The Microelectronics arm of Fujitsu Ltd is to create a new business unit to focus on system-on-a-chip integrated circuit technology. The Japanese electronic giant’s division in San Jose, California will implement a new Intellectual Property program called IPware, which it claims could help reduce semiconductor companies’ development schedules by a third and cut the risks associated with implementing IC designs. The IPware program consists of three layers. The Basic Layer includes process technologies, design integration environment, back end tools and software integration development tools. The second layer is termed IP Library or the IP Bank and includes the IP Highway – a network based internet technology that shares intellectual property information – and the System LSI design methodology. The third layer is the Solution Layer, which supports LSI development. Fujitsu claims intellectual property is going to emerge as the new wave in LSI design methodology as products that once consisted of several chips are integrated on to a single piece of silicon.
