Mentor Improves CamSemi's Design and Verification Flow

Mentor Graphics Corp. assisted CamSemi in replacing its integrated circuit (IC) design and verification flow with Mentor tools to improve simulation performance and time to market. Cambridge-based CamSemi develops and supplies power management ICs for more energy-efficient, low-cost power supplies and lighting. Working with Mentor Graphics, CamSemi was able to replace a design and verification flow from a major supplier with the Mentor Custom IC design and verification platform while keeping their design project on schedule.

The adoption of the Mentor tool flow came at a critical time for CamSemi as they were approaching the final stages of a design and verification project. Moving from a legacy design and verification environment to the Mentor tool flow was accomplished by addressing every aspect of the transition. The Mentor consulting organization worked onsite with the CamSemi design team to ensure that vital knowledge exchange and training was immediate and customized. The Mentor technical team in the deep submicron division delivered exceptional software products; the IC Station tool suite, the Questa ADMS mixed-signal simulation platform, and the Eldo Classic Spice simulator that allowed CamSemi to switch out the old tools without losing any functionality or compromising their design data. Mentor achieved a 2X increase in simulation throughput for CamSemi.

“Moving from a well entrenched design and verification environment to something new is an enormous task even when you’re not faced with an impending tapeout,” said John Greenwood, Analog Design Team Manager, Cambridge Semiconductor. “Mentor put a great deal of time into anticipating possible problems, and working to dismiss them before they could manifest themselves. This attention to detail was critical to the ultimate success of the replacement process.”

“The term ‘partner’ is used all too often as a grandiloquent substitute for supplier or customer,” said Nigel Heather, VP of Engineering, Cambridge Semiconductor. “I feel that in this circumstance it is completely appropriate. Not only did the Mentor team work hard for us, they were incredibly nice, patient people and great ambassadors for the company. So, my sincere thanks to the Mentor team.”

“We are very proud of our Custom IC design technology and the team that is so committed to customer success,” said Robert Hum, VP and General Manager of the Deep Submicron Division of Mentor Graphics. “We take the idea of partnering very seriously, to the degree that our intent goes well beyond selling the technology and training people to use it. The foundation of all our efforts is fixed on helping customers optimize their design environments in the context of meeting the customer’s business objectives.”

Mentor Graphics

CamSemi