Mentor Graphics Calibre nmDRC Adopted by UMC to Address Shifting Requirements for Sign-Off.

WILSONVILLE, Ore. -- Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced that UMC (NYSE:UMC) (TSE:2303), a leading global semiconductor foundry, has adopted the Calibre(R) nmDRC for its next generation process technology. Calibre DRC(TM) has long been a standard sign-off tool for physical verification at UMC. The Calibre nm Platform, which also includes solutions for layout vs. schematic (LVS), parasitic extraction (xRC(TM) and xL), design for manufacturing (critical area analysis, recommended rules analysis, and via doubling) and design database back annotation to the place and route environment, will benefit UMC's customers for 65 nanometer processes.

Calibre nm Platform includes the new Calibre nmDRC with Hyperscaling. This capability substantially reduces run times through advanced multi-threading methods, improved scalability on existing hardware and efficient use of CPUs. In benchmark tests conducted at UMC, Hyperscaling resulted in a considerable reduction in run time.

"The Calibre nmDRC allows us to offer several benefits to our customers in the nanometer realm," said Ken Liou, director of the IP and Design Support division at UMC. "With Hyperscaling our customers also realize substantial improvements in run time and increased productivity."

At 65nm, design signoff is no longer just DRC and LVS. These basic components of physical verification are being augmented by an expansive set of yield analysis and critical feature identification capabilities as well as layout enhancements, and printability and performance validation, all of which Mentor addresses with the Calibre nm platform.

"We are excited that UMC and its customers are experiencing the tremendous value of the Calibre nm platform, including improved productivity and faster time-to-silicon," said Joe Sawicki, vice president and general manager for the design-to-silicon division at Mentor Graphics. "Where others have struggled, Calibre continually evolves to answer the substantial changes in requirements for design sign-off."

About Mentor Graphics

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of over $725 million and employs approximately 4,050 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

Mentor Graphics and Calibre are registered trademarks and DRC and xRC are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.