Mentor Graphics and Achronix Semiconductor Extend Synthesis Support for Achronix Field Programmable Gate Arrays

Powerful Precision Suite Gives Designers a Familiar FPGA Design Synthesis Environment for Both Achronix 1.5 GHz Speedster Family and Radiation-Hardened FPGAs

SAN JOSE, Calif.-- January 27, 2009 -- Achronix Semiconductor Corp., provider of the world’s fastest field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) today announced a multi-year agreement that provides Mentor Graphics (NASDAQ: MENT - News) Precision® Synthesis software support for Achronix FPGAs. The agreement includes the Speedster™ family of 1.5 GHz devices as well as future devices.

The support extends the original 2006 agreement in which Mentor Graphics optimized Precision Synthesis support for Achronix FPGA devices, and Achronix integrated the tool set to offer a complete design suite that includes Precision Synthesis. The suite helps designers build the world’s fastest FPGAs quickly and efficiently to get to market faster than competitors.

“We worked closely with the team at Achronix to ensure fully optimized support for Speedster,” said Daniel Platzker, FPGA synthesis product line director, Mentor Graphics design creation and synthesis division. “For many years we have been committed to supporting leading FPGA vendors with advanced synthesis tools. The performance of Achronix devices and their ease-of-use philosophy were compelling reasons to partner with them.”

“The integration of Precision’s advanced capabilities into our tool suite demonstrates our commitment to put disruptive technology into systems designers’ hands while maintaining a familiar design environment,” said Yousef Khalilollahi, Achronix’s vice president of marketing. “We sought out best-in-class partners to complement our familiar silicon and Mentor will be an integral part of our success.”

About Achronix Semiconductor

Achronix Semiconductor is a privately held fabless corporation based in San Jose, California. Achronix builds the world's fastest field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) capable of up to 1.5 GHz peak performance. Achronix has sales offices and representatives in the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and Korea, and has research and design offices in Ithaca, N.Y., and Bangalore, India. Find out more at http://www.achronix.com.