Synopsys and TSMC Partner to Deliver Leading-Edge 0.18 and 0.25 Micron Silicon Libraries.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1999--

Synopsys' Odyssey(TM) Family of Standard Cells, I/Os and

ProMA(TM) Memory Generators Enable up to 20 Percent Faster,

Smaller System-on-a-Chip Designs

Synopsys Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), the design technology leader for complex IC design, today announced a partnership with TSMC to offer customers leading-edge silicon libraries in TSMC's 0.18 and 0.25 micron process technologies.

Synopsys' Odyssey standard cells, I/Os and ProMA memory generators enable up to 20 percent faster and smaller designs compared with alternatives. The libraries are optimized for Synopsys' industry leading design and verification tools such as Design Compiler(TM), Module Compiler(TM), Power Compiler(TM), Chip Architect(TM), Test Compiler(TM), PrimeTime(R), Formality (R), Arcadia(R) and state-of-the-art place and route tools.

The combination of Synopsys' high-quality silicon libraries, TSMC's world-class process technology and integration with Synopsys' physical synthesis methodology initiative will allow customers to meet the challenges of system-on-a-chip (SoC) designs.

"Through use of TSMC's silicon fabrication technology and optimal library design for synthesis, Synopsys' libraries are optimized to meet the design creation challenges of our customers' high performance, high density, low power SoC needs," said F.C. Tseng, president of TSMC. "With design creation the most critical point in the design cycle, we partnered with Synopsys because of its position as the clear leader in design creation and verification tools and methodologies."

Customers are driven by ever-evolving market dynamics to balance performance, die size and power consumption, and the need to shorten design cycles to meet rapid time-to-market windows. High-quality silicon libraries tightly integrated with leading-edge tools tested in today's design flows and verified in silicon, help customers focus on design tasks, instead of qualifying and validating libraries. Furthermore, customers might need leading-edge design services to help them complete SoC designs in the shortest possible time.

The Odyssey process-optimized libraries adhere to best-in-class industry design practices for highest density, maximum performance and low power requirements. The libraries provide silicon vendors and IC designers with a high-density, high-performance solution optimized for deep-submicron process technologies. Synopsys' Silicon Library Services offer a broad range of library customization services and support to uniquely target Odyssey libraries to specific requirements. Furthermore, Synopsys' Professional Services offer design assistance services, IP reuse, system-level design and methodology consulting.

"As a world-leading foundry providing the 0.18 and 0.25 micron process technologies demanded by our customers all over the world, TSMC is an obvious partner for Synopsys' tool and process optimized silicon libraries," said Chi-Foon Chan, Synopsys' president. "Together with TSMC, we provide the highest-quality silicon-verified libraries that form the foundation of tomorrow's successful SoC designs."

About TSMC

TSMC (ADS traded NYSE:TSM, also traded on TSE) is the world's largest dedicated integrated circuit (IC) foundry and offers a comprehensive set of IC fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture CMOS logic, mixed-mode, volatile and non-volatile memory and BiCMOS chips. Currently, TSMC operates two six-inch wafer fabs (Fab 1 and 2) and three eight-inch wafer fabs (Fab 3, 4, and 5) all located in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.

In mid-1998, TSMC announced that production wafers were being delivered from its first U.S. foundry, WaferTech, a joint venture with Altera, Analog Devices and Integrated Silicon Solutions, Inc. The company has broken ground in the new Tainan Park, which will house Fabs 6 and 7 and recently announced its participation in a $1.2 billion joint venture fab with Philips Semiconductor which is scheduled to open in Singapore in 2000. TSMC's corporate headquarters are in Taiwan. More information about TSMC is available through the World Wide Web at http://www.tsmc.com.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS), is a leading supplier of electronic design automation (EDA) solutions to the global electronic market. The company provides comprehensive design technologies to creators of advanced integrated circuits, electronic systems and systems on a chip. Synopsys also provides consulting services and support to its customers to streamline overall design processes and accelerate time-to-market. Additional information about Synopsys is available at http://www.synopsys.com.