Synopsys and ARM Announce Synopsys IC Compiler Incorporated in Latest ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology

Enhanced Reference Methodology delivers 10 percent higher performance

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and CAMBRIDGE, England -- Oct. 3, 2005-- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in semiconductor design software, and ARM [(LSE: ARM); (Nasdaq: ARMHY)], today announced the availability of the latest ARM-Synopsys Galaxy(TM) Reference Methodology (RM) for streamlining high-performance implementations of synthesizable ARM(R) processors. This enhanced RM incorporates IC Compiler, Synopsys' next- generation physical design system, to more easily achieve higher clock frequencies compared to earlier versions of the RM.

"Our customers are under competitive pressure to deliver bigger designs with higher performance in less time," said Antun Domic, senior vice president and general manager, Synopsys. "ARM and Synopsys have included IC Compiler in this latest ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology to enable our mutual customers to achieve higher performance by using the latest concurrent optimization technology."

Building on the production-proven ARM-Synopsys Galaxy RM, the latest flow with IC Compiler provides a complete RTL-to-GDSII solution that delivers higher performance and designer productivity for ARM technology-based designs. The RM co-developed by ARM and Synopsys Professional Services offers optimized scripts that leverage IC Compiler's next-generation Extended Physical Synthesis (XPS) technology, together with an enhanced implementation guide citing best practices. The RM can be used 'out-of-the-box'; enabling ARM Partners to easily and quickly implement and verify synthesizable ARM processors to their chosen process technologies. With the RM, ARM Partners can produce highly accurate processor models for SoC integration. Designers can use the RM with their own silicon process technology libraries, or take advantage of the extensive choice of ARM Artisan(R) physical IP available on a broad range of leading foundries' processes.

Synopsys and ARM have collaborated extensively to deliver many industry firsts, including: the ARM-Synopsys Galaxy RM for fast implementation and high performance, the extension of the RM to support ARM Intelligent Energy Manager (IEM) technology-enabled processors, validated with the first ARM Artisan Metro(TM) low-power standard cell library, and verification IP and methodology.

"ARM Partners are continuously pushing the boundaries for higher performance and functionality, while at the same time seeking increased designer productivity at a lower cost," said Keith Clarke, vice president of Technical Marketing, ARM. "The initial gains in performance and productivity are impressive, enabling us to integrate IC Compiler in the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology at an early stage. The IC Compiler ARM-Synopsys RM will help our Partners meet their next-generation product design challenges." The new ARM-Synopsys Galaxy RM with IC Compiler will be highlighted at the ARM Developers' Conference 2005 at Synopsys Booth (#202), on October 4-6, Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara, California.

Availability

The new ARM-Synopsys Galaxy RM with IC Compiler is available immediately for the ARM926EJ-S(TM) and ARM1136JF-S(TM) processors to all authorized ARM Partners, with additional processors coming by the end of the year. In addition, Synopsys provides ARM partners with complementary IP, including AMBA(R) 2 IP and Verification IP (VIP) and AMBA 3 AXI VIP, through its DesignWare(R) Library tools. Synopsys Professional Services also provides design and consulting services for hardening and integrating of ARM processor cores. Synopsys Professional Services is a global member of the ARM Design Center Program (ADC).

About ARM

ARM designs the technology that lies at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM's comprehensive product offering includes 16/32-bit RISC microprocessors, data engines, 3D processors, digital libraries, embedded memories, peripherals, software and development tools, as well as analog functions and high-speed connectivity products. Combined with the company's broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. More information on ARM is available at http://www.arm.com.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA) software for semiconductor design. The company delivers technology-leading semiconductor design and verification platforms and IC manufacturing software products to the global electronics market, enabling the development and production of complex systems-on-chips (SoCs). Synopsys also provides intellectual property and design services to simplify the design process and accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California and has offices in more than 60 locations throughout North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. Visit Synopsys online at http://www.synopsys.com/.