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X-FAB Silicon Foundries has increased its in-house technical customer support services and IP partner network & IP search facilities in an effort to speed time-to-market, optimize supply chain organization, provide faster access to technical advice, and offer cost-savings for business partners. X-FAB customers can now identify and search for silicon-proven IP by technology or geometry with the IP completely verified and proven with X-FAB’s production processes.

“These new support services reflect X-FAB’s focus on our customers, and provide new capabilities to accelerate the development cycles for their highly specialized analog/mixed-signal products,” commented Thomas Hartung, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at X-FAB. “The services are an important step forward in our strategy to help them achieve ‘first time right’ silicon for such complex designs. By ensuring our customers receive the kind of support and information they need, and their designs are optimal, we can further their success.”

"Most customers are looking for turnkey solutions,” said Dr. Harald Schenk, Deputy Director of the Fraunhofer IPMS institute that is renowned for its ASIC and MEMS design expertise. “The X-CHAIN partner network offers companies a comprehensive service portfolio from first feasibility study to mass production, covering every stage of the value chain."

For all COT technologies, X-FAB’s new Mixed-Signal Place & Route Service is intended to eliminate the need to outsource the Place & Route function, purchase expensive tools in-house, or hire a layout specialist. X-FAB does the block assembly of the chips instead.

X-FAB’s new ESD Consulting & Review Service provides personal consultation during ASIC design to make sure ESD protection concepts are implemented correctly and the ASIC achieves the required ESD robustness.

The IP and design partner platform, and X-CHAIN are accessible via X-FAB’s website, while the ESD design review and Mixed-Signal Place & Route service are accessible through X-FAB’s technical hotline.