Synopsys and GLOBALFOUNDRIES to develop DesignWare interface PHY IP for 28nanometer technologies

GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ 28nm high performance (HP) and super low power (SLP) technologies are optimised for fast processing with minimal leakage, making them ideal for a wide variety of applications from high performance graphics and wired networking to low power wireless mobile applications that require high processing speeds, small feature sizes, and long battery lifetime.

“This is another demonstration of the value delivered by our close collaboration with members of the GLOBALSOLUTIONS ecosystem,” said Walter Ng, vice president of the IP ecosystem at GLOBALFOUNDRIES. “Our 28nm HKMG processes with ‘Gate First’ technology are aimed at delivering a new level of performance and power efficiency for the next generation of SoC designs. By combining our leading edge manufacturing capabilities with Synopsys’ established leadership in delivering high quality IP for the most advanced processes, we will enable our mutual customers to quickly ramp into high volume and bring their innovations to the marketplace.”

Synopsys provides complete solutions consisting of digital controllers, PHYs and verification IP for commonly used protocols such as USB, PCI Express and SATA. The DesignWare PHY IP solutions target a broad range of high performance, ultra low power mobile and consumer applications, where the key requirements include minimal area and low dynamic and leakage power consumption. The PHY IP is designed to tolerate process, voltage and temperature variations and supports multiple power management features.

“By collaborating with GLOBALFOUNDRIES to deliver our PHY IP in the 28nm process, Synopsys enables designers to meet the growing demands of a new generation of lower power, higher performance SoCs,” said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for the Solutions Group at Synopsys. “Our successful track record of providing proven solutions in the GLOBALFOUNDRIES processes gives designers confidence that they can quickly migrate to this advanced process technology with significantly less risk and improved time-to-market.”

Front end design views for the DesignWare PHY IP supporting GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ 28nm process technologies are available now. Initial design kits and DesignWare PHY IP are scheduled for availability in Q1 of 2011. Additional products will be released throughout 2011. For more information on the DesignWare USB, PCI Express, DDR, HDMI and SATA PHY IP solutions, please visit: http://www.synopsys.com/designware.