So it was Mentor’s turn yesterday after Synopsys on Wednesday. And yes, it really is the end of their second quarter. They produced some very good results. As Wally opened:The second quarter of fiscal 2016 was one of record for Q2. We substantially exceed our own expectations was revenue of $281.1 million and non-GAAP earnings… Read More



Older Nodes Get New Life With Ultra Low Power Variants for IoT
Ever since I can remember, and I’ve been in EDA since the early 80’s, new process development has largely focused on the latest nodes. Trailing nodes were quickly put into support mode. New nodes benefited the most from static and dynamic voltage reduction efforts, as well as improvements in flows and performance. Only a small number… Read More
Synopsys Q3 Results
Synopsys announced their quarterly results this afternoon. It is the end of their Q3 (yes, they are not on the regular calendar year. Neither, for that matter, is Mentor who announce tomorrow). On the earnings call Aart started off:Good afternoon. I’m happy to report that our third quarter results were very strong, as we achieved… Read More
My Tryst with Semiconductors and EDA
Yes, today I realize it feels like a tryst with semiconductors. In actual meaning; it wasn’t a love affair with semiconductors, but I must say the greatest thing it taught me about how it approaches towards perfection. And that became the guiding principle in my life; how can I do something better. Of course nothing is perfect in life… Read More
Seeing Firsthand How the Internet has Changed Traveling
We hear a lot of talk about the internet improving our lives, but most of the time this translates into time spent on FaceBook, shopping on Amazon or other distractions. However, on our just completed trip to Europe I discovered how mobile internet connectivity can transform the experience of traveling.
At home when I drive places… Read More
Only One Type of OEM Seems to Work in EDA
OEM agreements don’t seem to work in EDA. Sometimes they are signed but usually they turn out to be closer to joint marketing agreements. The reason seems to be that EDA software is complex and requires high-touch support especially when getting the product first installed and introduced into a production flow. The effect… Read More
EVS Codec: The Next Big Thing in Mobile Voice
What is the next big thing in LTE-based 4G mobile networks? Apparently, it’s Voice over LTE (VoLTE) these days, especially after 3GPP has released the Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) codec that industry watchers call a breakthrough in audio and voice communications.
Long Term Evolution or LTE is the first cellular system… Read More
CEVA achieves first certified Bluetooth 4.2 IP
SoC designers working on chips for the IoT and wearables now have access to cutting-edge certified Bluetooth Smart technology from CEVA. At Bluetooth ASIA in Shanghai, CEVA announced the RivieraWaves Bluetooth Smart 4.2 IP Platform has achieved full certification by the Bluetooth SIG to the Bluetooth 4.2 specification using… Read More
Jen-Tai Hsu Joins Kilopass and Looks to the Future of Memories
Kilopass has a new VP of engineering, Jen-Tai Hsu. I sat down with him last week to find out where he came from and where he and Kilopass are going.
He grew up in Taiwan and went to National Taiwan University where he studied electrical engineering. Then he came to the US and went to Case Western Reserve University to get a masters degree,… Read More
My Top Ten Regrets if I were Dying?
As birthday #55 rapidly approaches I say to myself: Self, if I were dying what would be my regrets? The first thing I did was ask The Google because I’m not coming up with anything really interesting myself. Also, it really isn’t a pressing problem for me as my life expectancy has increased quite a bit over the last 30 years, or so I’m told.… Read More
Flynn Was Right: How a 2003 Warning Foretold Today’s Architectural Pivot