Mentor adds virtual die model tool; Rambus inks deal with Qualcomm; Ansys working with Intel on power flow; Tesla opens patents to world; Intel working with San Jose to create smart city.
Tools
Mentor Graphics uncorked a tool for IC, package and board optimization, assembly and visualization. Of particular note is a “virtual die model” capability, which can be used across multiple domains in the design process.
Deals
Rambus inked a patent licensing agreement with Qualcomm Global Trading, a subsidiary of Qualcomm, for memory, interface and security technologies. The security piece is particularly noteworthy because it involves countermeasures for differential power analysis and side-channel attacks.
Ansys-Apache is working with Intel on a reference flow for power, electromigration and reliability signoff at 14nm.
Tesla, whose cars have been described as the ultimate things for the IoT, opened its patents to speed the adoption of electric vehicles. The company said it had removed the patents from the wall of its Palo Alto, Calif., headquarters. “If we clear a path to the creation of compelling electric vehicles, but then lay intellectual property landmines behind us to inhibit others, we are acting in a manner contrary to that goal,” CEO Elon Musk said in a blog entitled “All our patent are belong to you.” The title is based on a popular 1990s Sega game Zero Wing, which repeats “All your base are belong to us.”
San Jose, Calif., is working with Intel on a “Green Vision” initiative, focused on smart city solutions to improve air and water quality, as well as transportation efficiency, , reduce noise, and improve communications systems. Also on the to-do list is the creation of 25,000 clean-tech jobs.
Money
Mentor Graphics said it has repurchased about $220 million in stock. This comes on the heels of a $30 million cash dividend.
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