Acquisition adds to analogue abilities

Synopsys is to acquire substantially all the assets of Analog Design Automation, a leading provider of automated circuit optimisation solutions for analogue, mixed-signal and custom ICs.

Synopsys has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Analog Design Automation (ADA), a leading provider of automated circuit optimisation solutions for analogue, mixed-signal and custom integrated circuits.

Through this acquisition, Synopsys expects to introduce new and innovative analogue and mixed-signal design technologies.

ADA's current offerings automate analogue and mixed-signal design creation which helps reduce design cycle time.

The terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

"Synopsys evaluated a number of circuit optimisation solutions available in the market and believes that ADA's technology offered the best combination of features and performance when compared to the alternatives", said Sanjiv Kaul, Senior Vice President and General Manager, New Ventures, Synopsys.

"Selling ADA circuit optimisation technology stand alone, and more importantly integrating it with Synopsys' HSpice and NanoSim circuit simulators, will strengthen our solutions in the analogue and mixed-signal area by offering customers a powerful, multifunctional simulation tool".

"Synopsys was an early investor in ADA and there is strong synergy between ADA's analogue optimisation and Synopsys' circuit simulation products", said Matthew Raggett, CEO of Analog Design Automation.

"This acquisition will help take the most advanced optimisation technology to the mainstream analogue design market".

"ADA products have provided a clear benefit for our analogue designers", stated Mike Carter, Manager, IC CAD and Methodologies at Potentia Semiconductor.

"ADA provides a powerful combination of a simulation environment, a circuit optimisation engine and circuit characterisation capabilities.

Using ADA tools and HSpice, we have been able to significantly accelerate our analogue design process and simultaneously improve design quality".

In the acquisition, Synopsys will acquire all of ADA's analogue and mixed-signal tools and technology, and will hire its technical, applications and sales team.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of requisite ADA shareholder approvals, and is expected to close by the end of February 2004.

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