Synopsys collaborates with ST to help achieve critical milestone in 20-nm design

MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Synopsys Inc. has announced its close co-operation with STMicroelectronics (ST) in the successful tapeout of ST's first 20-nanometer (nm) technology demonstrator test chip.

This tapeout represents a critical milestone in the R&D collaboration between the two companies to develop a comprehensive design enablement solution for system-on-chip (SoC) integrated circuits (ICs) using ST's next-generation 20-nm process technology, co-developed with its ISDA (International Semiconductor Development Alliance) partners in Fishkill, NY.

R&D teams from both ST and Synopsys worked together over the last year to build the foundations of the 20-nm design environment, collaborating in several areas spanning from standard-cell library routability optimization, coding of complex routing, parasitic extraction, and design rule checking (DRC) rules.

"As a joint development partner of the ISDA alliance, STMicroelectronics is at the forefront of advanced process technology development," said Philippe Magarshack, group vice president at STMicroelectronics Technology Research and Development (R&D). "From the onset, we have worked closely with Synopsys to enable the readiness of key components in our 20-nanometer design flow. Synopsys' technology leadership and our close R&D interaction enabled us to validate and optimize the implementation solution. The successful tapeout of our first technology demonstrator chip marks a key milestone towards 20-nanometer readiness. Silicon is expected in Q2 2011."

"STMicroelectronics has been a valued partner for a long time, actively collaborating in new technology development," said Antun Domic, senior vice president and general manager of Synopsys' Implementation Group.

"The latest achievements in 20-nanometer design enablement show our close collaboration bearing fruit, and prove we can provide critical components at the right time to meet the 20-nanometer transition needs. We will continue collaborating with ST to achieve a production-ready environment for high-quality 20-nanometer design implementation. As part of this effort, Synopsys will further strengthen its R&D presence in France. Our European R&D team already exceeds 400 engineers across 15 countries."