Mentor Graphics Launches Analysis Tools for Design of Automotive and Aerospace Wiring Systems

WILSONVILLE, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 22, 2004— Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced the release of the Capital Analysis(TM) tool suite, the latest addition to the Mentor Graphics(R) Capital Harness Systems(TM) (CHS) data-centric end-to-end toolset for complex wiring systems design, analysis, and manufacture. Capital Analysis is available as part of Release 3 of Capital Harness Systems(TM), also announced today. Created to meet the analysis requirements for electrical wiring systems design in the automotive, rail and aerospace industries, Capital Analysis allows users to validate the design intent early in the design process with electrical simulation, sneak circuit and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) tools. It also enables automated failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) reports, which can help manufacturers to avoid potential after-market problems such as service modifications or recalls.

The initial release of the Capital Analysis tool suite includes twelve products that together provide logical and DC simulation, automated FMEA report generation, sneak-circuit and stress-analysis, scripted simulation and support for back-end service documentation production. The Capital Analysis suite also brings powerful capabilities to other Mentor platforms, Logical Cable(TM) and TransDesign(TM).

"CHS provides unique opportunities for integrated tools that simply do not exist with other platforms. Capital Logic was the key product release within the CHS tool flow in 2003; the Capital Analysis suite brings tremendous muscle to that cornerstone tool and is an exciting addition to CHS, and Capital Logic in particular for 2004," said Martin O'Brien, general manager, harness systems business unit, Mentor Graphics. "Design analysis has always been a key part of the CHS roadmap, and Mentor will continue to invest in this area going forward."

Capital Harness Systems Release 3

Release 3 of CHS includes four primary elements: the Capital Manager(TM) data management system which stores and manages all data throughout the entire design to manufacturing process; the Capital Logic(TM) data-centric authoring environment which eliminates data re-entry and simplifies the capture of functional and physical schematics; the Capital Analysis electrical simulation, sneak circuit and FMEA tools; and the Capital Harness(TM) tool suite which generates and validates detailed harness engineering descriptions and costing information from electrical schematics. Release 3 of CHS also extends the capabilities and the design automation features of the Capital Logic tool to address some key aerospace requirements including comprehensive support for effectivity.

Designed for Ease-of-Use

The CHS suite features a modern graphical interface that makes it both easy to learn and easy to use. Common commands are easily accessed via icons, and multiple windows are available so users can easily visualize project and design data. All design objects have specific characteristics that mirror real-world behaviors, thus presenting users with clear and intuitive options. Capital Logic also includes many other ease-of-use features such as graphics/browser cross highlighting, mouse shortcuts ("strokes"), and dynamic pan & zoom. Additional features such as graphical preview of symbols further enhance productivity.

Pricing and Availability

Release 3 of Capital Harness Systems (including the Capital Analysis Suite) is available immediately. Pricing starts at $25,000. More information is available at http://www.mentor.com/harness/.

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation 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. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $675 million and employs approximately 3,700 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777; Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

Mentor Graphics is a registered trademark and Capital Manufacture, Capital Harness Systems, Capital Analysis, Capital Logic, and Capital Manager are trademarks of Mentor Graphics. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

Mentor Graphics
James Price, +44 161 926 1637
james_price@mentor.com
Suzanne Graham, 503-685-7789
suzanne_graham@mentor.com