Synopsys unveils StarRC custom 3D extraction delivering 20X speedup

MOUNTAIN VIEW, USA: Synopsys Inc. has unveiled Rapid3D technology, a new 3D fast field solver engine fully integrated into Synopsys' StarRC Custom parasitic extraction solution.

Building on the gold standard Raphael NXT engine, Rapid3D technology delivers attofarad accuracy and significant speedup by incorporating the latest advancements in 3D field solver algorithms. These algorithms take full advantage of modern multicore hardware to solve the accuracy and runtime challenges of sub-45-nanometer (nm) extraction for custom IC design and IP characterization.

Rapid3D technology is embedded as a standard feature in StarRC Custom, providing users proven reliability, leading parasitic modeling and standard interfaces to achieve silicon accuracy and improved productivity.

On customer designs, the advanced Rapid3D algorithms have shown up to 20X runtime improvement in single processor core performance. In addition, Rapid3D technology has demonstrated near-linear multicore scalability, with up to an additional 54X boost in performance on 64 cores. The multicore technology takes advantage of optimized multi-threading to maximize throughput, even on memory-constrained compute resources.

"Due to increasing parasitic effects at advanced process technologies, it is becoming harder to achieve accuracy and faster turnaround time for any leading-edge designs," said Eugene Chen, director of CAD engineering at Altera Corp. "StarRC Custom with Rapid3D technology provides the speed and accuracy we need to help us achieve first-pass success and maintain a competitive advantage. In our evaluation, the Rapid3D technology delivered 13X faster runtime on a single CPU core."

Synopsys developed the StarRC Custom Rapid3D technology to enable custom designers to not only achieve faster 3D extraction, but also empower them to accelerate overall design turnaround time through productivity links with Synopsys' technology-leading implementation, simulation and analysis solutions.

These include integration with the Galaxy Custom Designer solution for in-design 3D extraction, optimized links with the CustomSim simulator for high-performance and high-accuracy simulation of memory and SoC custom designs, and an interface with the NanoTime transistor-level timing analysis solution for signal integrity signoff of custom digital circuits.

In addition, Rapid3D technology seamlessly connects with the new Liberty NCX solution (also announced today) to significantly speed up the development of more accurate, compact and performance-efficient libraries for Galaxy implementation and signoff tools, including the PrimeTime static timing analysis suite.

"The introduction of StarRC Custom Rapid3D technology reinforces Synopsys' commitment to provide innovative technologies that deliver silicon accuracy as well as a significant reduction in design cycle time," said Bijan Kiani, vice president of product marketing at Synopsys. "The customer results we've seen to-date have been very encouraging, and we look forward to bringing this breakthrough technology to all StarRC Custom users."