iDPKs target handheld electronics, automotive and industrial systems

The new iPDKs initially support Dongbu HiTek’s mixed signal process nodes at 0.11-micron as well as BCDMOS technology at 0.18-micron node operating at 1.8V/5V and up to 30V with LDMOS. The combination of the iPDKs and custom compiler’s ability to shorten analogue layout tasks from days to hours will enable mutual customers to rapidly design specialised analogue/power and mixed signal chips that target high growth markets.

“Our mixed signal foundry processes support a host of applications ranging from home and handheld electronics to automotive and industrial systems,” noted G.T. Kwon, Vice President of Technology Enabling at Dongbu HiTek. “By providing foundry validated iPDKs for Synopsys’ Custom Compiler solution, we aim to make it easy for users to fully leverage the high performance and flexibility of our specialised foundry processes.”

Kwon confirmed that the two new iPDKs co-developed with Synopsys are available now. “The two new iPDKs support our 0.11-micron mixed signal process, which is ideal for implementing audio codecs and DACs, and our 0.18-micron BCDMOS, which is best for designing PMICs, data converters, wireless chargers and LED drivers. The applications for such analogue intensive chips include smartphones, tablets, laptops and televisions.”

The Korean foundry reported that it intends to continue to collaborate with Synopsys to develop additional iPDKs. Expected to be introduced later this year, forthcoming iPDKs will support 90nm mixed signal designs as well as 0.18-micron BCDMOS designs that deploy LDMOS to operate up to 45V/60V.

“These new iPDKs enable Dongbu HiTek customers to use Custom Compiler’s pioneering visually assisted layout automation, which can shorten layout tasks from days to hours,” said Bijan Kiani, Vice President of Marketing for the Design Group at Synopsys. “Having Dongbu HiTek as an iPDK partner broadens our ability to reach a diverse set of market segments.”