New Synopsys CEO Says Ansys Merger Gives Engineers Seamless Design Path

Recently, Synopsys, considered one of the largest EDA companies, announced it would merge with Ansys, which specializes in simulation and analysis tools.

Design News conducted an e-mail interview with Synopsys.

What aspects of Ansys technical capability and product portfolio were considered key to Synopsys in deciding to merge the companies? 

The complexity of today’s intelligent systems demands the integration of semiconductor design and simulation and analysis to ensure interconnected systems function properly in real-world settings. 

This combination brings together Synopsys’ pioneering semiconductor electronic design automation (EDA) with Ansys’ broad simulation and analysis portfolio to deliver a holistic, powerful and seamlessly integrated silicon-to-systems approach to innovation to help maximize the capabilities of technology R&D teams across a broad range of industries. 

“The world of semiconductor design and physical simulation and analysis must come together to ensure interconnected systems function properly in real-world settings. Semiconductor companies must now design in a world of high-performance computing with a system approach in mind. Similarly, systems companies must move down to the silicon level to unlock value with purpose-built chips and software-defined systems. This is creating new complexity challenges that this combination will help solve. Chips are being designed at smaller scales than ever, approaching Angstrom scale. Silicon, software, and hardware need to be co-designed for optimal results while systems from connected cars to medical devices must also be able to be monitored and optimized in the field. We have been deliberate in our strategy to expand from silicon to system designs for years. As part of the regular review of our strategic plan in 2021, we identified systems and simulation as a priority for future growth. Today's announcement is a direct result of that process, particularly as we think about how we build on our Ansys partnership to meet our customers’ increasingly complex challenges. Since 2017 the two companies have partnered closely to solve design complexity. A great example is the industry-leading digital implementation platform, Fusion Compiler, which integrates power integrity from Ansys RedHawk into a unified offering.  

Today, the vast majority of Synopsys Fusion Compiler install base incorporates Ansys technology. Our integration also extended to Synopsys 3DIC Compiler, the industry’s first unified platform for multi-die design. Beyond technology integration, we have developed deep joint go-to-market relationships and have both been pioneers in infusing AI into our respective platforms, but what works today to solve design complexity won’t suffice in the future. Only by approaching design and novel ways can we meet our customers’ rapidly evolving increasingly complex design needs and shortened development cycles. Our customers are moving from monolithic chips to multi-die systems. These systems are so dense and so complex that they require not only power integrity, but sophisticated structural, thermal, and electromagnetic analysis to deliver high-performing and high-yielding chips. Equally important, customers are moving to co-optimized intelligence systems that require a whole new level of design complexity across multiple domains. As you can see, we need to deepen our integration to deliver unified products that meet these customer needs. Joining forces with Ansys is the next logical step. Ansys is a leader in simulation and analysis, particularly in electronics,”  said the president and new CEO of Synopsys Sassine Ghazi in a webcast with investors.

What markets or applications could Synopsys gain strength in with Ansys products/capabilities portfolio? 

The proposed combination provides customers a comprehensive, powerful, and system-focused approach to innovation, both in Synopsys’ core EDA segment and highly attractive adjacent growth areas such as Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial where Ansys has an established presence.

In the news release, Sassine said: "The megatrends of AI, silicon proliferation and software-defined systems are requiring more compute performance and efficiency in the face of growing, systemic complexity. Bringing together Synopsys' industry-leading EDA solutions with Ansys' world-class simulation and analysis capabilities will enable us to deliver a holistic, powerful, and seamlessly integrated silicon-to-systems approach to innovation to help maximize the capabilities of technology R&D teams across a broad range of industries.” 

How will the personnel between both companies be combined? 

With our strong existing partnership with Ansys, shared cultures, and dedicated integration team, we're confident in our ability to integrate these two best-in-class businesses successfully. 

When do you expect all the merger-related activity between both companies to be completed? 

The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2025, subject to approval by Ansys shareholders, the receipt of regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.