Cadence Extends Support for Automotive Solutions on Arm Zena Compute Subsystems

By Cadence

June 6, 2025

Design solution enables early software development, SoC design, and chiplet interoperability for software-defined vehicles

Cadence today announced IP, design solution, and expert design services for software and Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) based on Arm^® Zena^™ Compute Subsystems (CSS), Arm’s first-generation CSS for automotive. This achievement is the first deliverable resulting from a collaboration with Arm announced in 2024 to jumpstart the automotive chiplet ecosystem.

Through this ongoing collaboration with Arm, Cadence combines a digital twin for software development, semiconductor IP, robust design tools, and expertise in SoC and chiplet development to empower automotive manufacturers and silicon providers to develop automated driver-assisted systems (ADAS) for smarter, safer, and more efficient software defined vehicles (SDVs).

A key component of this offering is Cadence Helium Virtual and Hybrid Studio, which introduces a "shift-left" capability in the development process as a digital twin. By enabling virtual prototyping, Helium allows Arm’s automotive customers to test and validate software on Arm Zena CSS before physical silicon is available. Furthermore, the Helium platform brings robust support for Arm’s SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge) initiative, enabling developers to work within highly adaptive, software-driven environments. This early engagement not only streamlines the development cycle but also enhances the reliability and performance of workloads, ensuring optimal software compatibility and faster time to market.

Building on this, Cadence’s IP and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions and design services are pivotal in creating high-quality automotive-grade Arm-based SoCs and chiplets. Cadence offers a comprehensive portfolio of automotive grade IP including I/O protocols, memory interfaces and UCIe for multi-die and chiplet connectivity, with Arm specific features that are ready for integration. The EDA flows help automotive customers meet strict safety and performance standards while designing performance-optimized silicon. Cadence’s silicon design services and silicon realization services play a crucial role in optimizing the overall cost of silicon ownership for automotive customers. These services ensure seamless system-level integration, enabling customers to achieve high performance and reliability in their automotive applications.

The partnership also underscores the importance of Arm Zena CSS, which is engineered to address the growing demands of the AI-defined vehicle era, like advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, and in-vehicle infotainment. Cadence’s solutions align seamlessly by enabling these subsystems with advanced IP and design expertise, facilitating scalable, software-focused platforms.

To complement these advancements, Cadence has introduced a centralized development environment tailored for collaborative embedded software engineering. This environment leverages automated infrastructure to enhance productivity and foster innovation throughout the development lifecycle. Advanced modeling services for Virtual System-on-Chip (SoC) and Virtual System of Systems (SoS) enable high-level architectural exploration and validation of use cases, giving automakers and silicon providers the tools they need to accelerate innovation while optimizing performance and cost.

“Our partnership with Arm exemplifies our commitment to innovation and collaboration,” said Paul Cunningham, senior vice president and general manager, system verification group. “By offering virtual prototyping, EDA solutions, and comprehensive design services for Arm Zena CSS, Cadence is helping automotive manufacturers meet new demands and deliver the next wave of smart, safe, and efficient vehicles.”

“Virtual prototyping is transforming how automotive software and silicon are developed, enabling earlier design, more seamless deployment, and faster time to market,” said Suraj Gajendra, vice president of automotive products and solutions, Automotive Line of Business, Arm. “With the compute foundation of Arm Zena CSS and design services from Arm ecosystem partners like Cadence, the automotive ecosystem can build next-generation AI-defined vehicles safely, efficiently, and at scale.”

This partnership between Cadence and Arm signals a substantial leap forward in the semiconductor and automotive industries. The combination of technological expertise and a shared vision for the future will redefine automotive design and drive progress for silicon providers, manufacturers, and end-users around the world.

Read more about the Cadence Helium Virtual and Hybrid Studio