In order to help reduce the impact of process variability during semiconductor design and manufacturing, Mentor Graphics has announced that it has acquired the assets of Ponte Solutions Inc, a developer of model-based design for manufacturing (DFM) software tools.

"DFM issues continue to be more complex as we move to 32- and 22nm process nodes. Having access to multiple integrated DFM capabilities delivered on the Calibre platform via Mentor's worldwide direct sales and support channels is a clear advantage for design teams as they encounter these new DFM challenges," commented Joseph Sawicki, VP and general manager for Mentor's design-to-silicon business unit, in a statement.

Ponte personnel and technology will be merged into the appropriate departments within Mentor's Calibre organization under Sawicki.

Further, Mentor will maintain the Ponte R&D team located in Yerevan, Armenia, which is a centre of excellence for electronic design automation and other technical software companies in Eastern Europe including Microsoft, Virage Logic, Synopsys and Credence, the company noted.

Existing Ponte products and customers will be supported by Mentor as Ponte capabilities are fully integrated into the Calibre DFM platform.

Alex Alexanian, president and CEO of Ponte said, "Ponte shares Mentor's vision for an integrated DFM offering being required as the semiconductor market continues to evolve. While Ponte was providing a solution for today's requirements, it makes complete sense for Ponte to align with Mentor Graphics to deliver complete DFM technology on the market-leading Calibre platform going forward."

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

By Ann Steffora Mutschler, Senior Editor - Electronic News