Encryption secures process design kits

IBM has adopted patent pending Calibre encryption technology for use with its 90, 65 and 45nm process design kits.

IBM has adopted patent pending Calibre encryption technology for use with its 90, 65 and 45nm process design kits.

Encryption is used to expand the range of data IBM can securely transfer to its foundry customers in support of design for manufacturing (DFM), DRC, LVS and extraction methodologies, while protecting valuable intellectual property.

Encryption can enable IBM and its customers to access information at a level that approaches the design and manufacturing functions of an integrated device manufacturer (IDM).

Within this "virtual IDM" communications model, IBM's customers can access the information they need, such as proprietary device models to perform the DFM analyses required for performance and yield improvement.

"Calibre's encryption technology develops stronger ties between the fabless community and their foundry partners, which is necessary for success in 90nm and smaller process nodes", said Matthew Graf, Manager, Design Automation Enablement for IBM Systems and Technology Group.

"Foundry customers need access to data that allows them to design high-yielding silicon while foundries need to protect proprietary manufacturing process data".

"Without a secure vehicle to transfer this information, there is a reluctance to share data".

"Encryption provides the much-needed step toward two-way protected communication between designer and manufacturer".

Data protection is and has been a key concern for manufacturers in the DFM era in which designers gain responsibility for making layouts more robust for enhanced yield.

In order to succeed at this task, designers must have access to foundry data, such as recommended rules, that may contain unique design or manufacturing recipes.

Calibre provides both partial and full encryption capabilities.

IBM is using partial encryption for design rule checking (Calibre DRC) and parasitic extraction (Calibre xRC) models.

Encryption is optimised across the entire Calibre design-to-silicon platform of tools, which also includes Calibre LVS, DFM solutions (such as Calibre Yieldanalyser and Calibre YieldEnhancer) lithographic solutions (such as Calibre OPC) and mask data preparation tools.

"Calibre encryption capability is a critical enabler that allows foundries to protect their IP while enabling technologies such as DFM", said Joseph Sawicki, Vice President and General Manager of Mentor Graphics' Design-to-Silicon Division.

"Calibre's leading design to silicon platform is uniquely suited for the latest technologies that require encryption, allowing protected communication between design and manufacturing".

Back to top