Mentor Graphics Helps CamSemi Replace Design and Verification Flow to Improve Simulation Performance and Time to Market

WILSONVILLE, Ore., March 9, 2011 - Mentor Graphics Corp. (NASDAQ: MENT) today announced that it assisted CamSemi in replacing their integrated circuit (IC) design and verification flow with Mentor tools to improve simulation performance and time to market. Cambridge-based CamSemi is a global leader in the development and supply of power management ICs for more energy-efficient, low-cost power supplies and lighting. Working with Mentor Graphics, CamSemi was able to replace a design and verification flow from a major supplier with the Mentor® Custom IC design and verification platform while keeping their design project on schedule.

The adoption of the Mentor tool flow came at a critical time for CamSemi as they were approaching the final stages of a design and verification project. Moving from a legacy design and verification environment to the Mentor tool flow was accomplished by addressing every aspect of the transition. The Mentor consulting organization worked onsite with the CamSemi design team to ensure that vital knowledge exchange and training was immediate and customized. The Mentor technical team in the deep submicron division delivered exceptional software products; the IC Station® tool suite, the Questa® ADMS mixed-signal simulation platform, and the Eldo® Classic Spice simulator that allowed CamSemi to switch out the old tools without losing any functionality or compromising their design data. Mentor achieved a 2X increase in simulation throughput for CamSemi.

“Moving from a well entrenched design and verification environment to something new is an enormous task even when you’re not faced with an impending tapeout,” said John Greenwood, Analog Design Team Manager, Cambridge Semiconductor. “Mentor put a great deal of time into anticipating possible problems, and working to dismiss them before they could manifest themselves. This attention to detail was critical to the ultimate success of the replacement process.”

“The term ‘partner’ is used all too often as a grandiloquent substitute for supplier or customer,” said Nigel Heather, VP of Engineering, Cambridge Semiconductor. “I feel that in this circumstance it is completely appropriate. Not only did the Mentor team work hard for us, they were incredibly nice, patient people and great ambassadors for the company. So, my sincere thanks to the Mentor team.”

“We are very proud of our Custom IC design technology and the team that is so committed to customer success,” said Robert Hum, VP and General Manager of the Deep Submicron Division of Mentor Graphics. “We take the idea of partnering very seriously, to the degree that our intent goes well beyond selling the technology and training people to use it. The foundation of all our efforts is fixed on helping customers optimize their design environments in the context of meeting the customer’s business objectives.”

About CamSemi
CamSemi is the emerging leader in power management ICs for optimised, energy-efficient, off-line power conversion. The company’s unique solutions and approach are helping many of the world’s top electronics brands to develop smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient, mains-powered products while also reducing their design timescales, system and manufacturing costs.

The company was founded to bring to market a new generation of sophisticated power management ICs that help manufacturers more easily meet the world’s increasing demand to save energy but at acceptable cost. CamSemi’s products are based on its portfolio of patented and proprietary technologies including intelligent control architectures and PowerBrane® ultra high voltage (UHV) process technology. These breakthrough approaches can benefit multiple markets, although initial products are targeted at the switch mode power supply and lighting sectors.

For further information, visit www.camsemi.com or send media inquiries to Simon McKay on +44 (0)1353 741075 (desk) or email simon.mckay@camsemi.com.

About Mentor Graphics
Mentor Graphics Corporation (NASDAQ: MENT) is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services and award-winning support for the world’s most successful electronic, semiconductor and systems companies. Established in 1981, the company reported revenues over the last 12 months of about $915 million. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. World Wide Web site: http://www.mentor.com/.

(Mentor Graphics, Mentor, Eldo, Questa and IC Station are registered trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.)

For more information, please contact:
Carole Dunn
Mentor Graphics
503.685.4716
carole_dunn@mentor.com

Ry Schwark
Mentor Graphics
503.685.1660
ry_schwark@mentor.com