Cadence Virtuoso Platform Provides 10x Improvement in Verification Time for VIS; VIS Adopts Virtuoso Multi-Mode Simulation to Speed Verification for Complex Mixed-Signal Designs.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CDNS) today announced that Vanguard International Semiconductor Corporation (VIS), a leading specialty IC foundry service provider, has adopted Cadence(R) Virtuoso(R) Multi-mode Simulation for verifying complex mixed-signal designs. Using Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation, VIS and its customers can accelerate the verification cycle, improve productivity and shorten time to market. In particular, Virtuoso UltraSim Full-chip Simulator, an integral part of Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation, enabled VIS to increase verification performance up to 10 times faster than its previous simulation solutions for its Ethernet PHY, PLL, and RFCMOS circuits.

Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation combines four fast, silicon-accurate simulation engines into a comprehensive solution for analog, mixed-signal, RF, and full-chip design verification. The Virtuoso Spectre(R) Circuit Simulator allows VIS to obtain fast, silicon-accurate results with current SPICE models and circuits. Combined with Virtuoso UltraSim, the complete Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation solution provides VIS a unified design flow.

"Adopting the Virtuoso platform as our standard simulation solution addresses our need for efficiency and flexibility in verifying advanced mixed-signal designs," said George Liu, vice president of Corporate Development at VIS. "With Cadence simulation technology, our development of both internal IP and process design kit for specialty processes was complemented by stronger support. This efficiency improvement meets our commitment to offering our foundry customers cost-effective and high value-added solutions for their IC foundry manufacturing needs."

"Advances in design methodologies and flows require a mixed approach to simulation," said Charlie Giorgetti, corporate vice president, Product Marketing, at Cadence. "Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation delivers the SPICE, FastSPICE, RF, and analog mixed-signal capabilities that make it one of the most comprehensive simulation solutions available for analog, mixed-signal, or RF design. We are excited to collaborate with VIS and are confident the deployment of Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation will help VIS deliver a sign-off, silicon-accurate simulation solution for their customers."

Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation provides a unique combination of SPICE, FastSPICE, AMS and RF simulation in a flexible single multi-mode simulation licensing model that maximizes the value of a customer's investment. Virtuoso Multi-mode Simulation is a cornerstone of the Virtuoso custom design platform. All Virtuoso simulators -- Virtuoso UltraSim Full-chip Simulator, Virtuoso AMS Designer Simulator, Virtuoso Spectre Circuit Simulator and Virtuoso Spectre RF Simulation Option -- support common syntax and usage models, and share equations ensuring silicon-accurate results.

About Cadence

Cadence enables global electronic-design innovation and plays an essential role in the creation of today's integrated circuits and electronics systems. Customers use Cadence software and hardware, methodologies, and services to design and verify advanced semiconductors, printed-circuit boards and systems used in consumer electronics, networking and telecommunications equipment, and computer systems. Cadence reported 2005 revenues of approximately $1.3 billion, and has approximately 5,000 employees. 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.

Cadence, the Cadence logo, Spectre and Virtuoso are registered of Cadence Design Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.