SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwire) -- 04/29/09 -- Simucad Design Automation, a leading provider of Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, today announced the immediate availability of affordable Universal Token based licenses for its complete PDK-based EDA software solution. Compared to solutions from Cadence Design Systems, this is a much more cost effective design flow alternative.

Universal Tokens provide instant access to all Simucad and Silvaco software tools without re-issuing licenses. When a tool starts, it draws a tool-specific number of tokens from a universal token pool residing on the customer's license server. Tokens are never permanently consumed; when applications finish, their allocated tokens are automatically returned to the pool and made available for immediate re-use by any other tool. Unlike traditional licensing, no limitation is made on what tools are permitted to be used. Provided there are enough tokens in the pool, any application can be utilized.

Tokens can be shared between all company locations worldwide. Tokens can be mixed with any other licensing options, including those purchased in the past, to provide an unprecedented return on investment. Tokens can be purchased for short term use in daily increments either online or through your nearest sales office. Discounted rates are available for longer periods from your nearest sales office.

By utilizing Universal Tokens, large customers have a cost effective way to migrate from a traditional expensive design flow based on Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) tools without a large capital outlay to retool their designers. Universal Tokens allow small to mid-sized companies access to a full design suite of PDK-based, tapeout proven tools at affordable prices.

"Universal Tokens are the key to the flexibility customers have been demanding for years," said Dr Ivan Pesic, CEO, Simucad Design Automation. "Customers no longer have to forego some important tool due to cost constraints and are never left with obsolete licenses. This really is a game changer in the EDA industry!"

"We were able to configure a very cost effective solution based on Universal Tokens," said Robert Yau, Vice President of GSI Technology, Inc. "These Universal Tokens are truly flexible and allow us to run any Silvaco or Simucad design tools at any time. A comparable suite of tools from other vendors would have cost a lot more."

About Simucad Design Automation

Simucad Design Automation is a leading provider of simulation and CAD software tools used for developing analog, mixed-signal, and RF integrated circuits. Founded in 2004 as a spin-off from Silvaco International, the company delivers products for circuit simulation, custom IC layout and verification, interconnect modeling, digital simulation, and IP characterization. The company provides a complete PDK-based design flow with interfaces to third-party design platforms.

Simucad has a worldwide presence inherited from Silvaco's twenty years of business and is preparing for an IPO.