Mentor Graphics Calibre RealTime platform and golden rule decks used for foundry signoff. It provides signoff-quality physical verification during 20nm layout creation with advanced voltage-dependent and double-patterning design rule checking features. Deployment of this capability in the TSMC 20nm Custom Design Reference Flow enables designers to reach design closure faster and shorten overall design cycles.

Laker-Calibre RealTime Flow

Continuous feedback is necessary to comply with design rules at 20nm. For 20nm designs, engineers must meet new voltage-dependent design rules. In the Laker-Calibre RealTime flow, the Calibre DRC engine continuously monitors the design layout creation in the Laker environment and instantly flags design rule violations. For example, voltages are automatically annotated onto the layout figures as they are created, so any of TSMC's new voltage-dependent DRC (VDRC) violations will be flagged at the moment they occur. This flow leverages the Si2 OpenAccess (OA) database and runtime model (RTM) with the TSMC Interoperable Process Design Kit (iPDK) to address 20nm layout challenges with a multi-vendor solution that operates like a single tool.

According to Joseph Davis, Mentor Graphics director of product marketing, Calibre User Interface and Integration, "The OpenAccess-based integration of Calibre RealTime with the Laker custom design platform provides a way for custom IC designers to maintain their productivity. Designers can focus on optimizing their circuits with the confidence that the design is being constantly checked against the foundry-provided golden signoff rules, including voltage-dependent rules, as they work. Designers also get immediate, accurate and succinct guidance on how to fix any violations that occur."

"This integration with Calibre gives Laker customers access to signoff-quality 20nm design rule checking in real time and complements the built-in design rule-driven layout features of Laker," said Dave Reed, senior director of marketing for custom IC design solutions at SpringSoft. "Our work with Mentor Graphics combines the most widely used interoperable custom design platform with signoff-quality, real-time DRC and is now fully supported in TSMC's 20nm flows. This demonstrates the power of interoperable solutions for meeting 20nm design challenges."

"Mentor Graphics and SpringSoft validate the vision and success of TSMC's Open Innovation Platform®. Their collaborative approach to design enablement at advanced nodes underscores their commitment to meeting the needs of chip designers," said Suk Lee, TSMC Senior Director, Design Infrastructure Marketing Division.

About SpringSoft

SpringSoft, Inc. (TAIEX: 2473) is a global supplier of innovative automation technologies for the design and verification of complex digital, analog and mixed-signal SoCs. Its award-winning product portfolio is used by more than 400 of today's leading semiconductor companies, foundries, and electronic systems OEMs. Headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, SpringSoft is the largest company in Asia specializing in IC design software and a recognized industry leader in customer service with multiple R&D sites and local support offices around the world. For more information, visit www.springsoft.com.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (NAS: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronic, semiconductor and systems companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $850 million. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

Laker3and Laker are trademarks of SpringSoft, Inc.Mentor Graphics, Mentor, and Calibre are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SpringSoft, Inc.
Stacey Hsieh, + 886-3-5794567, ext. 686
stacey_hsieh@springsoft.com
or
for SpringSoft USA
Laurie Stanley, +1 978-834-6560
laurie@wiredislandpr.com
or
Mentor Graphics Corporation
Gene Forte, +1 503-685-1193
gene_forte@mentor.com

KEYWORDS: United States Asia Pacific North America Oregon Taiwan

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