NXP, Cadence ink multiyear EDA partnership deal

Cadence Design Systems Inc. and NXPSemiconductors have announced the signing of a multiyear strategic agreement that positions Cadence as NXP's primary EDAsolutions partner.

Consolidating with Cadence will enable NXP to streamline its supply lines and increase operational effectiveness through a stable and reliable source of automated IC design and verificationproducts, the announcement said. The two companies have been collaborating over the past 15 years.

The agreement provides the framework for Cadence and NXP to develop and deploy IC design and design-verification methodologies required to extend NXP's leadership position as the innovator of semiconductors, system solutions and software that deliver better sensory experiences in mobile phones, personal media players, TVs, STBs, identification applications, cars and a wide range of other electronic devices.

"NXP signed this agreement to make Cadence its strategic partner for EDA products and technologies after a full and exhaustive evaluation process. Cadence was the only company able to provide the fully integrated, front-to-back, analog and digital solutions that we require," said Rene Penning de Vries, CTO of NXP Semiconductors. "We need to work with leading companies who can support our technology-innovation and business-development needs. The depth and breadth of capabilities and alignment of vision that Cadence brings to the relationship will be a tremendous strength."

As NXP's primary EDA solutions provider, all design flows and methodologies will be concentrated around Cadence software, hardware and services methodologies. The agreement provides NXP with access to the full range of Cadence analog/mixed-signal, RF, digital front and backend, SiP and verification technologies.

"At Cadence we invest heavily in R&D and retain the brightest and most dedicated minds in order to engage with the best companies and add value at the highest level," said Mike Fister, Cadence president and CEO. "NXP is a top 10 semiconductor company, with a long heritage of electronics innovation and a bright future in the electronics industry. I am excited about extending our long relationship with NXP at the level of a strategic partner."

NXP and Cadence also agreed to collaborate and jointly invest in the next generation of ESL technologies, flows and solutions.