Proven ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology Expanded to Support Synopsys' Galaxy Signal Integrity Solution

ARM Adopted Flow Now Enhanced With Comprehensive Signal Integrity
(SI) Capabilities Including Analysis and Prevention

Many ARM Partners plan to implement chips using silicon processes at 90 nanometers and below, which means consideration of signal integrity issues early in the design flow has become an important step in the design process. The SI-aware Reference Methodology supports crosstalk prevention and optimization during routing in Astro(TM) and signoff in PrimeTime(R) SI.

"Three years ago, we started working on the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology, this has been continuously refined and augmented. This Reference Methodology is used as a standard flow inside ARM for hardening IP. We have had success in multiple hardening projects and we are currently working on timing closure at 90 nanometers," said Simon Segars, executive vice president of Engineering, ARM. "Complete, integrated reference flows have already been delivered to our ARM1136JF-S core Partners, the new signal integrity capability, enables our Partners to resolve noise and cross-talk issues through the use of Synopsys' PrimeTime SI and Astro-Xtalk(TM)."

The proven ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology forms the foundation methodology for ARM's preferred core hardening and modeling solution. It significantly streamlines the process used by ARM Partners to port synthesizable ARM microprocessor cores to their chosen technologies, by potentially reducing the time required to harden and model the core from months to weeks.

"The ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology 4.1 has allowed Agere Systems' Design Center in Ascot, UK to successfully develop several ARM core implementations. This methodology has indeed provided us with adaptable, well documented and easy to modify scripts that cover the entire range of implementation activities," commented Dave Whittlesea, senior ASIC design engineer, Agere Systems. "Agere plans to use the enhanced ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology in our future projects to take full advantage of our advanced process technology."

"The ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology provides comprehensive support for cross-talk, noise, IR drop and electromigration," said Rich Goldman, vice president of Strategic Market Development at Synopsys, Inc. "This SI-aware methodology extends the collaborative flow that ARM and Synopsys have developed over the past three years and delivered since 2001."

Since the creation of the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology, Synopsys has provided core hardening and integration services to licensees of ARM synthesizable IP -- including successful core hardening projects undertaken directly for ARM. By fully leveraging the Reference Methodology and expanded Galaxy SI solution in production design flows, Synopsys Professional Services' ARM technology-certified design centers create ARM core-based design implementations that are optimized to customer requirements for speed, power, and silicon area.

Availability

ARM has adopted and standardized on the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology in its deliverables for all synthesizable processor IP. The ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology supports ARM's entire synthesizable processor portfolio including the ARM7TDMI-S(TM) core, the ARM7EJ-S(TM) core, the ARM926EJ-S(TM) core, the ARM946E-S(TM) core, the ARM966E-S(TM) core, the ARM1026EJ-S(TM) core and the ARM1136JF-S core. Version 5 of the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology is expected to be available beginning November 1, 2003, at no charge to ARM Partners. Synopsys Professional Services offers core hardening and integration services to ARM Partners, supplementing the service capabilities offered by ARM.

About ARM

ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming a volume RISC standard in markets such as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is the world leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductor design. The Company delivers technology-leading semiconductor 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, Calif., and has more than 60 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the expected date of availability of Version 5 of the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology. These statements are based on Synopsys' current expectations and beliefs. Actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these statements as a result of unforeseen difficulties completing integration of the Galaxy SI solution with the ARM-Synopsys reference methodology and uncertainties attendant to any new product offering, as well other factors contained in Synopsys' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. ARM7TDMI-S, ARM7EJ-S, ARM926EJ-S, ARM946E-S, ARM966E-S, ARM1026EJ-S and ARM1136JF-S are trademarks of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE:ARM and Nasdaq:ARMHY); its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; ARM France SAS; ARM Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.; and ARM Belgium N.V.

Synopsys and PrimeTime are registered trademarks of Synopsys, Inc., and Astro, Astro-Xtalk 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.
             Eileen Hunt, 650-584-5374
             elhunt@synopsys.com
              or
             Edelman Public Relations
             Pushpita Prasad, 650-429-2723
             Pushpita.prasad@edelman.com
              or
             ARM
             Michelle Spencer, +44 1628 427780
             michelle.spencer@arm.com