SpringSoft, UMC Support Custom Chip Design with 65nm Process Design Kit

-- SpringSoft, Inc. (TAIEX:2473), a global supplier of specialized IC design software, and UMC (NYSE:UMC) (TSE:2303), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced immediate availability of the foundry-certified Laker™ process design kit (PDK) for UMC 65-nanometer (nm) manufacturing technologies. This jointly developed PDK is the result of collaboration between the two companies to address the specialized design and leading-edge manufacturing requirements of their mutual customers. The companies’ on-going cooperation is focused on delivering a series of Laker-UMC PDKs that enable design teams to bring differentiated products to market faster.

Developed using SpringSoft’s Laker Custom Layout software, the Laker-UMC PDK supports the UMC 65nm CMOS standard logic process with mixed-mode technologies and low-k dielectrics. UMC's 65nm standard performance process enables designers to power a broad range of applications from consumer products to graphic ICs. Technology options can then be implemented including mixed signal/RFCMOS and embedded memories to further customize the process. The PDK includes device symbols, highly optimized parameterized cells (i.e., Laker MCells), pre-validated design rules and the latest technology files. The Laker-UMC 65nm CMOS PDK is available online for UMC customers.

“As a developer of digital television System-On-Chip solutions for the rapidly growing consumer electronics markets, we’re faced with challenging time-to-market windows and relentless demand for more functionality at lower cost points with each new product generation,” said Saeid Moshkelani, senior vice president of engineering at Trident Microsystems, Inc. “This puts extraordinary pressure on our development teams, and makes it imperative that they have access to world-class design tools and manufacturing technologies. The PDK collaboration by SpringSoft and UMC ensures that designers have the latest, most accurate information, so they can spend more time on innovation than implementation.”

“UMC collaborates with EDA tool vendors to deliver design support solutions that help designers more easily produce layouts that are optimized for our manufacturing processes,” said Stephen Fu, director of the IP Development & Design Support Division at UMC. “We applaud SpringSoft’s diligence in supporting the needs of Laker users, and are very pleased with the results of our first jointly developed and qualified PDK for 65nm designs.”

“The Laker user community spans a broad range of product applications, and their technology requirements are very often driven by the markets they serve. However, the basic challenge of simplifying the design implementation process is universal, which underscores the significance of our PDK efforts,” said Johnson Teng, chief operating officer of SpringSoft. “We’ve enjoyed a very productive working relationship with UMC, and look forward to expanding the line of Laker-UMC PDKs in the near future.”

About The Laker Custom Layout System

The Laker layout system offers the power of controllable automation and unmatched interoperability to achieve superior layout results with less effort for analog, mixed-signal, and custom digital designs. More than 300 companies worldwide, including 7 of the top 10 semiconductor companies, have adopted the Laker layout system for designs down to 45 nanometers. For more information about Laker products, visit: http://www.springsoft.com/product/.

About SpringSoft

SpringSoft, Inc. is a global supplier of specialized automation technologies that accelerate engineers during the design, verification and debug of complex digital, analog and mixed-signal ICs, ASICs, microprocessors, and SoCs. Its award-winning product portfolio features the Novas Verification Enhancement and Laker Custom IC Design solutions used by more than 400 of today's leading IDM and fabless semiconductor companies, foundries, and electronic systems OEMs. Headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, and San Jose, California, SpringSoft is the largest company in Asia specializing in IC design software and a recognized industry leader in customer service with more than 400 employees located in multiple R&D sites and local support offices around the world. For more information, visit www.springsoft.com.

About UMC

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced technology and manufacturing services for applications spanning every major sector of the IC industry. UMC’s customer-driven foundry solutions allow chip designers to leverage the strength of the company’s leading-edge processes, which include production proven 65nm, 45/40nm, mixed signal/RFCMOS, and a wide range of specialty technologies. Production is supported through 10 wafer manufacturing facilities that include two advanced 300mm fabs; Fab 12A in Taiwan and Singapore-based Fab 12i are both in volume production for a variety of customer products. The company employs approximately 12,000 people worldwide and has offices in Taiwan, Japan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at http://www.umc.com.