Analysis

Imagination Technologies adopts Synopsys' STAR memory system

16th November 2016
Enaie Azambuja
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Synopsys announced that Imagination Technologies is leveraging Synopsys' DesignWare STAR Memory System for memory built-in self-test (BIST) and repair of its new MIPS I6500 processor. The DesignWare STAR Memory System's multi-memory bus (MMB) processor provides common test and repair logic for all memory instances mapped to a shared bus, minimising BIST impact on CPU performance and area.

In addition, the MMB processor in the DesignWare STAR Memory System offers the flexibility to either decouple test logic from the block under test or optimally place the test logic within the block to reduce total die size while maintaining performance.

The MMB processor in the DesignWare STAR Memory System provides the automation and logic needed to quickly implement a comprehensive test and repair strategy for memory instances mapped on a test bus within a CPU-based SoC.

Using the MMB processor, designers can perform high speed diagnostics, column or/and row repair, soft or hard repair and test specific memory sub-groups. The MMB processor is ideally suited for high-performance design blocks and processor subsystems with L1, L2 or L3 caches optimised for maximum performance and minimal area.

"Synopsys and Imagination share a common goal of enabling designers to create high-performance SoCs," said Jim Nicholas, executive vice president, MIPS Business Unit at Imagination. "As an IP provider to many silicon design companies, it is important for Imagination to collaborate with industry partners to optimise the implementation of our licensable CPU cores.

Using the DesignWare STAR Memory System with MMB processor for our new MIPS I6500 processor can significantly reduce the processors' memory BIST area and accelerate CPU memory test integration effort while meeting our customers' performance goals."

"As the amount of cache memory in high-performance CPUs and GPUs increases, minimising memory BIST impact on the functional path is critical," said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for IP and prototyping at Synopsys.

"By using the MMB processor in the proven DesignWare STAR Memory System, designers can reduce their on-die test footprint without sacrificing performance and product quality goals. This announcement expands our relationship with Imagination in support of its advanced processor IP cores, including the high-performance MIPS I6500."

The DesignWare STAR Memory System with MMB processor is available now.

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