Agilent Technologies and Synopsys Announce Initiative To Reduce Overall Cost Of Test

Companies to Explore Synergies in Linking Test EDA Software and ATE Hardware

DATE CONFERENCE, MUNICH, Germany, March 13, 2001 - Responding to escalating concerns that the cost of testing complex semiconductor devices may soon exceed the cost of fabrication, Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A), today announced an agreement targeted at reducing the overall cost of test by bridging the gap between electronic design automation (EDA) test software and automated test equipment (ATE) hardware.

Both Synopsys and Agilent recognize that the future of affordable, high quality manufacturing test lies in strong coordination between ATE companies and EDA tool providers. This agreement establishes a framework for close evaluation of potential innovations in test technology for new and existing worldwide customers as they seek to bring complex system-on-a-chip (SoC) devices to market.

Rapid growth in SoC designs has led to the proliferation of complex, high pin-count devices that are dramatically more difficult and expensive to test. As a result, both companies are facing a strong mandate from customers to resolve this situation. In response, Synopsys and Agilent will explore the ability to make EDA test tools aware of intended ATE environments for SoC devices in order to synthesize the optimal design-for-test (DFT) structure. Moreover, ATE hardware must have the ability to fully use every DFT resource available on the device.

"This strategic alliance, the first of its kind, clearly positions Agilent and Synopsys at the forefront of the system-on-a-chip era where design and test must be linked," said Tom Newsom, vice president and general manager of Agilent Technologies' System-on-a-Chip Business Unit. "We aim to provide our customers with huge benefits in time to market and cost of test savings from our initiatives that shatter the wall between design and test."

"As designs continue to grow in complexity, it is apparent to Synopsys' and Agilent's mutual customers that the cost of test is becoming a critical business risk," said Antun Domic, senior vice president and general manager, Synopsys Nanometer Analysis and Test Business Unit. "Our customers are looking to us to create revolutionary integrated EDA and ATE flows that can meet their design-to-manufacturing challenges while simultaneously reducing their overall cost of test. This alliance demonstrates that both Agilent and Synopsys are firmly committed to addressing our customers' cost, quality, and time-to-market needs."

Synopsys' EDA Test Solution

Synopsys is the leading supplier of IC EDA test automation solutions, and offers a complete line of integrated products and services that enable IC design teams to meet their most demanding manufacturing test requirements. The company's award winning design for test product offering includes DFT Compiler and TetraMAX® ATPG. DFT Compiler incorporates the latest generation of Synopsys' patented 1-Pass test synthesis technology to enable design teams to efficiently meet their DFT closure goals within Synopsys' industry-leading physical synthesis design environment. TetraMAX provides industry leading ATPG performance, capacity and usability to enable design and DFT engineers to attain the highest-quality manufacturing test vectors.

Agilent Semiconductor Test Solutions

Agilent's overarching Intelligent Test strategy encompasses a broad range of semiconductor test equipment and advanced information management tools that enable customers to speed products to market and reduce the overall cost of manufacturing. Products include SoC (system-on-a-chip), flash memory, RF, and parametric test solutions. Additional information can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/see/dft.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 47,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 2000, Agilent had net revenue of $10.8 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.

Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), headquartered in Mountain View, California, creates leading electronic design automation (EDA) tools for the global electronics market. The company delivers advanced design technologies and solutions to developers of complex integrated circuits, electronic systems, and systems on a chip. Synopsys also provides consulting and support services to simplify the overall IC design process and accelerate time to market for its customers. Visit Synopsys at http://www.synopsys.com.