HSINCHU, TAIWAN: SpringSoft Inc., a global supplier of specialized IC design software, and UMC, a leading global semiconductor foundry, 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.

"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."