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Tool qualified for 65-nm process

Agilent Technologies (www.agilent.com) recently announced that it has qualified its Momentum EM tool for TSMC’s 65-nm process as part of the TSMC EM Tool Qualification program. This program assists IC designers by providing certified process technology files, layout, and measurements for 65- and 90-nm process technologies. Certified process files eliminate several error sources in the design process.

Agreement between NXP, Virage Logic

NXP Semiconductors (www.nxp.com) and Virage Logic (www.viragelogic.com) recently announced a strategic agreement that calls for the transfer of a part of NXP’s advanced CMOS intellectual property rights and certain engineering talent and equipment to Virage Logic. This arrangement includes a long-term licensing and IP development relationship between the two companies, enabling NXP to significantly reduce costs without compromising its design capability. Virage Logic will establish an R&D center in Eindhoven providing on-going support to NXP and developing new products based on the acquired advanced CMOS I/O, analog mixed signal and SoC infrastructure IP. These new products, expected to be commercially available in early 2011, further the company’s leadership position as the largest independent IP provider to the semiconductor industry.

Under the terms of the multiyear agreement, NXP will transfer over 160 employees and the assets associated with selected advanced CMOS libraries, IP blocks and SoC architecture along with other classes of semiconductor IP, including approximately 25 associated patent families.

Merger agreement

Mentor Graphics (www.mentor.com) and Valor Computerized Systems (www.valor.com) recently announced that the two companies have signed a definitive merger agreement for Mentor Graphics to acquire Valor. Under the terms of the agreement, Valor shareholders will receive a combination of Mentor Graphics common shares and cash for aggregate consideration of approximately $82 million, equating to approximately $4.60 per Valor share. The transaction is expected to close during the first calendar quarter of 2010, after which Valor will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mentor Graphics.