SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 8, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magma(r) Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA), a provider of chip design software, today announced that XMOS, the creator of Software Defined Silicon, has adopted Magma's Talus(r) implementation software. XMOS selected Magma's Talus Vortex and Talus Power Pro to develop the 65-nanometer XCore(tm) event-driven, multi-threaded processor after an extensive evaluation which proved the software's ability to accelerate turnaround time.

Magma's integrated IC implementation system provides key capabilities critical to taping out designs on time while meeting specifications. Scaled across multiple CPUs, Talus Vortex's multi-threading dramatically reduces runtime. Talus Power Pro seamlessly integrates into the flow to provide significant leakage reduction through the use of multiple threshold voltage (multi-Vt) cells. This streamlined flow, coupled with world-class support, will enable XMOS to reduce turnaround time considerably.

"The XMOS XCore simplifies and speeds multi-core design, enabling engineers to bring intelligence to a wide range of electronic products," said Mark Lippett, vice president of Engineering at XMOS. "Key to our success is getting new XMOS chips into the hands of our customers just as quickly as possible. In evaluating the Magma software we had to make sure adopting a new flow wouldn't slow us down. Magma's advanced implementation software proved to be the technology we need, that coupled with the expert local support they provide will allow us to quickly complete routing and tape out on time."

"With advanced capabilities such as multithreading and integrated low-power design technology, Talus Vortex and Talus Power Pro set new standards for predictability, productivity, manufacturability, scalability, flexibility and extensibility," said Kevin Moynihan, general manager of Magma's Design Implementation Business Unit. "XMOS' decision to adopt Talus highlights its ability to address today's toughest design challenges and tightest delivery schedules."

Talus: The Platform for Nanometer Design

Magma's Talus IC implementation software provides advanced capabilities for nanometer design within an integrated and highly automated RTL-to-GDSII flow. The front-end product allows logic designers to synthesize, visualize, evaluate and improve RTL code quality, design constraints, testability requirements and floorplan. Talus also integrates fast, full-featured, high-capacity predictable synthesis capabilities, full and incremental static timing analysis, and power analysis. Magma's physical design solution includes optimization, place and route, useful skew clock generation, floorplanning and power planning, RC extraction and a single, built-in incremental timing analyzer. Based on Magma's unified data model, this platform accurately predicts final timing before detailed placement, eliminates timing closure iterations and enables rapid design closure while taking into account nanometer effects such as on-chip variation (OCV). By providing nearly 100 percent redundant vias, Magma offers greater reliability, plus improved manufacturing and full support for leading foundries' nanometer routing rules and parasitic technology files.

The Magma platform also includes advanced power optimization and management capabilities, and implements multiple power-saving design strategies to achieve maximum power reduction. The Magma system integrates low-power analysis and optimization engines throughout the entire RTL-to-GDSII flow. The system supports advanced techniques such as native multi-Vt, automated multi-voltage designs, adaptive voltage scaling using concurrent multicorner optimization and multi-Vdd, and physical implementation that meets leading foundries' nanometer dynamic and leakage power requirements.

About XMOS

XMOS provides a new type of programmable chip, Software Defined Silicon, based on an array of high-performance, event-driven processors. Designs are created in high-level languages, delivering hardware performance from a software-based design flow. XMOS devices blend a high-performance processor architecture with a highly responsive I/O structure to provide designers custom silicon that solves a broad class of design problems. Headquartered in Bristol (UK), XMOS is venture-backed and privately held. For more information visit www.xmos.com.

About Magma

Magma's software for designing integrated circuits (ICs) is used to create complex, high-performance chips required in cellular telephones, electronic games, WiFi, MP3 players, DVD/digital video, networking, automotive electronics and other electronic applications. Magma's EDA software for IC implementation, analysis, physical verification, circuit simulation and characterization is recognized as embodying the best in semiconductor technology, enabling the world's top chip companies to "Design Ahead of the Curve"(tm) while reducing design time and costs. Magma is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with offices around the world. Magma's stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LAVA. Visit Magma Design Automation on the Web at www.magma-da.com.

Magma and Talus are registered trademarks and "Design Ahead of the Curve" is a trademark of Magma Design Automation Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements that Magma software reduces turnaround time, accurately predicts final timing before detailed placement and eliminates timing closure iterations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to Magma's ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, its products' abilities to produce desired results and XMOS' decision to continue using Magma software. Further discussion of these and other potential risk factors may be found in Magma's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). Magma undertakes no additional obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT:  Magma Design Automation Inc.

          Monica Marmie, Director, Marketing Communications

          (408) 565-7689

          
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