IBM, CHARTERED EXPAND 90NM JOINT DESIGN ENABLEMENT PROGRAM, ENHANCE FOUNDRY COMPATIBILITY WITH KEY EDA SUPPORT FOR PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
Cadence, Magma, Mentor Graphics, Synopsys provide design tool, flow support for
semiconductor industry's first cross-foundry manufacturing process platform
EAST FISHKILL, NY and SAN JOSE, Calif. - May 24, 2004 - IBM and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (Nasdaq: CHRT and SGX-ST: Chartered) today announced support from leading design solutions suppliers for their cross-foundry design enablement program, starting at 90 nanometer (nm).
Under separate collaborations also announced today, the jointly developed IBM-Chartered 90nm process platform was bolstered through the addition of nanometer-scale design libraries, electronic design automation (EDA) tools and standard foundry reference flows from Cadence Design Systems, Magma Design Automation, Mentor Graphics Corporation, and Synopsys (see separate press releases). This expanded support for the industry's first cross-foundry platform further enhances the benefits and accessibility of the joint offering from IBM and Chartered, setting a new standard for compatibility, design portability and flexible sourcing.
Cadence, Magma, Mentor, and Synopsys are working closely with IBM and Chartered to characterize their design technologies, pre-verify design data and validate tool flows that can help lower the customer risk and cost associated with adopting the 90nm process, as well as streamline the ability to seamlessly move between the two foundries. Key deliverables include:
- Cadence RTL-to-GDSII reference flow based on the Encounter™ digital IC design platform;
- Magma design enablement kit with RTL-to-GDSII reference flow for its Blast Create, Blast Plan and Blast Fusion advanced IC design tools;
- Mentor Calibre® design-to-silicon platform support for physical design verification; and
- Synopsys RTL-to-GDSII implementation flow based on the Galaxy™ Design Platform and verification based on the Discovery™ Verification Platform.
"It is critical that we continue to develop and support a global technology platform that gives our customers access to the industry's most advanced 90nm process and do it in a way that makes moving between our two foundries transparent. As part of our collaboration with Chartered, customers get support from these key EDA suppliers simultaneously for both foundries, saving valuable time and providing enhanced sourcing options," said Tom Reeves, vice president, semiconductor products and solutions, IBM Systems & Technology Group. "By working closely with experts that are deeply involved with issues such as power, signal integrity, timing closure and design for manufacturing, we can streamline the development process for our mutual customers."
"A world-class process platform requires support from world-class technology suppliers," said Kevin Meyer, vice president of worldwide marketing and services at Chartered. "With the help of EDA innovators including Cadence, Magma, Mentor Graphics, and Synopsys, we're building a design ecosystem for the IBM-Chartered process that is the most robust and production-worthy in the industry, and brings the benefits of both 90nm silicon and seamless foundry compatibility to leading-edge product developers. Our collaboration with IBM is focused on providing an unprecedented level of flexible access to leading-edge capacity from two of the world's leading manufacturers."
Earlier this year, IBM and Chartered announced the first milestone in the cross-foundry design enablement program - shared library support with two leading suppliers of baseline libraries, Artisan Components, Inc. and Virage Logic Corporation.
About IBM
IBM is a recognized innovator in the semiconductor industry, having been first with advances like more power-efficient copper wiring in place of aluminum and faster SOI and silicon germanium transistors. These and other innovations have contributed to IBM's standing as the number one U.S. patent holder for 11 consecutive years. More information about IBM semiconductors can be found at: http://www.ibm.com/chips.
About Chartered
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the world's top three dedicated foundries, is forging a customized approach to outsourced semiconductor manufacturing by building lasting and collaborative partnerships with its customers. The Company provides flexible and cost-effective manufacturing solutions for customers, enabling the convergence of communications, computing and consumer markets. In Singapore, Chartered operates four fabrication facilities with a fifth fab, the Company's first 300mm facility, expected to begin pilot production by the end of 2004.
A company with both global presence and perspective, Chartered is traded on both the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: CHRT) and on the Singapore Exchange (SGX-ST: CHARTERED). Information about Chartered can be found at www.charteredsemi.com.
Partner Releases
Chartered Safe Harbour Statement under the provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
This news release contains forward-looking statements, as defined in the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including without limitation, statements relating to the design ecosystem for the jointly developed IBM-Chartered 90nm process platform and the flexible access to leading-edge capacity for 90nm products from IBM and Chartered reflect our current views with respect to future events, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: successful implementation of our joint development and manufacturing efforts with IBM; successful implementation of the IBM-Chartered arrangements with our EDA partners; changes in market outlook and trends; the rate of semiconductor market recovery; the successful implementation of our partnership, technology and supply alliances; economic conditions in the United States as well as globally; customer demands; the performance level in our fabrication facilities and competition. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. In addition to the foregoing factors, a description of certain other risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially can be found in the section captioned "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based on the current view of management on future events. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
