Mentor Graphics and Artisan Develop High Quality Embedded Memory Testing with Advanced BIST Architecture
WILSONVILLE, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Oct. 6, 2004—
Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today
announced new enhancements to its MBISTArchitect(TM) built-in
self-test (BIST) tool to provide thorough on-chip testing for embedded
memories generated by Artisan Components, Inc. (Nasdaq:ARTI).
Additionally, Artisan has recognized the MBISTArchitect tool as a
qualified BIST solution for testing its embedded memories and
facilitating its Flex-Repair(TM) Redundancy solution for yield
improvement. This collaboration will enable joint customers to employ
a high quality test, diagnostic and repair strategy for all their
embedded memory needs.
As the use of embedded memory continues to increase, thorough
testing and defect diagnosis has become paramount to product quality
and yield enhancement. Memory BIST has emerged as the most efficient
method to test and diagnose problems with embedded memories. The
MBISTArchitect tool generates and inserts BIST for a wide variety of
embedded memory arrays. It boasts the largest set of industry accepted
test algorithms, including March, retention, and various background
patterns that can be used to thoroughly test Artisan memories. The
MBIST Flex(TM) feature offers users the ability to implement custom
algorithms to help enable even the detection of subtle defects that
can elude conventional test techniques. The tool's on-line algorithm
selection capability provides users with the ability to choose tests
that should be executed during manufacturing, allowing for the perfect
balance between test time and increased coverage during production.
"Defining solid embedded memory test strategies is an essential
step in the design process, and working with leading EDA vendors
enables best-in-breed solutions to help IC designers achieve silicon
success," said Neal Carney, Artisan's vice president of marketing.
"Collaborating with Mentor Graphics, we are able to offer mutual
customers integrated test and repair solutions to help ensure their
successful path-to-silicon and help meet faster time-to-market."
Artisan has developed a detailed and comprehensive set of tests
specifically targeted for its embedded memories. Mentor Graphics
worked closely with Artisan to incorporate complete support of these
tests within the MBISTArchitect tool. This collaborative effort
enables more efficient, higher quality memory testing. Artisan's
Flex-Repair Redundancy solution provides the ability to correct most
prevalent types of memory faults. The MBISTArchitect tool supports the
Flex-Repair solution, facilitating the diagnosis and repair process.
"Because of the amount of memory used in today's designs, our
customers need an effective and efficient means to thoroughly test
them," said Robert Hum, vice president and general manager,
Design-for-Test business unit, Mentor Graphics. "Our collaboration
with Artisan provides customers with a proven solution to test,
diagnose and repair memories without compromising time, cost or, most
importantly, quality."
The MBISTArchitect tool features complete at-speed test and
diagnostic capabilities for improved detection of nanometer defects.
Its unique at-speed operation, MBIST Full-Speed(TM), enables the tool
to run the Artisan-recommended memory tests at-speed. Using a patented
pipelining architecture, the tool has been successfully applied to
memories that have operating speeds approaching 1GHz. For more
information visit www.mentor.com/dft.
Availability
To complete the full support of Artisan's recommended algorithms,
the MBISTArchitect tool will offer enhanced test algorithms for
individual memory select lines and multi-port memories by late 2004.
About Mentor Graphics
Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) 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 3,800 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 MBISTArchitect,
MBIST Flex and MBIST Full-Speed are trademarks of Mentor Graphics
Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered
trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact:
Mentor Graphics, Wilsonville
Leanne White, 503-685-1984
leanne_white@mentor.com
Suzanne Graham, 503-685-7789
suzanne_graham@mentor.com
