Artisan Components introduces world's fastest embedded memories; 300 MHz Process-Perfect memory generators available in 0.25 micron semiconductor technologies.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 1997--Artisan Components, Inc., formerly VLSI Libraries Incorporated, today announced availability of the world's fastest embedded SRAM (Static RAM) memories and memory generators.

By utilizing patented design techniques and by tuning the product for each customer's 0.25 micron semiconductperformance under "typical" process conditions).

The company also announced that all of these memory products include the company's new Universal Test Interface(y all standard test methodologies, including mu "ASIC suppliers and system designers are demanding larger, faster, and more flexible memories as the industry moves toward system-level integration (SLI)," said Bryan Lewis, Dataquest's director and principal ASIC analyst.

"More than 70 percent of today's cell-based IC designs have on-chip memory and about one third of the die area is typically used for memory. Memories are the specialty of Artisan Components, and with this announcement they demonstrateet 300 MHz embedded memories from Artisan Comp have always been happy with their delivery on critical programs.

"Artisan Components' new 300 MHz mem clear competitive advantage in the workstatioare compatible with all standard test methodologies and are reliable is an industry breakthrough," stated Scott Becker, chief technology officer at Artisan Components.

"We had to fundamentally redesign our sense amplifiers, wordline drivers, and output drivers to achieve this e with virtually no performance or area impact. We have filed four patents on our new memory products." marketing at Artisan Components. "Our customers have invested billions of dollars in their fab and process, and they want highly-tuned components that take full advantage of their process. Our 300 MHz memory generators are the first memory products we have seen that run at the full potential of the semiconductor process. We have already uct Attributes:

The new 300 MHz Process-.25 micron High-Speed 2-Port Register File Generator

-- 0.25 micron High-Speed 3-Port Register File Generator

Each memory generator can create an almost infiny width is supported up to a maximum of 128 da

The Universal Test Interface (UTI) enablll achieved by connecting to the pins of the m. The memories can also be configured in a non-test mode as well if no structured testing methodology is us. Tuning includes circuit redesigns (when necessary), transistor size tuning, custom layout for critical blocks such as core cells and sense amplifiers, layout tuning for the process (for example, to support stacked contacts, salicients

Artisan Components Inc., formerly Vdard cells and other process-specific blocks. By incorporating this technology into integrated circuits, pplies its Physical IP Components to most of th full potential of their semiconductor process.

Artisan Components is headquartered at 2077 Gateway Place, San Jose, CA, 95110. Phone [phone]; fax: [phone]. More information can be obtained by sending e-mail to [e-mail], or on the Web at http://www.artisan.com . -0-

Note to Editors: Process-Perfect is a trademark of Artisan Components, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: KJ Communications

Eileen Elam, 415/917-1488

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http://www.artisan.com