Tool distributes test-pattern generation

As circuits become bigger and more complex, the problem of testing them becomes intractable. To address that problem, Synopsys has announced the latest addition to its TetraMax ATPG (automatic-test-pattern-generation) family, TetraMax TenX. The product provides distributed processing for ATPG. Distributing computationally intensive ATPG tasks across multiple CPUs, workstations, and servers helps accelerate ATPG for the largest and most complex designs, thereby reducing manufacturing-test development time and lowering the overall cost of test.

Synopsys claims that TetraMax TenX can speed ATPG runtime tenfold in systems using 12 to 16 processors. Distributed processing is available for all TetraMax ATPG modes, including sequential modes for designs with testability issues. TetraMax TenX supports Solaris, HP-UX, and Linux platforms and computation-resource workload-management applications with load-sharing facility.

TetraMax TenX is an add-on to TetraMax ATPG and is available as part of the 2002.09 release. Prices for the add-on begin at $46,550 for a one-year technology-subscription license.

Synopsys, 1-650-584-5000, www.synopsys.com.