Durham, NC, 11/08/04 — ViASIC Inc. announced today the availability of its new 0.13-micron ViaMask library for TSMC and TSMC-compatible processes. The new silicon-proven library offers a 10% increase in density and even higher performance than the previous version.

ViaMask is a one-mask configurable logic and memory semiconductor technology that may be used as an embedded block on a chip or as a full-chip fabric for building structured ASICs. With single-photomask configurability of both memory and logic, ViaMask can deliver densities in excess of 80% of standard-cell densities, more than double of most structured ASIC fabrics. Performance improvements enable two-nanosecond RAM access and logic speeds greater than 2 gigahertz. This single-mask programmability allows for minimal non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs for new versions or respins of a part.

The six-metal-layer version of this via configurable fabric lets engineers take control over their own designs by embedding macros that can be reconfigured with only one photomask .These re-configurable macros let designers leverage their IP with low-cost, low-risk respins that empower customization of existing designs and rapid, easy addition of new features, expanding available markets for this IP.

By interspersing configurable RAM between rows of logic, ViASIC's patented ViaMask fabric provides greater routing resources than any other structured ASIC architecture. Both initial and subsequent designs can be routed with near 100% utilization. Design closure on subsequent designs is easier with the ViaMask fabric because routing characterization and resources are finite and known.

Additional features in the ViaMask 0.13 version include the following:

• The ability to power down unused portions of the fabric to minimize chip power consumption.
• Diodes have been added in unused area to allow for easy antennae correction.
• Buffer drive performance has been significantly improved.
• Power distribution has been redesigned to improve long term reliability.
• Configurable I/Os and Via-programmable ROM (VROM)

About ViASIC
ViASIC is a privately held EDA company offering tools and technologies for the physical implementation of structured ASICs. ViASIC's ViaPath tool takes in a netlist, places the logic, configures memories, inserts clock and power, and routes the design producing the GDSII for the single mask needed for manufacture. ViASIC's ViaMask is a complete library for building structured ASICs or embedding single photo-mask configurable sections in a standard-cell IC. The company is located at 2635 Meridian Parkway, Durham, NC 27713. Telephone 919-767-6941, Fax 919-767-6933.

www.viasic.com