Synopsys Contributes PyCell Technology to the IPL Alliance

Contribution Underscores Synopsys' Commitment to an Open Custom Design Ecosystem

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 22, 2013 // --

Highlights:

• Synopsys contributes PyCell™ application programming interface (API) technology to the IPL Alliance, and will continue providing PyCell Studio at no charge
• Contribution provides an open and proven API for advanced-node interoperable PCells
• IPL Alliance Working Group will guide future enhancements of the PyCell API

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a global leader providing software, IP and services used to accelerate innovation in chips and electronic systems, today announced that it has contributed the specification and definition of Python PCell (PyCell) API technology to the Interoperable PDK Libraries (IPL) Alliance. The contribution will benefit the custom design community by allowing IPL member companies to be directly involved in the evolution of the Interoperable Process Design Kit (iPDK) standard.

Synopsys' PyCell API contribution is a milestone in the advancement of an open custom design ecosystem. Leading semiconductor companies will, for the first time, be able to collectively define and innovate this important proven PCell technology, which is the foundation of iPDK. Through the collaborative efforts of IPL Alliance members, the design community can benefit from accelerated delivery of PCell technology that meets the needs of complex advanced semiconductor processes and reduces the risk associated with reliance on a single vendor's proprietary language.

"As a board member of the IPL Alliance, TSMC welcomes Synopsys' contribution of the PyCell technology to the iPDK standard," said Suk Lee, TSMC senior director, Design Infrastructure Marketing Division. "Open standards accelerate innovation and foster growth in the semiconductor industry. We applaud Synopsys' leadership in supporting the interoperable custom design ecosystem."

"Synopsys values openness in IC design and verification, and is committed to the iPDK standard," said Paul Lo, senior vice president and general manager of the Analog/Mixed-Signal Group at Synopsys. "In addition to contributing the PyCell technology for the entire custom design community to use, Synopsys will also continue providing PyCell Studio at no charge."

The specification and definition of the PyCell API will be available immediately to current IPL members, and the IPL Alliance PCell Working Group will guide future enhancements of the PyCell API. For more information, please contact Jingwen Yuan, IPL Alliance, at jingwen@iplnow.com. PyCell Studio, a complete development environment for creating interoperable PyCells used for iPDKs, is available for free download from the Synopsys web site.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) accelerates innovation in the global electronics market. As a leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP, its software, IP and services help engineers address their design, verification, system and manufacturing challenges. Since 1986, engineers around the world have been using Synopsys technology to design and create billions of chips and systems. Learn more at http://www.synopsys.com.

About the IPL Alliance and PyCells

The IPL Alliance is an industry standards organization established to develop an interoperable ecosystem for custom design by creating and promoting interoperable PDK standards. There are currently more than 30 EDA and semiconductor company members. For more information, please visit the IPL Alliance web site at http://www.IPLnow.com  or contact info@iplnow.com.