The MathWorks Introduces Link for ModelSim 2; Tool Upgrade Adds Direct Verilog Support; Collaboration with Mentor Graphics Streamlines Verification Process and Enhances Model-Based Design.

SAN FRANCISCO -- The MathWorks today announced at the 2006 Design Automation Conference the availability of Link for ModelSim(R) 2, which enhances the use of Model-Based Design for hardware verification by offering full Verilog and VHDL support. Link for ModelSim enables users to efficiently verify RTL-level models from within MATLAB(R) and Simulink(R) and provides a bidirectional link to the Mentor Graphics(R) ModelSim HDL simulator. Additionally, Link for ModelSim now allows product engineering teams to integrate algorithm and system design with hardware implementation using their language of choice, eliminating the errors and time associated with manual methods by automating the verification process.

Link for ModelSim is a co-simulation interface that integrates MathWorks products into the hardware design flow for FPGA, ASIC, and SoC development. Using Link for ModelSim, designers benefit from system-level verification, software test benching, component modeling, and analysis capabilities. By adding HDL to the simultaneous, direct, mixed-language capabilities of MATLAB and Simulink, Link for ModelSim enables continuous test and verification, a core element of Model-Based Design.

"With direct support for the Verilog HDL now available, this will add to the rapid and accelerated adoption of Link for ModelSim," said Dennis Brophy, director of strategic business development, Mentor Graphics Corporation. "It addresses a critical pain in the hardware verification flow. Now all designers using VHDL, Verilog, and mixed-HDL can benefit from Model-Based Design."

Using Model-Based Design and Link for ModelSim, users can streamline the verification process by developing an executable specification, automatically generating code, and performing hardware co-simulation throughout the development process. Thus, errors are found earlier, when they are easier and less costly to fix.

Link for ModelSim also brings increased capabilities to its users. Now engineers can exploit the MATLAB component capability to re-use MATLAB code in hardware simulations when HDL blocks have not yet been coded. At the same time, users can continue to use MATLAB as a test bench to verify HDL implementation of signal processing and other algorithms.

"Link for ModelSim brings together system models and hardware component verification through Model-Based Design," said Ken Karnofsky, director of marketing, signal processing and communications, The MathWorks. "Now, more users can reduce development time and errors by practicing continuous verification throughout the system and hardware development process."

Pricing and Availability

Link for ModelSim 2 is available immediately for Microsoft Windows, UNIX/Linux, and Macintosh platforms. Commercial US list prices start at $2,000. For further information, please visit the product Web site, www.mathworks.com/products/modelsim/.

About The MathWorks

The MathWorks is the world's leading developer of technical computing and Model-Based Design software for engineers and scientists in industry, government, and education. With an extensive product set based on MATLAB and Simulink, The MathWorks provides software and services to solve challenging problems and accelerate innovation in automotive, aerospace, communications, financial services, biotechnology, electronics, instrumentation, process, and other industries.

The MathWorks was founded in 1984 and employs more than 1,400 people worldwide, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.

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/

MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, Handle Graphics, Real-Time Workshop, and xPC TargetBox are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. Mentor Graphics and ModelSim are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. Other product or brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.