Zoran Deploys Cadence Virtuoso Software for Complex, Advanced Technology, Mixed-Signal Chip

Zoran used the Virtuoso Analog Design Environment XL and GXL to verify and optimize its design, and several advanced features in Layout GXL—namely, predefined modules (MODGENs) and Floorplanner—to accelerate layout. The MODGENs reduced days of layout work on highly matched layout structures to a few hours of work. The company used the Virtuoso Spectre® simulator with turbo technology and the Virtuoso Accelerated Parallel Simulator to speed simulation, and AMS Designer to design and verify mixed-signal regions of the design.

“Using these latest Cadence Virtuoso custom and mixed-signal technologies has given us a productivity boost as we’ve moved to advanced-node geometries,” said Tzach Hadas, vice president of Operations and general manager of Zoran Microelectronics Ltd. “Throughout the design and verification process, the Cadence products have proven invaluable. In particular, the verification phase was greatly improved – the improved simulation speed allowed us to do more verification, and the mixed-signal capabilities allowed for verification of aspects we previously could not check ”

“Like so many other companies developing at advanced nodes, Zoran found itself faced with the significant new challenges that accompany growing complexities,” said Steve Lewis, Virtuoso product marketing manager at Cadence. “Cadence has the technology companies like Zoran can rely on to help speed high-quality complex chips to market.”