DAC Scoop: Synopsys acquires DFM tool vendor Sigma-C

Synopsys Inc. has acquired microlithography simulator vendor Sigma-C for an undisclosed amount, EDN has learned.

The companies have already closed the acquisition with securities filings in Germany. The acquisition of the Munich-based Sigma-C brings to Synopsys roughly 50 employees and a microlithography simulator. Evidently customers will use Synopsys SiVL full-chip lithography simulator to locate potential OPC trouble spots in their layouts and then use Sigma-C's Solid+ to do detailed 3D analysis.

The companies must have wanted to keep the acquisition a secret, as the companies have been exhibiting at separate booths here this week at the Design Automation Conference. Officials from neither company were readily available for comment.