Legend Design and Sagantec Enable Equator to Migrate and Optimize Custom Embedded Memory from 0.2 micron to 0.13 micron

Campbell, Calif., March 29, 2004 - Legend Design Technology, Inc., a provider of IP characterization and simulation software, and Sagantec, a provider of process migration and layout acceleration software, have enabled Equator Technologies, Inc., to successfully port and optimize custom embedded memory instances for their new family of multimedia high-frequency video processors.

Equator is the premier provider of high-performance, programmable and power-efficient system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors for video streaming and image processing applications,

“For high performance video processors the speed and reliability of embedded memory is extremely important. Our custom memories used at 0.2 micron were designed specifically with attributes to achieve desired data rates and dependability, qualities we wanted to carry over in the new video processors. To speed delivery of our latest processor in 0.13 micron CMOS technology, we used Sagantec’s SiClone to automate the process migration task and Legend Design’s CharFlo-Memory to generate silicon accurate instance models from layout extracted netlists.” said Frans Sijstermans, Vice President, Engineering of Equator. “And, using Legend’s high-accuracy MSIM circuit simulator to run the simulations associated with characterization, enabled us to get efficient results."

 “To be successful in today’s competitive market, semiconductor companies need to take advantage of advanced process technologies, yet minimize risk and be able to introduce products to the market very quickly,” said Coby Zelnik, executive vice president and general manager of Sagantec North America. “Layout reuse and migration are a crucial part of such a strategy. With SiClone, designers can migrate large capacity layout blocks, such as memory, logic or analog circuits, implement them in the most advanced process technologies, and do so very quickly and efficiently.”

"Instance modeling of embedded memory, especially for deep submicron technology is essential for SoC engineers to achieve success in high-performance designs," said Dr. You-Pang Wei, president and chief executive officer of Legend Design Technology. “By accounting for the second order effects – signal integrity, coupling, leakage power – our users can accurately and efficiently generate the highest quality memory models possible. We’re pleased to be working closely with Equator to meet their needs for accuracy and throughput in characterizing state-of-the-art memory designs."

About Equator Technologies, Inc.:
Equator Technologies is a provider of high-performance, programmable and power-efficient system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors for video streaming and image processing applications. Equator offers its proprietary BSP family of chips, iMMediaTools® software development toolkit, media libraries and reference platforms to customers worldwide. Equator’s video-centric SoC solutions are available for digital media, digital video communications and video security and surveillance applications. Founded in 1996, Equator is a privately held company headquartered in Campbell, California, with additional offices worldwide. More information about Equator is available online at www.equator.com.

About Sagantec
The leader in layout acceleration, process migration and compaction, Sagantec develops software and solutions enabling reuse of full-custom design, including analog mixed-signal circuits. Sagantec solutions are used to migrate designs to either the newest technology or to a different process at the same technology node. Privately held and funded, Sagantec was founded in 1993 in Israel. Its corporate headquarters is located at 46485 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA. 94538. Telephone: (510) 360-5200. Facsimile: (510) 360-5255. On the Web at: www.sagantec.com

About Legend Design Technology, Inc.
Legend Design Technology, Inc. is a leading provider of characterization and simulation software for semiconductor Intellectual Property (IP) blocks used in SoC design. With an emphasis on productivity and value, Legend’s CharFlo-Memory! toolset, which includes MSL, SpiceCut and MemChar, revolutionize the time consuming and error prone processes associated with characterization.  MSL automates the memory characterization flow to be '.Lib-in and .Lib out'.  SpiceCut automatically builds critical-path circuits to reduce simulation time for characterization, especially from post-layout extracted circuits with resistors and capacitors.  MemChar is the tool which automatically characterizes the memories and generates the ‘true’ timing and power models. MSIM is a high accuracy SPICE circuit simulator with post-layout RC reduction capability.  Turbo-MSIM is Legend’s high-speed and large-capacity circuit simulator ideal for timing and power simulation, and functional verification.  MSIM and Turbo-MSIM are optimized for deep-submicron and nanometer technology and provide excellent price-performance and value. For more information, visit www.LegendDesign.com.