SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb. 27, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Magma(r) Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA) today announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will make available Magma Volcano(tm) databases and Quartz(tm) RC tech files for download along with TSMC cell libraries beginning in March 2008.
With these files and a single command in the Talus(r) IC implementation system, designers can reduce the time and effort required to begin implementing 45-nanometer and 65-namometer (nm) ICs. Other flows still require multiple steps before design implementation can begin, including importing LEF/DEF files, manufacturing rules and RC extraction technology files into multiple tools.
The Volcano databases also provide a more efficient method of making design changes after implementation begins. Designers using point tools spend a significant amount of time importing databases into their respective point tools. If the designer decides to switch libraries or design rules during the implementation process, the importing process of all databases into several tools must be repeated. Since Magma software operates on a unified data model, only the new database must be imported. By delivering Volcano library views and Volcano design rules separately, TSMC increases download efficiency and reduces Volcano maintenance when, for example, TSMC updates cell libraries but not rules files or vice versa.
"Responding to increased demand for Magma IC implementation toolset and the advanced technology design infrastructure to support its unified data model, we implemented the support for Magma's Volcano databases," said S.T. Juang, Senior director of Design Infrastructure Marketing at TSMC. "The easy accessibility to the qualified databases will greatly increase design efficiency and prospects for first time silicon success."
"The combination of TSMC's robust process technologies and manufacturing ability and Magma's integrated IC implementation software offers users significant performance, cost and turnaround time advantages," said Kam Kittrell, general manager of Magma's Design Implementation Business Unit. "We're pleased to be working with TSMC to make it easier for designers to leverage our solutions."
TSMC has developed a complete quality control process for qualifying tool databases and is implementing designs in 45-nm, 65-nm and 90-nm technology nodes for various applications. In March TSMC will host 45-nm and 65-nm Volcano views from the TSMC Online website.
About Magma
Magma's software for designing integrated circuits (ICs) is used to create complex, high-performance chips required in cellular telephones, electronic games, WiFi, MP3 players, DVD/digital video, networking, automotive electronics and other electronic applications. Magma's EDA software for IC implementation, analysis, physical verification, circuit simulation and characterization is recognized as embodying the best in semiconductor technology, enabling the world's top chip companies to "Design Ahead of the Curve"(tm) while reducing design time and costs. Magma is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with offices around the world. Magma's stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LAVA. Visit Magma Design Automation on the Web at www.magma-da.com.
Magma and Talus are registered trademarks, and "Design Ahead of the Curve," Quartz and Volcano are trademarks of Magma Design Automation Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Forward-Looking Statements:
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements that Magma Volcano views allow users to reduce file import time and about the features and benefits of the Magma software are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to Magma's ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, and the company's products' abilities to produce desired results; and TSMC and Magma's decisions to continue working together. Further discussion of these and other potential risk factors may be found in Magma's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). Magma undertakes no additional obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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