Product category:
Design Services
News Release from: Sondrel | Subject: XCAD
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 09 July 2004
Service offers expert support for IC
design
A new expert CAD service offers flexible access to additional resources during critical phases of a design project and answers difficult questions as and when they inevitably arise.
Unless they can afford a dedicated CAD team, companies of all sizes can be left with virtually no support when it comes to sophisticated design tools Sondrel, the leading European backend IC design consultancy, aims to change this with the launch of its XCAD (expert computer aided design) support service which offers both active advice on a regular basis and is available as an expert resource to answer difficult questions as and when they inevitably arise
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 14 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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More, XCAD provides flexible access to extra resources during critical phases of a project, ensuring that time-to-market pressures are handled smoothly.
Sondrel founder, Graham Curren explains the concept: "Many companies, especially smaller outfits, cannot afford a CAD team".
"The big four vendors do not offer this service - unless you buy into the complete design services package - so you are left to figure things out pretty much on your own".
"A further hindrance is that most design flows comprise multi-vendor toolsets, which no one will support - until now".
"By focusing early on a project, the XCAD programme helps customers get to market faster and more reliably".
"It also helps reduce the risk of failing or low-yield silicon by employing robust and proven design techniques".
Sondrel's XCAD programme gives customers affordable access to expert chip designers who can advise on issues such as design methodology, tool accuracy and design-flow setup.
Comments Curren: "This service is not project-related".
"In this ever-changing and specialised field, users simply do not know how to design for noise, allow for OCV, or sometimes, which button to push".
"XCAD means that they are no longer on their own".
"We will set up regular meetings to assists the design from conception to layout, and be available when they shout 'help'".
Sondrel has already assisted with many deep submicron layouts (0.13um and below), including several at 90nm and below.
The company is experienced in tool flows from all the major vendors, and has offices in the UK and France.
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