VIEWLOGIC ANNOUNCES NEXT-GENERATION MEMORY BIST TOOL.

MARLBORO, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1997--

Sunrise MemBIST(tm) Integrated Within Sunrise TestGen(tm) Suite

for Combined Memory/Logic Test

Viewlogic Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIEW) today introduced Sunrise MemBIST, a production-proven, built-in self test (BIST) tool, for embedded memories. It is completely integrated into the Sunrise TestGen suite of tools. Sunrise MemBIST is based on patented, next-generation memory BIST technology that considers the critical requirements of fault diagnosis, built-in self repair, and algorithm programmability required to test the memories in today's complex integrated circuits (IC). This combination of features has not been previously available in any commercially obtainable memory BIST tool. In addition, the breadth of memory design support is unique, and includes testing capabilities for embedded SRAM, ROM and DRAM type memories.

Today's system-on-silicon and core-based design styles drive the integration of logic and memory within a single device. An increasing percentage of the silicon area in a complex IC is embedded memory. However, testing of the embedded memories within these complex ICs is increasingly difficult. Adding test access to the embedded memories increases design size and complexity, while the increased number of test patterns needed for the memory test increases production cost. Automated solutions are necessary to support lower production costs while allowing increasing design functionality.

Built-in self test techniques for memory offers a solution to the test problem. Test logic is embedded near the memories and facilitates an automated test of each embedded memory. Memory BIST eliminates the burden of memory test vector development while providing an automatic, high quality test.

"Sunrise MemBIST furthers our goal toward providing the industry's most comprehensive and flexible test toolkit." said Mark Milligan, Vice President of Viewlogic's Sunrise Test unit. "With the increasing amount of memory included in our customers' designs, it was important that we provide a solution for both the logic using scan/ATPG and the memories using BIST. It also reaffirms our belief that DFT solutions must include diagnostics in order for customers to meet their time-to-production goals."

Using Sunrise MemBIST, design engineers select the characteristics of their embedded memory through an easy-to-use graphical user interface. Sunrise MemBIST automatically generates register transfer level (RTL) code for the logic blocks in the memory BIST framework structure. The RTL code is automatically verified with a test bench, then synthesized using a commercial design synthesis tool. Direct links are provided to verify the logic function and timing using Viewlogic's Chronologic VCS(tm) and MOTIVE(tm) tools respectively.

"We have selected Sunrise MemBIST for use on Fujitsu's new advanced 3D chip which is based on the Microsoft Talisman architecture" said John Barnes, VP of Fujitsu Microelectronics 3D Multimedia Business Unit. "The customizable algorithms and links to diagnosis offered by the Sunrise MemBIST tool will enable us to meet the stringent quality requirements of over 95% test coverage imposed by our customer." Barnes added "With integration to the Sunrise Testgen tool suite, Viewlogic offers an unbeatable test solution for our advanced requirements. We have made a significant investment in Sunrise MemBIST and Sunrise TestGen, and are pleased to be working with Viewlogic in all phases of test development for our project."

Sunrise MemBIST was developed in partnership with Heuristic Physics Laboratories (HPL), a privately held corporation, founded in 1987. HPL's charter is to provide solutions in the areas of memory design, test and yield enhancement. The company has over 80 employees and is located in Milpitas, California.

The Sunrise MemBIST tool comes complete with the software necessary to generate built-in self test design elements and test bench for SRAM and ROM type memories. Product options for DRAM BIST and diagnosis are also available. Sunrise MemBIST is scheduled to be available in November 1997.

Viewlogic Systems, Inc. is a worldwide supplier of electronic design automation software. The company's design tools enable electrical engineers to design state-of-the-art electronic products more efficiently, while reducing both development costs and time to market. The company offers software for both UNIX- and Windows-based computing platforms, along with a broad range of support services. For more company information, the Internet home page address for Viewlogic is http://www.viewlogic.com . Viewlogic press releases are also available through the Company's News on Demand fax service by calling [phone]. -0-

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CONTACT: Viewlogic Systems Inc.

Karen Wills, 508/480-0881

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Sterling Hager Inc. Public Relations 

Tony Greene, 617/926-6665

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