Aptina Adopts Apache Power and Noise Platforms

SAN JOSE, CA /BUSINESS WIRE/ -- Apache Design Solutions, a technology leader in power integrity and noise closure for chip-package-systems convergence, announced that Aptina has adopted Apache's RedHawk-NX and Totem-MMX solutions for accurate analysis, optimization, and sign-off of its CMOS image sensor designs. Aptina selected Apache's solutions based on the tools' ability to simultaneously perform system-on-chip (SoC) and transistor-level analysis, the ease with which they fit into the existing flow, and their ability to prevent overdesign by identifying and reducing IR drop.

Image sensor arrays are large and must maintain low levels of noise for good quality images. Aptina will use Apache's Totem-MMX, a transistor-level power/ground noise analysis and verification solution, to analyze and sign-off the huge analog sensor arrays that are implemented using custom-layout of transistors. The image sensor array is then compiled into an accurate and efficient custom macro model (CMM) and imported to RedHawk-NX for a full-chip, mixed-signal dynamic power integrity simulation. The combination of Totem and RedHawk allows customers to consider the impact of analog transient supply currents on the digital logic of the SoC. Apache's high-capacity integrated solution helps prevent power-related design failures.

"Our leading edge CMOS sensors require analysis and verification tools with super large capacity handling," said Roger Panicacci, VP of Product Development, Aptina. "After benchmarking several tools, Apache clearly demonstrated the ability to accurately analyze our most advanced CMOS sensor designs, with very complex logic structures. By adopting Apache's power and noise platforms, we feel confident that our designs will maintain their competitive edge in performance and cost."

"Aptina provides the leading-edge CMOS sensor technology. Its applications can be found in all of the leading mobile phone and notebook computer brands, not to mention products ranging from digital and video cameras to medical and automotive applications," said Craig Shirley, Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Apache. "We're pleased to have them place their confidence in our best-in-class power and noise integrity products."

About Apache
Apache Design Solutions delivers the "industry's leading global power and noise analyses platform solutions for chip-package-system convergence." Apache's innovative platforms address the unique power and noise challenges associated with specific design domains, such as SoC (digital), analog/custom IP, and system (IC package, SiP, PCB) while providing a co-analysis environment that integrates the SoC and system worlds. From early stage to sign-off, Apache's products are adopted by 95% of the top 20 IDM, fabless semiconductor, and foundries for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and time-to-market improvements. Apache is a global company, with over 200 employees and R&D centers and direct sales/support offices worldwide.

About Aptina
Aptina is a global provider of CMOS imaging solutions, with a growing portfolio of products that can be found in all leading mobile phone and notebook computer brands, as well as a wide range of products for digital and video cameras, surveillance, medical, automotive and industrial applications, video conferencing, barcode scanners, toys, and gaming. Aptina enables Imaging Everywhere and continually drives innovation in the market, as seen with the introduction of the "first 14 MP CMOS image sensor for point-and-shoot and hybrid cameras (MT9F001), and the industry's first 5 MP SOC, with ¼ in. format (MT9P111)." Aptina is a privately held company, with investors that include Riverwood Capital, TPG Capital, and Micron Technology.

Apache Design Solutions, CMM, CPM, CoolTime, Columbus, NSPICE, RedHawk, PakSI-E, PsiWinder, PowerArtist, PowerTheater, Sahara, Sentinel, Totem, and Vectorless Dynamic are trademarks of Apache Design Solutions Inc. Aptina is a trademark of Aptina Imaging Corp. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.