Keysight Technologies and WIN Semiconductors Forge Partnership to Enhance GaN MMIC Design Workflow
1. Collaboration Aims to Mitigate Design Risks
In a significant development for the semiconductor industry, Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has announced a collaboration with WIN Semiconductors Corp. to introduce a new joint design workflow aimed at reducing the risks associated with the design of Gallium Nitride (GaN) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs). This innovative workflow is designed to facilitate first-pass tapeout success for GaN MMIC design houses, which are essential for the burgeoning 5G, satellite, and defense sectors.
2. Streamlining the Design Process
The newly established workflow integrates on-chip multi-domain simulation, 3D layout verification, and off-chip evaluation board design into a cohesive environment. This holistic approach is crucial as a failed tapeout can result in significant delays, forcing design teams to undertake lengthy respins at foundries. By automating the comprehensive simulation, optimization, and verification processes needed before a design is submitted for fabrication, the collaboration aims to enhance efficiency and reliability in the design process.
3. Addressing Market Demand
As the global GaN RF device market is projected to soar to $2.77 billion by 2031, the collaboration between Keysight and WIN Semiconductors comes at a pivotal moment. The workflow enables MMIC design houses to prove performance on physical evaluation boards—comprising MMICs, packaging, PCBs, and test connectors—before making purchasing commitments. This capability is vital for companies seeking to maintain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
4. Enhanced Tools for Designers
WIN Semiconductors has introduced its latest NP 120P GaN Process Design Kit (PDK), which equips MMIC designers with advanced process models and layout rules. These models, compatible with Keysight’s Advanced Design System (ADS) and RF Circuit Simulation Professional, facilitate the automation of the workflow, ultimately leading to successful first-pass tapeout outcomes.
Industry Insights
Richard Kuo, Director of Design Service at WIN Semiconductors, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to collaborate with Keysight to deliver a customized LVS solution within the WIN ADS PDK. By combining Keysight's ADS expertise with WIN's robust PDK and advanced process technology, we provide a comprehensive verification solution that streamlines the customer's design flow and accelerates the time-to-market for advanced RF products with greater confidence and reliability.”
Nilesh Kamdar, General Manager of EDA, Design Engineering Software at Keysight, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benefits of the partnership: “WIN's complete PDK, combined with Keysight's simulation and verification tools, gives designers a single path from chip design through evaluation board. Design houses can now prove full system performance before fabrication, giving their customers the confidence to commit.”
5. Conclusion
The collaboration between Keysight Technologies and WIN Semiconductors is poised to significantly impact the GaN MMIC design landscape by reducing risks and enhancing design workflows. As the demand for advanced RF components continues to rise, this partnership represents a strategic move to ensure that design houses can deliver high-quality products swiftly and efficiently. The integration of cutting-edge tools and processes will not only streamline the design process but also bolster the confidence of customers making investment decisions in an increasingly competitive market.
