IBM is partnering with Synopsys Inc. to help IBMs foundry services customers use its .13 micron process to build their chips.
The two companies are producing a design reference flow to help customers using the IBM process move from chip design to development, according to IBMs Microelectronics unit, in East Fishkill, N.Y.
Synopsys, of Mountain View, Calif., will contribute its EDA (electronic design automation) tools, including its Floorplan Compiler for design planning and Astro for physical implementation. In addition, the companys Milkyway design database technology means users will not need data translation between these tools.
Furthermore, users will be able to supplement Synopsys tools—which support standards formats, such as Liberty—with tools from other EDA vendors.
The companies are validating the reference flow with a test chip that uses technology from a number of companies, including IBM, Synopsis and Artisan Components Inc.
Based on the validation test, the reference flow is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2003.