Antrim Design Systems

About Antrim Design Systems

Antrim Design Systems, Inc. was a provider of software solutions for the electronic design automation (EDA) industry, specializing in tools for high-performance analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs). Founded in 1997 by veterans of HSpice developer MetaSoftware, the company developed and marketed tools for the custom IC design flow. These tools were designed to manage design and simulation data, automate time-consuming tasks, and better handle late-stage engineering changes. The company was based in Scotts Valley, California.

Antrim's product suite aimed to deliver a comprehensive system that included design software, intellectual property (IP), and design services for the telecommunications, multimedia, and consumer electronics markets. Key products included Aptivia and DCM, which provided automated analysis, characterization, optimization, and verification for mixed-signal designs. Another offering, Antrim-ACV, was a platform for the system-on-chip (SoC) market that facilitated a "specification-driven design" methodology, an industry first for mixed-signal ICs. This platform supported design reuse by separating the device under test from test benches, increasing engineering productivity. The software integrated with existing environments like the Cadence Composer schematic capture tool. The firm's business model focused on providing these tools and services to automate the design of complex ICs.

The company was venture-backed, with investors including RedPoint Venture Capital, Skywood Venture Capital, iVisionary Capital, Intel Capital, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management. In May 2002, Antrim was recognized as one of the 'Hot 100' private companies by Upside Magazine, an award for technology startups showing significant innovation and potential. However, facing challenges during a semiconductor industry recession, the company's assets were acquired by Cadence Design Systems Inc. on November 22, 2002. The acquisition was intended to boost Cadence's portfolio of analog EDA tools by adding Antrim's rapid analog prototyping and behavioral modeling capabilities to its Analog Design Environment. As part of the deal, Cadence hired Antrim's core research and development, sales, and support teams.