Magma Announces Availability of Reference Methodology for ARM Cortex-R4 Processor

Expanded ARM-Magma portfolio of IC implementation reference methodologies for ARM processors provides a comprehensive RTL-to-GDSII solution for ARM licensees

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 20, 2006 –– Magma® Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq: LAVA), a provider of semiconductor design software, today announced the release of a Reference Methodology (RM) for RTL-to-GDSII implementation of the new ARM® Cortex™-R4 embedded processor in systems on chips (SoCs). The ARM-Magma Reference Methodology for the ARM Cortex-R4 processor is the result of the solid working relationship between ARM and Magma and benefits a growing number of mutual customers by addressing key nanometer design requirements.

This new methodology complements existing ARM-Magma RMs available for the ARM926EJ-S™ and ARM1176JZ-S™ processors. The RM is easy to follow, quick to use and thus improves time to market. With the completion of this methodology, the Cortex-R4 processor is now verified as “Magma-Ready” IP.

“This RM is based on Magma’s proven RTL-to-GDSII methodology for IC implementation, which improves time to market by dramatically increasing designer productivity,” said Kam Kittrell, general manager of Magma’s Design Implementation Business Unit. “Partnering with ARM, we continue to provide our mutual customers with industry-leading processors and proven design methodologies that accelerate the development of leading-edge SoC designs.”

“ARM products provide the nucleus of next-generation SoC designs, including automotive, disk drives, cell phones, portable, wireless, communication devices and multimedia devices,” said Keith Clarke, vice president, Technical Marketing, ARM. “Our expanding relationship with Magma enables us to continue to provide easy integration of ARM IP with Magma’s expanded portfolio of IC implementation RMs, which can benefit our mutual customers and enable advanced SoC solutions.”

The ARM-Magma Reference Methodology for the Cortex-R4 processor provides implementation guidelines for ARM licensees who use the Magma tool flow, which includes Blast Create™, Blast Plan™ Pro, Blast Fusion®, Blast Power™, Blast Noise™ and Blast Rail™. The methodology is portable and extendable and is easily adaptable by customizing it to meet specific SoC implementation requirements. By following the methodology, ARM licensees will learn best practices that enable them to deliver a finished hardened macro for re-use in a hierarchical SoC design.

The reference methodology includes documentation, scripts and design guidelines and is available now from the ARM website at www.arm.com/products/CPUs/rfmagma.html.

ARM-Magma Panel Discussion at DAC in San Francisco

ARM and Magma will present a panel discussion entitled “Reining in Time to Market for Next-Generation Embedded Designs” on Tuesday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Design Automation Conference (DAC) in San Francisco. The lunchtime discussion, moderated by John Blyler, editor of Chip Design magazine, will feature panelists from ARM, Magma, Chartered Semiconductor and Broadcom.

To register, visit www.magma-da.com/DACLunchPanel.html.

About Magma

Magma’s software for integrated circuit (IC) design is recognized as embodying the best in semiconductor technology. The world's top chip companies use Magma's EDA software to design and verify complex, high-performance ICs for communications, computing, consumer electronics and networking applications, while at the same time reducing design time and costs. Magma provides software for IC implementation, analysis, physical verification, characterization and programmable logic design, and the company's integrated RTL-to-GDSII design flow offers "The Fastest Path from RTL to Silicon"™. Magma is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with offices around the world. Magma's stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LAVA. Visit Magma Design Automation on the Web at www.magma-da.com.