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Semiconductor industry

Cadence Develops SPECCTRAQuest Design Methodology Optimized for Intel's Merced Processor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cadence Design Systems, Inc. has announced the development of a new SPECCTRAQuest design methodology optimized for Intel's future Merced processor, the first implementation of the IA-64 architecture. This methodology will reduce the time required to design high-speed processor-based systems by providing the ability to rapidly architect, explore, design, and verify systems based on the Merced processor.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SPECCTRAQuest design methodology is optimized for Intel's Merced processor, which is the first implementation of the IA-64 architecture.
  • The methodology reduces the time required to design high-speed processor-based systems by enabling rapid architecture, exploration, design, and verification.
  • The methodology will be implemented through an advanced design kit, including a verified signal-integrity input/output (I/O) model, efficient interconnect topology templates, and a packaged processor model.
  • The design kit differs significantly from traditional design kits, representing a new methodology-based approach for implementing high-speed board designs.
  • The SPECCTRAQuest interconnect designer provides an integrated tools environment for addressing technology areas such as timing, signal integrity, electromagnetic interference (EMI), simultaneous switching noise (SSN), and interconnect verification.
  • The methodology improves design confidence by providing a proven approach to characterizing IC component/system interaction.
  • Intel and Cadence have partnered to provide a complete set of design tools for Intel customers, improving the turnaround time for design simulations and enabling faster product development.
  • The SPECCTRAQuest software is an integrated and consistent environment for design and verification, from upfront solution space exploration to electrically constrained placement and routing.

Statistics:

  • The SPECCTRAQuest design methodology is optimized for the Merced processor, which is the first implementation of the IA-64 architecture.
  • The methodology reduces the time required to design high-speed processor-based systems to enable rapid architecture, exploration, design, and verification.
  • The ADVANCED design kit includes a verified signal-integrity input/output (I/O) model, efficient interconnect topology templates, and a packaged processor model.
  • The design kit is expected to be available at no charge to Merced design partners in late fourth-quarter 1998.
  • Cadence is the largest supplier of software tools and professional services for product development, with annual sales of $916 million in 1997.

Sources:

  • (source) Cadence Design Systems, Inc., Business Wire, Nov. 16, 1998
  • (source) Intel Corporation, Santa Clara processor division
  • (source) IBM, personal systems group

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