Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics Co. Ltd has achieved first-time silicon success on its next-generation multimedia system-on-a-chip (SoC), using a combination of Synopsys Inc.'s tools, intellectual property (IP) and services with Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd's 65nm manufacturing technology. The RK28 multimedia SoC, Rockchip's first mass-production 65nm chip designed in China and targeted primarily for the China market, is an application processor for mobile handheld devices. The RK28 was designed with Synopsys' full RTL-to-GDSII flow using best-in-class technology from the Galaxy Implementation and Discovery Verification Platforms, as well as DesignWare IP, and implemented in Chartered's advanced 65nm low-power process.
Since the 65nm RK28 represented Rockchip's first design at a new technology node, production-proven technology and knowledge sharing among the parties were essential to project success. The design took advantage of Synopsys' IC Compiler with Zroute technology to exceed its 500MHz performance target, while employing advanced low-power design techniques such as multi-voltage and power gating to reduce power consumption. The production-proven VMM verification methodology and VCS functional verification solution were used to verify Rockchip's design. The RK28 chip also integrates silicon-proven Synopsys DesignWare IP, including USB 2.0 PHY, USB HS OTG Controller and SD/MMC Host Controller. Design consultants from Synopsys Professional Services worked closely with Rockchip's engineers throughout the project, merging critical skills and expertise to mitigate project risks and address schedule pressures. The implementation of the design in Chartered's 65nm LP process enabled the chip to achieve target power, performance and area goals with first silicon, and quickly ramp to production volume.
Rockchip
Chartered
Synopsys
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