#Japan #Tokyo #Semiconductor #Synopsys #Rapidus

Rapidus Collaborates with Synopsys to Shorten Semiconductor Design Cycles

In a significant move for the semiconductor industry, Rapidus Corporation has announced a collaborative agreement with Synopsys Inc. This partnership aims to accelerate the design process for semiconductors, particularly through innovative methodologies that focus on native modeling of process sensitivity and design variations.

During the recent SEMICON Japan event, Rapidus unveiled this strategic alliance, which plans to implement revolutionary approaches to streamline the design cycle. Traditional semiconductor design often involves extensive re-characterization of libraries and memory components whenever manufacturing processes evolve. This method can lead to costly delays, taking anywhere from two to three months merely to generate timing models. To address these bottlenecks, Rapidus and Synopsys are set to introduce an advanced solution that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.

By utilizing Synopsys' AI-backed EDA suite, the two companies strive to enhance the efficiency of design processes on Rapidus's cutting-edge 2nm gate-all-around (GAA) technology. Notably, this partnership will adopt a Design for Manufacturing and Co-Optimization (DMCO) framework, allowing concurrent optimization of design and production processes. This innovative approach not only expedites production timelines but also ensures high-quality outputs and manufacturing yields.

Rapidus CEO Dr. Atsuyoshi Koike emphasized the impact of this partnership, stating it marks a critical milestone in simplifying and accelerating semiconductor design. The integration of sensors and AI into the wafer fabrication process aims to leverage silicon data to enhance design workflows significantly. Rapidus is currently developing its Rapid and Unified Manufacturing Service (RUMS) to provide cohesive support during both front-end and back-end processes of semiconductor development.

As part of the collaboration, Synopsys will refine advanced design flows that capitalize on its extensive portfolio of Intellectual Property (IP) tailored for Rapidus’s state-of-the-art 2nm processes. Moreover, the use of Synopsys PrimeShield™, a machine learning-based tool for timing model generation, will facilitate real-time adjustments whenever the process design kits (PDKs) are updated. Such rapid adaptability will streamline workflows and foster quicker design convergences.

Sassine Ghazi, President and CEO of Synopsys, highlighted that their extensive work with Rapidus positions them as a critical partner for leading semiconductor foundries. This collaboration aims to realize optimal results while minimizing integration risks, thereby accelerating the journey to silicon success within the industry.

The merging of insights from Rapidus's pioneering manufacturing processes and Synopsys’ EDA capabilities symbolizes a major step forward in the semiconductor industry. By harnessing big data analytics, Rapidus and Synopsys are setting a new standard for speed and efficiency in semiconductor production.

In conclusion, the partnership between Rapidus and Synopsys marks a turning point for semiconductor design, potentially reshaping the industry's future through heightened efficiency and innovation. As both companies continue to work together, the resulting advancements may lead to significant improvements across the semiconductor landscape, enhancing their response to the ever-evolving technological demand.