Melfas uses Magma's Talus and FineSim SPICE to tape out low-power, ARM Cortex processor-based mixed-signal SoCs

BANGALORE, USA: Magma Design Automation Inc. announced that Melfas, a leader in capacitive-sensing touch input solutions, has used the Talus platform, including Talus RTL, Talus Vortex and Talus Power Pro, and the FineSim SPICE circuit simulation tool to implement two of its next-generation MCS-8000 touch sensor chips, which feature ARM Cortex processors.

The Melfas ICs are used in mobile phones, smartphones, MP3 players, monitors and other consumer electronics. With the Talus platform and Magma’s RTL-to-GDSII reference flow for ARM Cortex processor-based designs, Melfas was able to reduce power by over 5 percent, area by 20 percent and turnaround time by 50 percent, compared to their previous implementation flow.

FineSim enabled Melfast to complete top-level, post-layout analog circuit simulation 10 times faster, without sacrificing accuracy.

“Our customers demand low-cost turnkey touch screen module solutions that provide advanced functionality without increased power consumption,” said Mr. Dongjin Min, Chief Technical Officer of Melfas. He added, “The Magma software provides the capabilities we need to reduce turnaround time, area and power of our mixed-signal SoCs. The reference flow and Magma tools’ proven ability to streamline integration of ARM Cortex-M series processors into complex designs gave us greater confidence in achieving silicon success.”

“Touch screen controllers offer more flexibility than buttons and are increasingly being used in mobile phones, personal media players, digital cameras, navigation devices, home appliances and more,” said Premal Buch, GM of Magma’s Design Implementation Business Unit.

He added, “In consumer applications such as these, minimizing IC cost and power consumption and accelerating development cycles are critical requirements. Melfas’ decision to adopt the Magma software demonstrates its ability to address these challenges.”