Wolfson Selects Synopsys Galaxy and Discovery Platforms and DesignWare IP for Analog Mixed-signal Designs

- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), a world leader in semiconductor design software, today announced that Wolfson Microelectronics plc, a global leader in high-performance mixed-signal chips for the digital market, has selected Synopsys' Galaxy™ Design and Discovery™ Verification Platforms, as well as Synopsys' DesignWare® Library intellectual property (IP), for the design and verification of Wolfson's high-performance analog mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuits (ICs). Wolfson designs ICs for use in MP3 players, digital cameras, game consoles, digital TVs, sound systems and many other applications. Consumer products must meet low area and power requirements and be cost effective in a highly competitive market. Synopsys' implementation and AMS verification solutions help Wolfson meet these goals and achieve a more predictable tape out as they develop increasingly complex ICs.

After an extensive evaluation of available solutions, Wolfson selected Synopsys' Galaxy Design Platform, including Design Compiler® for RTL synthesis, IC Compiler for physical design and PrimeTime® for sign-off to meet strict area and power requirements for their AMS ICs. In addition, Wolfson is using Synopsys' Discovery Verification Platform with the VCS® functional verification solution for high-performance digital verification and golden simulators NanoSim®, HSPICE® and VCS for mixed-signal verification. The VCS solution works seamlessly with the SystemVerilog standard in the top-down flow and also with NanoSim to provide an effective design and verification path to sign-off.

"Wolfson requires a consistent and reliable implementation and verification infrastructure for our next-generation designs," said Andy Cringean, vice president of Corporate Engineering at Wolfson. "Synopsys provided us with an integrated, high-performance AMS implementation and verification solution that enables reduced power consumption, successful design and timely project delivery. Synopsys is a trusted supplier with the right level of technical expertise to address new design and verification challenges. Its field support team proved their capability and determination to help us."

"The Wolfson team was looking for technology and expertise to help them meet their area, power, verification and predictability requirements," said Guri Stark, vice president of Corporate Marketing and Marketing Operations at Synopsys. "Wolfson also chose Synopsys because increasing design complexity necessitates proving AMS interfaces with a top-down approach starting in the digital domain. Synopsys worked closely with Wolfson engineers to ensure that our solutions fit seamlessly into their design and verification flows. Through a collaborative effort, we were able to develop a complete flow that helps take their complex AMS designs through to tapeout."

About Wolfson Microelectronics
Wolfson Microelectronics plc is a leading global provider of high performance, mixed-signal semiconductors for digital consumer electronics applications. Renowned worldwide for its audio and imaging technologies, Wolfson devices can be found at the heart of many of the world's highest profile consumer products, including mobile phones, MP3 players, gaming consoles, DVD players, DVD-RW, LCD-TV and multi-function peripherals. If a digital product can capture an image or play a sound, Wolfson's vision is to supply a product that will allow it to perform these tasks better. Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Wolfson has sales and engineering offices in the USA, Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and India. Wolfson Microelectronics plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: WLF.L). For more information about Wolfson Microelectronics, please visit www.wolfsonmicro.com or sign up for Wolfson eNews at http://www.wolfsonmicro.com/enews/.

About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. is a world leader in EDA software for semiconductor design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the global electronics market, enabling the development and production of complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys also provides intellectual property and design services to simplify the design process and accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California and has offices in more than 60 locations throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Visit Synopsys online at www.synopsys.com.