Toshiba Standardizes on Calibre for Resolution Enhancement of 0.13 Micron Technology and Below.

Business/High Tech Editors

WILSONVILLE, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 22, 2001

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) today announced a multi-million dollar contract with Toshiba Corporation to extend Toshiba's adoption of the Mentor Graphics(R) Calibre(R) tool suite as the standard for manufacturing 0.13 micron semiconductors.

In addition to its current use of Calibre for physical verification, Toshiba and Toshiba Microelectronics Corporation are adding Calibre's model-based Optical and Process Correction (OPC) technology to their production flow to enable the semiconductor manufacturing of features well below the wavelength of light.

Calibre's OPC solution (Calibre OPCpro(TM), Calibre MT-OPCpro(TM), Calibre Workbench(TM), Calibre ORC(TM) and Calibre PRINTimage(TM)) provides full-chip batch correction and verification of the input layout to increase yield and process latitude. The OPC software makes changes to the layout to pre-compensate for lithography distortions inherent in sub-wavelength manufacturing processes. Any mix of rule- or simulation-based correction can be used. The model-based OPC simulation employs an advanced empirical model of the process on top of rigorous optical simulation, and takes into account the complexities of mask-making, optical effects, resist and etch.

"After an intensive evaluation, Toshiba chose the Calibre OPC solution for the implementation of our next generation technologies starting with the 0.13 micron process," said a spokesperson for the semiconductor division of Toshiba. "We recognized Calibre is the strongest model-based OPC tool capable of completing our largest design."

"We worked very closely with Toshiba to help them formulate a cohesive sub-wavelength strategy," said Joseph Sawicki, general manager of the Calibre business unit of Mentor Graphics Corporation. "Their adoption of the Calibre OPC tools further demonstrates the growing demand for a complete, integrated sub-wavelength tool suite."

Calibre Physical Verification and Sub-Wavelength Tools

Calibre is the industry's only complete physical verification and sub-wavelength solution. Calibre physical verification tool suite, Calibre DRC(TM) and Calibre LVS(TM), ensures that IC physical designs conform to foundry manufacturing rules and match the intended functionality of the chip. For sub-wavelength designs, Calibre leverages its hierarchical verification engine to provide a tool suite to add, model and verify layouts for all four resolution enhancement technology (RET) techniques: optical & process correction (OPC), phase-shift mask (PSM), Scattering Bars (SB) and off-axis illumination. As the market leader in physical verification tools, Calibre is the standard for the majority of the world's largest integrated device manufacturers, foundries and deep submicron library providers.

About Mentor Graphics Corporation

Mentor Graphics Corporation (Nasdaq:MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products and consulting services for the world's largest electronics and semiconductor companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of more than $525 million and employs approximately 2,600 people worldwide. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777, Silicon Valley headquarters are located at 1001 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, California 95131-2314. World Wide Web site: www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics and Calibre are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. Calibre DRC, Calibre LVS, OPCpro, MT-OPCpro, ORC, Workbench and PRINTimage are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.