ANSYS, MEMSCAP, and Mentor Graphics Partner for MEMS Design Environment

Strategic Insights -

ANSYS, the leader in design analysis solutions, has announced a partnership with MEMSCAP and Mentor Graphics to create a comprehensive and easy-to-use engineering environment for the design of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The integrated packages will enable non-specialist engineers to create powerful new MEMS-based applications for various markets, deploying MEMS systems no larger than a grain of sand.

This partnership brings together the expertise of the three companies to offer a complete MEMS design environment. ANSYS will provide its popular ANSYS/Multiphysics design analysis and optimization software, while MEMSCAP will contribute its MEMS-related intellectual property, including multiple foundry support and market-specific MEMS modules. Mentor Graphics will provide an extensive range of design and verification solutions for MEMS. The goal is to make it easier for design teams to develop new MEMS-based products and applications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership aims to create a comprehensive MEMS design environment that enables non-specialist engineers to design and develop powerful new MEMS-based applications.
  • The environment will include ANSYS/Multiphysics analysis and optimization software, MEMSCAP's MEMS-related intellectual property, and Mentor Graphics design and verification solutions.
  • The partnership is focused on serving both established and anticipated high-growth markets, with a primary market driver being demand for next-generation telecommunications applications.
  • Research from Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Conseil estimates the MEMS market to be $34 billion in devices and $96 billion in systems by 2002.
  • The complete MEMS design environment is expected to be available by the third quarter and will support industry-specific intellectual property packages from MEMSCAP for rapid development of applications in telecommunications and other arenas.
  • The partnership has the potential to significantly accelerate product development cycles and reduce internal development costs for system houses in wireless and optical communications.
  • ANSYS, Inc. will provide its products through its distribution channel, while MEMSCAP will offer the MEMS Engineering Kit and additional design and verification software.

Statistics:

  • The MEMS market is estimated to be $34 billion in devices and $96 billion in systems by 2002 (Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Conseil).
  • The partnership aims to create a comprehensive MEMS design environment that will enable non-specialist engineers to design and develop powerful new MEMS-based applications.
  • MEMSCAP is the leading worldwide provider of merchant semiconductor intellectual property (IP) solutions for high-performance integrated designs incorporating MEMS technology.
  • Mentor Graphics is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products and consulting services for the world's largest electronics and semiconductor companies.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "ANSYS, MEMSCAP and Mentor Graphics Partner to Create Complete MEMS Design Environment" (April 5, 1999).
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs Conseil, "Research on the MEMS Market" (2002).
  • MEMSCAP, "World Wide Web site" (http://www.memscap.com).
  • Mentor Graphics, "World Wide Web site" (http://www.mentor.com).
  • ANSYS, Inc., "World Wide Web site" (http://wwww.ansys.com).