Library Compiler takes the open-source Liberty library format and compiles it into binaries for Synopsys tools. The enhancements include quality assurance and model adaptation capabilities aimed at CCS. "Since any company that touches IC design today has access to Library Compiler, we feel this will really put current source models within the reach of every design team," said Robert Hoogenstryd, director of marketing for Synopsys' implementation group.

Liberty NCX is a new library characterization solution that replaces NanoChar, Synopsys' previous characterization tool, which came along with Synopsys' acquisition of Avanti. Unlike NanoChar, Liberty NCX is built from the ground up to support CCS. In addition to the capabilities of the Library Compiler, Liberty NCX includes simultaneous characterization and model accuracy verification.

Current source models increase accuracy by using current waveforms instead of delay and slew values in the library. There are, however, two competing current source formats — Synopsys' CCS, and the Effective Current Source Model (ECSM), supported by Cadence Design Systems and Magma Design Automation. Hoogenstryd noted that Library Compiler can generate ECSM models from CCS models.

The QA capabilities added to Library Compiler include syntax checkers, screening tools, and library and QA validation tools that compare generated models with Spice reference models. New model adaptation features employ a set of "golden" CCS models to support any process, voltage and temperature conditions, and to generate ECSM and NLDM models where needed.

Liberty NCX is aimed at internal library development groups in foundries, IDMs or intellectual property (IP) providers. It includes a model characterization engine, a suite of library quality checkers, and compaction and model translation functions.

Library Compiler is available today, with general availability of the new features in the 2007.06 release. Liberty NCX will be generally available in June 2007 and starts at $81,340.