Key Takeaways
- Innatera partners with Synopsys for design and validation of neuromorphic microcontrollers.
- Synopsys’ PathFinder-SC and Totem technologies enhance reliability and power integrity for edge AI applications.
- The collaboration aims to optimize design efficiency, enabling significant improvements in latency and energy consumption.
Partnership Overview
Innatera, a leader in brain-like neuromorphic computing, has selected Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) to assist with the design and validation of their next-generation neuromorphic microcontrollers. These chips are intended to address the surging demand for edge processing across various sectors, including industrial automation, robotics, wearables, and smart home technologies.
Innatera’s innovative microcontrollers utilize Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) to process information in a manner analogous to biological neurons, allowing for real-time operations with exceptional energy efficiency. The unique design incorporates mixed-signal analog computation and dense interconnects, improving efficiency but also introducing concerns around electrical noise and electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity.
To counter these challenges, Innatera employs Synopsys solutions like PathFinder-SC and Totem. PathFinder-SC simulates ESD events, identifying potential vulnerabilities before the design reaches manufacturing. This ensures that the microcontrollers are resilient against electrostatic occurrences and perform reliably under varying conditions. Meanwhile, Totem focuses on power integrity analysis at the transistor level to secure effective power delivery and performance, crucial for efficient AI applications.
“Innatera’s mission requires technological innovation and reliable design collaboration,” said Aditya Dalakoti, director of SoC and mixed-signal at Innatera. He emphasized that Synopsys’ advanced technology and support make it an ideal partner for scaling operations to meet real-world applications with improved usability and speed.
One notable outcome of this partnership is the Pulsar microcontroller, recognized as the world’s first commercial neuromorphic microcontroller. Pulsar optimizes AI workloads by utilizing its flexible architecture, achieving performance levels that are up to 100 times lower in latency and 500 times more energy-efficient compared to conventional AI processors. By reacting only to significant sensor changes, Pulsar enhances data transfer speeds and conserves battery power for continuously operating devices like wearables.
Prith Banerjee, senior vice president at Ansys (a part of Synopsys), highlighted the crucial role Synopsys plays in facilitating product development and innovation within the semiconductor domain. He noted that as edge computing becomes increasingly vital for real-time intelligence, Synopsys’ simulation solutions empower innovators to deliver efficient AI technologies where they are most needed.
This strategic collaboration positions both Innatera and Synopsys at the forefront of the rapidly evolving field of embedded AI, demonstrating a commitment to pushing the limits of technological advancement in neuromorphic computing and edge AI applications.
About Synopsys
Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) is a leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, enabling customers to rapidly innovate AI-powered products. The company offers a broad range of solutions including silicon design, IP, simulation, and analysis services, dedicated to enhancing R&D capabilities across industries.
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