Global Unichip achieves gigahertz+ frequency
on ARM Cortex-A9 processor with Synopsys IC Compiler

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS), a world leader in software and IP used in the design, verification and manufacture of electronic components and systems, and Global Unichip Corporation (GUC; TW: 3443), the Flexible ASIC Leader™, today announced that GUC has achieved more than one gigahertz frequency on a dual-core ARM® Cortex™-A9 MPCore™ processor with Synopsys IC Compiler, a key component of Synopsys' Galaxy™ Implementation Platform. Synopsys' high performance Galaxy implementation methodology was instrumental in achieving more than one gigahertz frequency with minimum power, while reducing schedule risk.

"As the Flexible ASIC Leader, we serve the highly competitive, smart electronics market," said Jim Lai, president, GUC. "For our customers, performance, power and time to market are key differentiators. Partnering with Synopsys to combine their leading-edge tools and technologies with our advanced process and low power design expertise has enabled us to strengthen our service offering and address customer demands."

"We faced several challenges to meet the frequency target for our high-end processor core based designs, which motivated us to adopt IC Compiler," said Albert Li, director, Design Development, Design Service Division, GUC. "Along with Design Compiler® Topographical, IC Compiler's design closure capabilities were critical in closing the frequency gap and helping us tapeout on time. We have standardised this flow for our 40 and 28 nm core hardening needs."

The five-million-gate, dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor, intended for high-end digital television chips, was fabricated on a TSMC 40nm low power process. It achieved a signoff frequency of 1 GHz at the worst process corner and 1.3 GHz at the typical process corner, without requiring the use of overdrive voltage.

GUC used the Synopsys Galaxy implementation methodology to overcome the design challenges associated with achieving this level of operating frequency and power, including: Sensitivity of high performance designs to memory macro placement, making it difficult to meet timing between the memories and processors; Placement of register banks for improved frequency and routability, often requiring support for structured placement techniques; High utilisation in excess of 80 percent, requiring timing and congestion to be managed from the outset, starting with synthesis through place and route; Tight skew and latency requirements for clock distribution network.

Highlights of GUC's Galaxy implementation flow include: Design Compiler Topographical to create a better initial netlist for IC Compiler physical implementation; IC Compiler's design planning technology for macro placement, along with its physical datapath technology for optimal placement of register banks; PrimeTime® for tight correlation between implementation and signoff static timing analysis to deliver high performance, low power, correlated results.

"Synopsys IC Compiler has been the widely recognised tool of choice for high performance processor design," said Antun Domic, senior vice president and general manager, Implementation Group at Synopsys. "We have continued to invest in optimisation technology delivering high operating frequency while consuming the lowest power. Our collaboration with GUC and resulting tapeout success at gigahertz-plus speed is strong evidence of our technology delivering winning results."

GUC in profile
GLOBAL UNICHIP CORP. (GUC) is the Flexible ASIC LeaderTM whose customers target IC devices to leading edge computing, communications and consumer applications. Based in Hsin-chu, Taiwan GUC has developed a global reputation with a presence in China, Europe, Japan, Korea, and North America. GUC is publicly traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under the symbol 3443. For more information, go to www.globalunichip.com

Synopsys in profile
Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) is a world leader in electronic design automation (EDA), supplying the global electronics market with the software, intellectual property (IP) and services used in semiconductor design, verification and manufacturing. Synopsys' comprehensive, integrated portfolio of implementation, verification, IP, manufacturing and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) solutions helps address the key challenges designers and manufacturers face today, such as power and yield management, system-to-silicon verification and time-to-results. These technology-leading solutions help give Synopsys customers a competitive edge in bringing the best products to market quickly while reducing costs and schedule risk. Synopsys is headquartered in Mountain View, California, and has approximately 70 offices located throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Asia and India. For further information, view website: http://www.synopsys.com

Penny + Giles expands contactless rotary
position sensor range with 4 to 20mA output option

Penny + Giles, a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls and designer and manufacturer of position sensors, solenoids, and joystick controllers, has further expanded the output options of its SRH501P and SRH502P contactless rotary position sensors with the introduction of a 4 to 20 mA version.

This expansion of the output options, coupled with their IP69K rating and operating temperature range from -40 to +115°C, makes the SRH501P and SRH502P sensors ideal for use in the majority of factory automation and process control applications. The use of contactless Hall effect technology also makes the sensors resistance to shock and vibration, which enables the sensors to operate in high dither vibration conditions with no deterioration of the sensing element.

The housings for all SRH501P and SRH502P rotary position sensors now also benefit from being manufactured using a surface treated, marine grade aluminium alloy (previously cast aluminium) and machined from a single billet.

The new 4 to 20mA output option sensors can operate from a 9 to 30Vdc unregulated power supply and be factory-programmed with up to 341 different angles from 20° to 360° (available in 1° increments) and clockwise or anticlockwise output direction (including 1xCW and 1xACW). The SRH501P and SRH502P provide 12 bit resolution (0.025%) over the selected measuring range.

