Mentor Graphics Announces Calibre Encryption Technology Adopted by IBM
WILSONVILLE, Ore.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 19, 2005—
Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today
announced that IBM has adopted the patent pending(1) Calibre(R)
encryption technology for use with IBM's 90nm, 65nm, and 45nm process
design kits. Encryption is used to expand the range of data IBM can
securely transfer to its foundry customers in support of design for
manufacturing (DFM), DRC, LVS and extraction methodologies, while
protecting valuable intellectual property.
Encryption can enable IBM and its customers to access information
at a level that approaches the design and manufacturing functions of
an integrated device manufacturer (IDM). Within this "virtual IDM"
communications model, IBM's customers can access the information they
need, such as proprietary device models to perform the DFM analyses
required for performance and yield improvement.
"Calibre's encryption technology develops stronger ties between
the fabless community and their foundry partners, which is necessary
for success in 90nm and smaller process nodes," said Matthew Graf,
manager, Design Automation Enablement for IBM Systems & Technology
Group. "Foundry customers need access to data that allows them to
design high-yielding silicon while foundries need to protect
proprietary manufacturing process data. Without a secure vehicle to
transfer this information, there is a reluctance to share data.
Encryption provides the much-needed step toward two-way protected
communication between designer and manufacturer."
Data protection is and has been a key concern for manufacturers in
the DFM era in which designers gain responsibility for making layouts
more robust for enhanced yield. In order to succeed at this task,
designers must have access to foundry data, such as recommended rules,
that may contain unique design or manufacturing recipes.
Calibre provides both partial and full encryption capabilities.
IBM is using partial encryption for design rule checking (Calibre
DRC(TM)) and parasitic extraction (Calibre xRC(TM)) models. Encryption
is optimized across the entire Calibre design-to-silicon platform of
tools, which also includes Calibre LVS(TM), DFM solutions (such as
Calibre YieldAnalyzer and Calibre YieldEnhancer) lithographic
solutions (such as Calibre OPC(TM)) and mask data preparation tools.
"Calibre encryption capability is a critical enabler that allows
foundries to protect their IP while enabling technologies such as
DFM," said Joseph Sawicki, vice president and general manager of
Mentor Graphics Design-to-Silicon division. "Calibre's leading design
to silicon platform is uniquely suited for the latest technologies
that require encryption, allowing protected communication between
design and manufacturing."
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
$700 million and employs approximately 3,950 people worldwide.
Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road,
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site:
http://www.mentor.com/.
Calibre is a registered trademark of Mentor Graphics Corporation.
All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or
trademarks of their respective owners.
(1) WO05043283A3 and national patent applications pending in
convention and non-convention countries.
Contact:
Mentor Graphics
Carole Thurman, 503-685-4716
Email Contact
or
Sonia Harrison, 503-685-1165
Email Contact
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