Cognigine Sets High Design Standards for Its New Intelligent Network Processor(TM)

-- Partners With Best-In-Class Design Automation, Verification, and Packaging Leaders--

FREMONT, Calif., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognigine Corporation, an emerging leader in network processor technology, today announced the first in a series of key partnerships that leverage the specialized technology and expertise provided by best-in-class partners in the design of Cognigine's Intelligent Network Processor.

Cognigine is working with Synopsys, Mentor Graphics, Verplex, Avant!, Verplex and Simplex Solutions on device design, verification analysis, place and route and equivalence checking, while Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE) has become Cognigine's vendor for packaging technology. All of these companies will play a major role in Company's development of a robust network processing solution and in first-time design success with the Cognigine new single-chip, programmable Intelligent Network Processor.

"We are advancing our goal of introducing a revolutionary network processor by working with a host of technology partners who are leaders in their markets, " said Nick Kucharewski, Cognigine president and CEO. "Leveraging the technologies offered by these companies we will accelerate our time to market while ensuring equipment vendors the robustness and reliability of our network processor."

Synopsys' VERA Hardware Verification Tools

Synopsys is the technology leader for complex integrated circuit (IC) design. The company's VERA testbench tool solves difficult design verification challenges. It is easy to learn and use and has enabled Cognigine to develop sophisticated test bench environments capable of generating a wide range of complex design activity in much less time than other approaches.

Mentor Graphics Corporation BIST and physical verification tools

Mentor Graphics' BIST and physical verification tools will enable Cognigine to significantly lower the testing cost of its Intelligent Network Processor. As on chip memory size increases, memory testing only, is no longer sufficient. In order to maximize yield, a carefully planned test and repair strategy has been developed. Mentor Graphics' technology will enable us to test memories at speed using complex patterns, and to repair defective units very effectively. Cognigine also chose Mentor's physical verification tools for their robustness, speed, and ease of use.

Avant! physical design tools

To perform place & route, Cognigine chose Avant!'s Apollo toolset in the design of its network processor. The tools are straightforward to use and will help Cognigine accelerate the physical design phase of its chip.

The device we are designing has a very nice hierarchy that is a good match for Apollo's capabilities since it provides good routing utilization and timing closure.

Verplex's verification tools for complex SoC design

Verplex is an industry leader in formal and functional verification design tools. Formal verification is a critical component to the design of functionally correct chips in a relatively short period of time. This technology allows us to minimize the amount of gate level simulations required for tape out while providing reliability for the final design implementation. It also speeds up the internal design change processes tremendously.

Simplex's VoltageStorm(TM) for power analysis

To verify the power grid integrity of the network processor, Cognigine has selected Simplex Solutions' VoltageStorm power analysis product. VoltageStorm is used for IR drop analysis that can affect today's high-performance designs, with their increasing size and decreasing power supply voltages.

ASE advanced packaging technologies

Cognigine will leverage ASE's leading edge flip chip assembly process, enabling superior signal quality required for 10 Gbps applications. Complex devices like network processors require packaging technology that only industry leaders like ASE have available to their customers. ASE also provides the advantage of working in close partnership with leading wafer foundries in Taiwan such as TSMC. TSMC will fabricate the Cognigine network processor using their 0.18 micron logic process.

About Cognigine

Cognigine Corporation develops groundbreaking network processor technology for meeting the demands of future generations of networking and communication systems for broadband and optical systems applications. Based on the Company's internally developed Variable Instruction Set Communications Architecture(TM) (VISC Architecture(TM)), Cognigine's Intelligent Network Processor(TM) platform delivers a unique hardware and software solution that offers exceptional integration and programming flexibility with uncompromising application performance in a single-chip design. This innovative technology approach supplies the full programmability, scalability, and OC-192C wire speed necessary for customers to leverage existing investments while bringing new and sophisticated functionality to market quickly. For more information visit www.cognigine.com .

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS - news), headquartered in Mountain View, California, creates leading electronic design automation (EDA) tools for the global electronics market. The company delivers advanced design technologies and solutions to developers of complex integrated circuits, electronic systems and systems on a chip. Synopsys also provides consulting and support services to simplify the overall IC design process and accelerate time to market for its customers. http://www.synopsys.com .

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq: MENT - news) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. www.mentor.com

About Avant!

Avant! Corporation develops, markets, and supports integrated circuit (IC) design automation software solutions (from system definition to mask synthesis) for the rapid design of multimillion gate products including system on chip (SoC). These ICs power the consumer electronics, Internet infrastructure, wireless, telecommunications, and automotive products. The Company is the leading provider of physical foundation IP libraries for IC design and provides a full suite of software for integrated circuit design, process simulation, device modeling, and mask synthesis. www.avanticorp.com

About Simplex

Simplex Solutions, Inc. provides software and services for the design and verification of integrated circuits to enable its communications, computer and consumer products customers to achieve first-time production success and rapid delivery of complex systems-on-chip. Simplex' customers use its products and services prior to manufacture to design and verify the integrated circuits to help ensure that they will perform as intended, taking into account the complex effects of deep-submicron semiconductor physics. www.simplex.com

About ASE

ASE provides complete services to global customers in multiple locations, with strategic headquarters in Taiwan for turnkey services. The company provides proven advance packaging and testing capabilities, featuring economies of scale and efficient operations to enhance cost effectiveness. www.asetwn.com.tw

About Verplex Systems

Verplex is an EDA company focused on delivering high-speed, high-capacity and easy-to-use formal verification products for complex SOC design. Founded in 1997, it is privately held and funded by leading venture capital firms. http://www.verplex.com .

    Intelligent Network Processor is a trademark of Cognigine Corporation.

    CONTACT:
    Nick Berberi
    Cognigine Corporation
    510-743-4903
    nickb@cognigine.com

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