ARM, Synopsys And TSMC Address Industry Need For Proven SoC Methodologies

Collaboration Provides Fast Track SoC Integration Methodology for ARM Core-Based Designs

CAMBRIDGE, UK, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF, and HSIN-CHU, TAIWAN – May 28, 2002 - ARM [(LSE:ARM); (Nasdaq:ARMHY)], Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. [(TSMC) (TAIEX: 2330, NYSE: TSM)], have collaborated in generating a proven, fast track system-on-chip (SoC) integration methodology for use by ARM Partners who use TSMC as a foundry. The companies have linked the TSMC Reference Flow and the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology to create an easy-to-use SoC Integration Methodology Guide that reduces risk and accelerates time-to-volume. This collaboration is the first milestone in a series of initiatives between the three companies intended to provide their mutual customers with access to the latest silicon processes and advanced methodologies.

With the SoC Integration Methodology Guide, both customer-owned tooling (COT) and integrated device manufacturer (IDM) designers can take advantage of the combined benefits of the TSMC Reference Flow and the ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology. The TSMC Reference Flow provides developers with a silicon-proven methodology that dramatically reduces time-to-volume by enabling direct manufacturability to TSMC's industry-leading process technologies. The ARM-Synopsys Reference Methodology enables SoC developers to access ARM® microprocessor cores quickly and efficiently.

"ARM, Synopsys, and TSMC each play a key role in the execution of Oak's SoC strategy," said Barry Cornell, vice president of operations and quality for Oak Technology, Inc. "The enhanced productivity benefits achieved with a unified SoC integration methodology exemplifies their alignment to accelerate the underlying processes we use, so that Oak can focus on device innovation and performance optimization for our target markets."

"Design teams can expect to create SoC designs ready for manufacturing faster and more confidently by using the flow recommendations developed in this collaboration," said Dr. Ping Yang, vice president of research and development for TSMC. "We intend to expand this collaboration over time to further address designers' needs to get to market and to volume quickly with chips built around state-of-the-art ARM cores."

"End designers can now benefit from the integration of two robust methodologies that leverage Synopsys' advanced EDA technology for a low-risk proven path to silicon," said Rich Goldman, vice president of strategic market development at Synopsys, Inc. "Using the methodologies together, end designers can more efficiently integrate ARM microprocessor cores into their SoC designs for manufacture by TSMC to bring innovative products to market more quickly and reliably."

"It's important to enable developers who choose to use external fabrication facilities to work directly with ARM semiconductor foundry partners like TSMC," said Peter Hicks, general manager, Strategic Programs, ARM. "This initiative, which builds on the existing relationships between ARM, Synopsys and TSMC, plays an important facilitating role by providing them with a proven methodology route to silicon."

Availability
TSMC is supporting the SoC Integration Methodology today for designs incorporating ARM hardened microprocessor cores. The SoC Integration Methodology has support for the following Synopsys tools: Synopsys' Physical Compiler, Chip Architect, Design Compiler™, DC Ultra™, DesignWare®, Formality®, Power Compiler™, DFT Compiler, TetraMAX ATPG, PrimeTime and VCS™. The SoC Integration Methodology is modular and based on standard interfaces allowing for the integration of complementary tools, libraries and IP cores. The TSMC SoC Integration Methodology Guide is now available and can be accessed at: http://www.online.tsmc.com .

About ARM
ARM is the industry's leading provider of 16/32-bit embedded RISC microprocessor solutions. The company licenses its high-performance, low-cost, power-efficient RISC processors, peripherals, and system-on-chip designs to leading international electronics companies. ARM also provides comprehensive support required in developing a complete system. ARM's microprocessor cores are rapidly becoming a volume RISC standard in such markets as portable communications, hand-held computing, multimedia digital consumer and embedded solutions. More information on ARM is available at www.arm.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.

About TSMC
TSMC is the world's largest dedicated semiconductor foundry, providing the industry's leading process technology, library and IP options and other leading-edge foundry services. TSMC operates two six-inch wafer fabs and six eight-inch wafer fabs. The company also has substantial capacity commitments at two joint ventures fabs (Vanguard and SSMC) and WaferTech. In 2000, TSMC produced the foundry industry's first 300mm customer wafers and began constructing two dedicated 300mm fabs. TSMC's corporate headquarters are in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan. More information about TSMC is available through World Wide Web at http://www.tsmc.com 

ARM is a registered trademark of ARM Limited. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders. "ARM" is used to represent ARM Holdings plc (LSE: ARM and Nasdaq: ARMHY); its operating company ARM Limited; and the regional subsidiaries ARM INC.; ARM KK; ARM Korea Ltd.; ARM Taiwan; and ARM France SAS.

Synopsys, DesignWare, Formality, TetraMAX and PrimeTime are registered trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. Design Compiler, DC Ultra, Power Compiler and VCS are trademarks of Synopsys, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.