( ESNUG 319 Item 10 ) -------------------------------------------- [5/26/99]

Subject: ( ESNUG 318 #6 )  IBM Supports PrimeTime, Just Not For Sign-off

> [ Editor's Note: Karla, doing a web search, I found press releases from
>   each of those companies endorsing PrimeTime except IBM.  For IBM, at
>   http://www.chips.ibm.com/products/asics/methodology/design_flow.html
>   clearly has PrimeTime being supported by IBM.  My appologies if this
>   data is wrong; I assumed IBM's own web site was accurate.  - John ]


From: reynoldk@us.ibm.com (Karla Reynolds)

John,

IBM's web states that either Einstimer or PrimeTime can be used for static
timing analysis.  This is true.  However, we make a distinction between
sign-off and analysis.  For example, Design Compiler, does timing analysis
as do many other tools.  However, not all are qualified for sign-off by
ASIC vendors.  If you go down to the footnote at the bottom of the web page,
it says that Einstimer is required for release-to-layout sign-off.  While
you can argue that our WEB page doesn't make the distinction clear enough,
I think I can safely say that both the WEB page and my original statement
are correct.

    - Karla Reynolds
      Mgr. Timing and Synthesis Department
      IBM Microelectronics                   Essex Junction, Vermont