SI tools qualified for new TSMC reference flow

TSMC and Synopsys have qualified the Synopsys signal integrity (SI) suite to address the design methodology for 130 and 90nm process technologies.

TSMC and Synopsys have qualified the Synopsys signal integrity (SI) suite to address the design methodology for 130 and 90nm process technologies.

This extension of design methodology is the result of an ongoing collaboration to utilise the latest silicon processes.

This is the first IC industry collaboration delivering a comprehensive SI suite for 130 and 90nm processes.

"Over the last several years, TSMC and Synopsys have proactively worked together to provide methodologies for complex design challenges", said Genda Hu, Vice President of Marketing at TSMC.

"Both companies have a firm grasp on the signal integrity issues at the 130 nanometre node and beyond.

Synopsys has created the first credible pre-silicon result, based on the requirement to provide our customers with the ability to prevent or quickly analyse and repair their complex signal integrity issues".

With process geometries shrinking and frequency requirements dramatically increasing, one of the biggest challenges for SoC design teams is ensuring timing and signal integrity closure.

The critical signal integrity issues include crosstalk delay, noise and IR drop.

Considering these effects during design implementation reduces the risk of design failure in silicon or unmet performance specifications.

TSMC and Synopsys have proactively addressed SI issues by deploying a proven methodology using Synopsys' industry-leading IC implementation and analysis tools coupled with TSMC's manufacturing expertise.

The upcoming TSMC Reference Flow 4.0 will incorporate a number of Synopsys' tools, including Astro, Astro-Rail, Astro-Xtalk, Design Compiler, Floorplan Compiler, Physical Compiler, PrimeTime, PrimeTime SI and Star-RCXT.

"TSMC's advanced process technologies enable their customers to lead the way in complex system design and drive some of the most advanced flow requirements", said Deirdre Hanford, senior vice president of Synopsys' Business Market Development Group.

"This important milestone is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Synopsys and TSMC that focuses on increasing our mutual customers' efficiency and lowering their project risk".

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