community.cadence.com, Jun. 04, 2025 –
Cadence today announced IP, design solution, and expert design services for software and Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) based on Arm® Zena™ Compute Subsystems (CSS), Arm’s first-generation CSS for automotive. This achievement is the first deliverable resulting from a collaboration with Arm announced in 2024 to jumpstart the automotive chiplet ecosystem.
Through this ongoing collaboration with Arm, Cadence combines a digital twin for software development, semiconductor IP, robust design tools, and expertise in SoC and chiplet development to empower automotive manufacturers and silicon providers to develop automated driver-assisted systems (ADAS) for smarter, safer, and more efficient software defined vehicles (SDVs).
A key component of this offering is Cadence Helium Virtual and Hybrid Studio, which introduces a "shift-left" capability in the development process as a digital twin. By enabling virtual prototyping, Helium allows Arm’s automotive customers to test and validate software on Arm Zena CSS before physical silicon is available. Furthermore, the Helium platform brings robust support for Arm’s SOAFEE (Scalable Open Architecture for Embedded Edge) initiative, enabling developers to work within highly adaptive, software-driven environments. This early engagement not only streamlines the development cycle but also enhances the reliability and performance of workloads, ensuring optimal software compatibility and faster time to market.
Building on this, Cadence’s IP and Electronic Design Automation (EDA) solutions and design services are pivotal in creating high-quality automotive-grade Arm-based SoCs and chiplets. Cadence offers a comprehensive portfolio of automotive grade IP including I/O protocols, memory interfaces and UCIe for multi-die and chiplet connectivity, with Arm specific features that are ready for integration. The EDA flows help automotive customers meet strict safety and performance standards while designing performance-optimized silicon. Cadence’s silicon design services and silicon realization services play a crucial role in optimizing the overall cost of silicon ownership for automotive customers. These services ensure seamless system-level integration, enabling customers to achieve high performance and reliability in their automotive applications.