Cadence Extends the Open Verification Methodology Beyond SystemVerilog to Include SystemC and e Language Support

Cadence Contributes Source Code Libraries, Usage Examples, and Documentation to OVM World Site

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Feb 23, 2009 --  Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDNS), the leader in global electronic design innovation, today announced the release of open source libraries for e and SystemC languages to support the Open Verification Methodology (OVM). Cadence® has contributed these libraries, with accompanying usage examples and documentation, to the OVM World Web site (www.ovmworld.org). The OVM was originally developed for SystemVerilog; the Cadence contribution enables the development of OVM-compliant verification components and testbenches in any of the three IEEE-standard languages used for verification and modeling: SystemVerilog, e, and SystemC.

"We are working with Cadence on several projects deploying the OVM," said Suhas Belgal, senior verification manager at Magnum Semiconductors. "The new e libraries will be a great benefit for the verification community, since they will allow us to train all of our engineers on a single methodology regardless of the language they use. Also, being an SoC design house, it will enable us to use VIPs from various IEEE standard languages under the OVM umbrella. Our engineers will be able to integrate sophisticated verification environments faster with the new libraries provided by Cadence."

"We are delivering advanced verification technology in multiple languages to our customers today," said Takahiro Kobori, senior general manager, LSI Design and Development Division of OKI Network LSI Co., Ltd. "This OVM multi-language new feature can help us to implement one methodology while continuing to deliver verification IP in each IEEE standard language required by our customers. The new open source OVM e and SystemC libraries introduced by Cadence will improve the design of verification environments throughout our intellectual property."

The OVM was architected from the beginning with multi-language verification in mind. By using transaction-level modeling (TLM) channels as the basis for communication, OVM SystemVerilog verification components can communicate easily with existing e and SystemC components without changing those existing methodologies. The new libraries allow verification engineers to develop new components and testbenches in any of the three languages, using corresponding library elements with the same methodology and reuse guidelines.

"The reality is that to be globally effective, verification must be a multi-language proposition," said Michal Siwinski, product marketing group director for Verification Solutions at Cadence. "Many of our customers use verification IP from other sources, share verification components across projects, or engage in joint development with other companies. Now, participants in this ecosystem can use a single methodology with industry support for interoperability, reuse, and scaling from block to system in all three standard languages."

In addition to its contribution of the libraries, Cadence supports the OVM with a broad range of products and services. The OVM is fully integrated into the Cadence metric-driven verification flow, which combines results from simulation, formal analysis, hardware acceleration, and in-circuit emulation for a thorough assessment of verification progress. Other unique offerings from Cadence include a tremendously broad range of multi-language OVM verification IP, builders to help create OVM-compliant verification components, and services to aid in OVM startup and validation of compliance to standard protocols.

Also today, Cadence announced the availability of a new single-license model that grants verification teams access to the extensive Cadence Incisive® Verification IP (VIP) Portfolio.

Availability
The e and SystemC library source code, examples, and documentation are available immediately in the "Community Contributions" area at www.ovmworld.org.

About the Open Verification Methodology
The Open Verification Methodology is the first open, language-interoperable verification methodology in the industry. It provides a methodology and accompanying library that allow users to create modular, reusable verification environments in which components communicate with each other via standard transaction-level modeling interfaces. It also enables intra- and inter-company reuse through a common methodology and classes for virtual sequences and block-to-system reuse, and full integration with other languages commonly used in production flows. The OVM is supported by more than 50 companies offering training, services, and products.

About Cadence
Cadence enables global electronic design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today's integrated circuits and electronics. Customers use Cadence software and hardware, methodologies, and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors, consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer systems. The company is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with sales offices, design centers, and research facilities around the world to serve the global electronics industry. More information about the company, its products, and services is available at www.cadence.com.