Coventor, Inc., the leading developer of MEMS design-automation software, announces the next generation MEMS + IC design software: MEMS+. For the past two years Coventor has collaborated with Cadence to develop a new MEMS + IC design and simulation platform. The advanced features in MEMS+ aid MEMS and IC designers, thereby enabling MEMS companies and the MEMS industry to save years in MEMS product development.

The MEMS+ methodology formalizes the connection between MEMS design and IC design and leverages the support that Cadence Virtuoso(TM) provides for formal sign-off from IC design to foundry. MEMS+ provides significant new capabilities, including 3-D schematic entry, automated non-linear parameterized behavioral model creation, simulation of MEMS with IC design in Cadence, parameterized layout cell (PCell) generation, and export to finite element analysis tools for verification.

Coventor has established a Technology Partnership Program (TPP) to advance and validate MEMS+ with major customers. "We have long been advocating for the integration of MEMS design tools with Cadence to help accelerate the development of MEMS Components; MEMS+ is the right way to go," said Mike Judy, MEMS Advanced Development Manager at Analog Devices Inc., a TPP participant.

"We wanted to partner with a company who is committed to MEMS and is considered the leader," said Randy Fish, director of product marketing for Virtuoso at Cadence Design Systems. "That's how we got to Coventor."

"Companies in all segments of the MEMS industry have expressed concerns about the existing disconnect between MEMS and IC design," said Dr. Josephus van Kuijk, Coventor's Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "MEMS+ addresses those concerns by providing an automated path between MEMS designers and IC designers. It will not only enhance designers' productivity through automation, but will accelerate the MEMS industry and enable a new eco-system for MEMS product development."