ATI Adopts Synopsys DFT Compiler SoCBIST for Its Ultra-High Performance Visual Processor
SoCBIST Reduces Cost of Test While Improving Product Quality
for Next-Generation Graphics Chip
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2003--
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), the world leader in integrated
circuit (IC) design software, today announced that ATI Research, a
subsidiary of ATI Technologies, Inc., has adopted Synopsys' DFT
Compiler(TM) SoCBIST to implement the design-for-test architecture for
its upcoming next-generation visual processor. SoCBIST is an extension
to DFT Compiler, a key component of Synopsys' Galaxy(TM) Design
Platform. By using SoCBIST, ATI is able to improve test quality and
reduce test cost for one of their most important designs.
ATI's visual processing unit (VPU) has more than 200 million
transistors of digital logic. A design of this size and complexity
requires not only extremely high stuck-at fault coverage, but also
thorough testing for delay-related defects, the preponderant defect
type in 0.13 micron process geometries and below. Using basic scan
methods, excellent delay test requires up to 6X more tester time than
required for stuck-at faults, which already is at an unacceptable cost
of test.
"Synopsys SoCBIST's deterministic logic BIST capability allows us
to reach a quality/cost tradeoff that we could not attain with any
other alternative," said Robert Feldstein, vice president of
engineering, ATI Research. "We required an entirely new test approach
to achieve our strict quality objectives for our new VPUs at an
acceptable cost of test. In addition, because of our aggressive
time-to-market goals, we needed a test solution that would not
jeopardize our design schedule. Synopsys SoCBIST gave us at least an
order-of-magnitude leeway to implement the increased testing we
desired, and any schedule risk is minimized because SoCBIST is a
straightforward extension to familiar Synopsys design flows."
"Faced with the unprecedented test challenges of this huge design,
ATI selected Synopsys SoCBIST to improve test quality and reduce test
cost for its next-generation visual processors," said Antun Domic,
senior vice president and general manager of Synopsys' Nanometer
Analysis and Test business unit. "SoCBIST is focused on enabling our
customers to meet the toughest quality and cost objectives, and
working with ATI provides further validation of our solution and
commitment in this critical area."
Synopsys Versatile Test Solutions
Synopsys offers a complete line of integrated products and
services to meet demanding manufacturing test requirements. The
company's award-winning design-for-test offering includes the advanced
DFT Compiler and TetraMAX(R) ATPG tools. An integral part of the
Synopsys Galaxy Design Platform, DFT Compiler incorporates the latest
generation of Synopsys' patented 1-pass test synthesis technology and
enables design teams to more efficiently meet their DFT closure goals.
TetraMAX complements scan-based test methodologies by providing
industry-leading ATPG performance, capacity and ease of use. DFT
Compiler SoCBIST provides deterministic logic BIST capabilities and
enables designers to significantly lower test costs with substantial
test time and data volume reduction, while retaining scan's very high
fault coverage. Complementing its test products, Synopsys offers
comprehensive test services delivered by its world-class team of DFT
experts.
About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is the world leader in electronic
design automation (EDA) software for integrated circuit (IC) design.
The company delivers technology-leading IC design and verification
platforms to the global electronics market, enabling the development
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 http://www.synopsys.com/.
Note to Editors: Synopsys is a registered trademark of Synopsys,
Inc. DFT Compiler and Galaxy are trademarks of Synopsys. All other
trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the
intellectual property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Synopsys, Inc.
Nancy Renzullo, 650/584-1669
renzullo@synopsys.com
or
Edelman Public Relations
Sarah Seifert, 650/492-2776
sarah.seifert@edelman.com
