Oticon standardizes on Synopsys low power implementation solution

USA: Synopsys Inc. announced that Oticon has standardized on Synopsys' Galaxy Implementation Platform and Lynx Design System for low power implementation.

The advanced capabilities and extensive support for IEEE-1801 Unified Power Format (UPF) in the Synopsys solution enabled Oticon to meet an aggressive 400 microwatt power budget while operating well below one volt for its next-generation multi-core DSP-based IC.

"Using Synopsys' low power implementation solution and Lynx Design System enabled us to deploy advanced techniques such as multi-voltage and low Vdd for low power designs," said Mogens Balsby, senior director of silicon engines at Oticon. "With the combination of tools and Lynx, we were able to customize the flow, target a new technology node, move to production and tape out in eight months to stay ahead of the project schedule."

Oticon had to overcome design challenges including:

Stringent power budgets: The design supply voltage is set to a lower voltage than typical portable applications, adding an additional level of complexity. Ensuring consistent, safe operation with long battery life is a key aspect of portable medical devices such as a hearing aid.

Multi-scenario implementation and analysis: Signoff closure required concurrent optimization across more than 200 multi-corner, multi-mode (MCMM) scenarios.

"Portable medical devices such as the advanced hearing aids that Oticon manufactures have very tight power budgets," said Bijan Kiani, VP of product marketing for design and manufacturing products at Synopsys. "Having successfully developed and deployed low power innovation for more than 15 years, Synopsys continues to deliver new low power technologies that help companies like Oticon achieve their design goals."

The Synopsys Galaxy Implementation Platform for low power design is a comprehensive, silicon-proven solution with power-awareness built in throughout the design cycle. When combined with the Discovery Verification Platform, advanced low power designs can be verified, implemented and analyzed for signoff.

The Lynx Design System is a complete chip design environment that includes a tapeout-proven, production-ready design flow enabled by tools in the Galaxy Implementation Platform. In addition, Lynx's patented visualization capabilities help create and track designs throughout the implementation cycle.