Synchronicity and Cadence Announce First Front-to-Back Data Management Solution for IC Design

The Cadence-Synchronicity technology alliance has led to the development of DesignSync DFII, the first "front-to-back" data management solution for users of Cadence Design Systems' IC product line. This innovation enables management of Cadence layout and schematic data consistently with the rest of the ASIC and SOC design flows. DesignSync DFII is the first Synchronicity product to arise from the alliance and is supported on the 4.4x and above release of the Cadence Design Framework.

Key Takeaways:

• DesignSync DFII is the first "front-to-back" data management solution for Cadence IC design users, allowing layout and schematic design processes to use the same data management tools as the rest of the IC design flow.
• The solution is tightly integrated with the Cadence custom design environment, appearing as an additional menu within the editors for managing data and library management functions.
• DesignSync DFII addresses the limitations of proprietary data management capabilities embedded within Cadence applications, which were insufficient for managing design data throughout the design process.
• The solution uses a web-based client-server architecture and interfaces with standard Cadence database APIs to manage design data from within Design Framework-based editors.
• DesignSync DFII supports geographically dispersed design teams and offers the same security and features to remote team members as to those in the same location.
• The solution has been acknowledged by Cadence as addressing the need for a consistent design management strategy for all data and tools within the custom IC design process.
• Leading semiconductor companies, including Cypress Semiconductor, have already realized design management improvements with DesignSync DFII, resulting in decreased time to market.

Statistics:

• 4.4x and above release of the Cadence Design Framework supports DesignSync DFII.
• Over 50% of ASIC and SOC design teams rely on web-enabled design and project management GroupWare.
• 30% of IC designers are geographically dispersed, necessitating a web-centric solution like DesignSync DFII.
• Synchronicity's DesignSync DFII is part of the company's IC design management tool suite, integrating easily with existing tool flows and project directory structures.
• DesignSync DFII is available on UNIX and NT platforms.

Sources:

• Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
• Synchronicity Inc.
• Cypress Semiconductor Corp.