June 3, 2002 – Tokyo, Japan --- IMEC, Europe’s leading independent microelectronics R&D center, and STARC, which is responsible for developing design technologies for 0.1µm – 0.07µm systems-on-chip (SoCs) within the Asuka Project[1], today signed an agreement to collaborate on the development of novel methodologies for SoC design. IMEC and STARC will build their future developments of SoC design methodology using each other’s design assets.

Both IMEC and STARC believe that reuse of high-level descriptions and properties of hardware and software IP (Intellectual Property) will be of utmost importance in novel design methodologies and tools. By 2005, 90% of a system-on-chip design will be based on the reuse of components, so future design environments will need to concentrate on facilitating IP reuse. IMEC already has a long track record in system IP reuse by applying object-oriented programming techniques for system design. STARC has organized the high-level design group which has a target of developing next generation EDA (Electronic Design Automation) technology by 2005. This technology will be based on Virtual Cores that are reusable in a high level design environment.

The initial duration of the collaboration is 2 years and is regarded as the start of a long-term partnership. During the first phase, STARC will explore IMEC’s OCAPI design methodology for implementation in its VCDS (Virtual Core based Design System which is supported by NEDO (the Japanese New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization)) design environment. OCAPI is a design methodology to develop platform-independent system models in C++. It allows high-level modeling and offers a path of gradual refinements towards implementation. Performance exploration throughout the design flow allows easy and fast exploration of the hardware/software partitioning.

In the second phase, IMEC and STARC will collaborate on the development of novel SoC design technologies on an equal partnership basis.

“This agreement is an important step for IMEC to expand its network of affiliate companies in the area of design methodologies into Japan,” said Prof. Gilbert Declerck, President and CEO of IMEC. “The development of revolutionary design methodologies that can cope with the huge complexity of future systems, requires collaboration between industry, research centers and academics all over the world.”

“For SoC design technology, globalization of design methodology is an indispensable item and the technical barriers to develop future design methodologies are becoming higher, requiring global cooperation,” said Dr. Toyoki Takemoto, Executive Vice President and COO of STARC. “This agreement is also an important step for STARC, in order to expand SoC design tools, VCDS, world-wide.”

Notes to editors

About STARC

STARC was founded in December 1995 to grapple with the issues facing the semiconductor industry in Japan. Its outline of operations is promotion of joint research with universities, development of technologies for improving design productivity, development of technologies aimed at reuse and sharing of design assets (intellectual property), development of design technologies to increase the added value of SoC, training and educational support for personnel in the semiconductor field, and hosting technical presentation, seminars, and workshops, as well as consulting, supporting academic activities in Asuka Project.  STARC is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and has a staff of about 100 people and about 200 outside cooperators.  Information from STARC is located at  http://www.starc.or.jp .

For more information:

Katsuyuki Doi

Chief Researcher

STARC: 17-2, Shin Yokohama 3-chome, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, 222-0033 Japan

Tel +81-45-478-3312  Fax +81-45-478-3310

Email: doi@starc.or.jp

About IMEC

IMEC was founded in 1984 and today is Europe’s largest independent research center in the field of microelectronics, nanotechnology, enabling design methods and technologies for ICT systems. IMEC's activities concentrate on the design technology for integrated information and communication systems; silicon process technology; silicon technology and device integration; nanotechnology, microsystems, components and packaging; solar cells; and advanced training in microelectronics. IMEC is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, and has a staff of more than 1200 people including over 350 industrial residents and guest researchers. IMEC has a 0.13µm 200mm pilot line and is ISO9001 certified. Its revenue of more than 120Meuro is derived from agreements and contracts with the Flemish government and companies, the EC, MEDEA+, the European Space Agency, equipment and material suppliers, and semiconductor and system-oriented companies worldwide. News from IMEC is located at www.imec.be.

For more information:

Katrien Marent

Corporate Communication Manager

IMEC, Kapeldreef 75

B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium

Tel +32 16 28 18 80 Fax +32 16 28 16 37

Email: Katrien.Marent@imec.be