Is it an EDA tool or a manufacturing tool? Blaze DFM raises the question

Design tools that interact with both design and process databases are becoming increasingly common as we move deeper into the world of design-for-manufacturing (DfM.) So far, most of the discussion in the industry has been about how we will import enough foundry data into the design tool chain to empower DfM tools. But the recent relationship announcement involving Blaze DFM and TSMC raises the other side of the question: are there times when a DfM tool is properly a foundry tool and not a design tool?

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Deal puts leakage power reduction into TSMC flow

The exclusive deal allows TSMC to use a version of Blaze MO to increase the length of transistor gates on circuits that are not timing critical to cut their leakage power. Blaze DFM and TSMC have worked with a selection of foundry customers on a trial of the Power Trim programme since the middle of last year.

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DFM heads into the foundry

Sometimes, small deals can wind up changing the shape of a market. The deal between Blaze DFM and TSMC that has been gestating for close to a year is possibly one of them: it recalls the giant leap of faith that Artisan took when it came up with the "free library" idea.

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TSMC Announces Power Trim Service for Advanced Chip Leakage Power Reduction

Exclusively-licensed technology from Blaze DFM, Inc. enables design-specific leakage power reduction offering

Hsin-chu, Taiwan, R.O.C. – April 15, 2008 - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
(TSE: 2330, NYSE: TSM) today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Blaze DFM, Inc. to offer Power Trim Service, a new service offering combining a patented Blaze power optimization technology with special variations of TSMC’s advanced manufacturing process.

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