The sensors are easy to install and feature a low output signal noise less than 10 μArms so require no additional signal filtering on the output signal. Like existing versions, the latest SRH501P and SRH502P sensors are manufactured using marine-grade cast aluminium housings with 87.5mm diameter flange and 12mm diameter shaft. They are also mechanically interchangeable with the Penny + Giles SRS880 and SRH880 rotary sensors, enabling existing users to quickly and simply upgrade to higher sophistication and a greater level of control.

Curtiss-Wright Controls Integrated Sensing, Penny + Giles in profile
Penny + Giles is a global leader in the design and manufacture of specialist position sensors, solenoids and control hardware for industrial and defence markets. Headquartered in Christchurch, Dorset, United Kingdom, Penny + Giles is part of Curtiss-Wright Controls Integrated Sensing, a business unit of Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.

Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc. in profile
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Curtiss-Wright Controls is the motion control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW). With manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control products, subsystems and services internationally for the aerospace and defence markets. 

Penny + Giles extends SRH rotary position
sensor range with addition of 0 to 10VDEC version

Penny + Giles' new 0 to 10Vdc output version of its SRH220DR dual redundant output contactless rotary position sensor, namely the SRH220DR, uses proven, non-contact programmable Hall effect technology to provide OEMs with highly reliable and accurate rotary measurement for factory automation and process control applications, has a low output signal noise of less than 1mVrms and an input/output delay of 3.5mS.

This new rotary position sensor has a choice of integrated 6-way connectors and provides numerous factory-programmed options. Designed for operation in extreme temperatures, the Penny + Giles SRH220DR enables system designers to quickly and easily improve the safety and integrity of control systems by using the dual independent power supply and output signals, which allows compliance with SIL-2 requirements for systematic safety as defined in IEC 61508.

The rugged SRH220DR is ideal for use in arduous environments (-40 to +115°C) and suitable for applications in factory automation systems and process control machinery where a 0 to 10Vdc analog voltage signal is commonly used by machine controllers and recording instruments to monitor, control and record the status of equipment.

The configurable SRH220DR provides numerous parameter options including measurement range and clockwise or anticlockwise direction output. This flexibility provides OEMs with greater control to configure the sensor to best suit their needs and achieve maximum performance.

With the 0 to 10Vdc output option, the SRH220DR can operate from a 13.5-30Vdc unregulated power supply and is available factory-programmed with any one of 341 different angles from 20 degrees up to 360 degrees, in one degree increments.  The Penny + Giles sensor also provides 12 bit resolution (0.025%) over the selected measuring range.

Unlike conventional shaft-operated rotary position sensors, the SRH220DR has an integrated shaft and magnet assembly that activates the Hall effect sensor through a hermetically-sealed chamber. This allows the sensor to be used in extreme environments that are subjected to high shock and vibration, and endure immersion in fluids for short periods (IP68 protected).

The sensor's moulded housing includes a crush-proof mounting flange detail which has stainless steel inserts, allowing fitting and re-fitting of the sensor without damage to the flange. The housing also includes a choice of integrated 6-way connectors compatible with AMP Superseal 1.5 or Deutsch DT06 profiles.

The addition of the 0 to 10Vdc version further eases configuration, with factory-configured options also including analogue (0.5 to 4.5Vdc) or digital (Pulse Width Modulated) signal outputs as standard. The SRH220DR can also be factory programmed to offer 0.1 to 4.9Vdc output range, matching the equivalent signals from a potentiometer and the two outputs can be used for error checking if they are set up to be opposed (clockwise on the first signal and anticlockwise on the second signal) and the output summed.

For further information, e-mail: jwranovics@curtisswright.com or view website: www.cwcontrols.com or www.pennyandgiles.com  Refer to page 16

Penny+ Giles updates network with
appointment of new French distributor Wimesure

Penny + Giles, is continuing to strengthen its global distribution network with the appointment of French distributor Wimesure.

Wimesure has agreed to work with the retiring distributor IC Mesures for a transition period of at least six months. Jacques Maye (IC Mesures) will be working as a consultant with Wimesure, having distributed Penny + Giles products in France since 1995.

Commenting for Wimesure, which has a network of 12 regional distributors throughout France, managing director Christophe Bracon says: "As a technical distributor we are keen to expand our portfolio and Penny + Giles was identified as offering a broad range of high quality products that complement our existing range.

"We received full product training from Penny + Giles on its range of joystick controllers, solenoids and sensors, which has equipped us to offer specification and application advice to OEM's."

Welcoming Wimesure to its distributor network, a spokesperson for Penny + Giles says they are delighted with the company's industry experience, knowledge and enthusiasm and look forward to a long and successful relationship.

Wimesure exhibited at the MesurexpoVison 2011 trade show in October, where they used the stand to promote the Penny + Giles range of joystick controllers, solenoids and sensors.

For further information, e-mail: info@wimesure.fr or view website: www.wimesure.fr   Refer to page 16