In the fast-evolving semiconductor landscape, migrating designs to lower technology nodes (e.g., from 90nm to 55nm or 45nm to 28nm) has become essential to meet market demands for higher performance, lower power, and reduced form factors. For key decision-makers like CTOs and CEOs, choosing the right partner for this transformation is mission-critical.
At Incise, we don’t just migrate technology—we strategically re-architect silicon performance to help our clients remain competitive.
Why Consider Technology Migration?
| Benefits of Migrating to Lower Nodes | Considerations Against Migration |
|---|---|
| ✓ Improved performance and speed | ✗ High initial investment costs |
| ✓ Lower power consumption | ✗ Increased design complexity |
| ✓ Higher integration density | ✗ Potential IP compatibility issues |
| ✓ Smaller die size and packaging | ✗ Risk of yield drop and reliability concerns |
| ✓ Longer product lifecycle extension | ✗ Tools and flow compatibility gaps |
When Should You Consider Migration?
- Legacy designs need power/performance boost.
- EOL (End-of-Life) notices for current nodes/foundries.
- Cost optimization opportunities.
- New market demands (automotive, wearables, etc.)
- Volume scaling requirements.
Typical Technology Migration Flow
Below is the standardized migration flow adopted by Incise:
- Feasibility Analysis
- IP availability & compatibility
- Foundry/process support
- Risk and ROI assessment
- Migration Planning
- Node selection (28nm, 16nm, etc.)
- Library & PDK readiness check
- Toolchain and license alignment
- RTL/Netlist Analysis & Re-mapping
- Gate-level simulations
- Power domain adjustments (UPF/CPF)
- Floorplan and Layout Adjustments
- Placement & routing changes
- Redesign of analog blocks
- Timing Closure & Sign-off
- Static and dynamic timing analysis
- Signal integrity checks
- Verification
- Mixed-mode simulations
- Post-layout parasitic simulations
- Tape-out & Validation
- DRC/LVS sign-offs
- Packaging readiness
Challenges Faced During Migration
| Challenge | How Incise Addresses It |
|---|---|
| IP Compatibility | Custom IP porting and analog design expertise |
| Timing Closure in new tech node | Expert STA engineers + sign-off tool setup |
| Analog Re-design for lower nodes | Mixed-signal layout and simulation specialists |
| Foundry documentation gaps | Direct collaboration with top foundries |
| Toolchain gaps or mismatches | Strong partnerships with EDA vendors |
| Performance degradation in early runs | Iterative optimization cycles + correlation |
Tools & Technologies Used at Incise
- EDA Tools: Synopsys (IC Compiler, PrimeTime), Cadence (Virtuoso, Innovus, Spectre), Mentor Graphics (Calibre)
- Simulation: Mixed-signal (AMS Designer), Functional/DFT (VCS, Xcelium)
- Verification: Formal, GL-Sim, Dynamic Power Sim
- Extraction & Sign-off: QRC, StarRC, Calibre PEX, LVS/DRC
- Collaboration Tools: GitLab, Jira, Confluence, custom client portals
Successful Use Case: 45nm → 28nm PHY Migration
Incise led the full migration of a PHY IP block with:
- Layout support for Transmitter, Receiver, PLL, Equalizers
- Mixed-signal simulation and post-layout verification
- Full-chip integration and support for tape-out
- Result: Reduced power by 35% and increased throughput by 20%
Another client saw node migration within 40nm technology where process updates required re-verification of mixed-signal sub-blocks and PVT corners. Incise’s precise change management enabled seamless transition with zero missed milestones.
Best Foundries and Easily Ported Nodes
| Foundry | Popular Nodes for Migration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TSMC | 65nm → 40nm → 28nm | Most supported by EDA tools |
| UMC | 55nm → 40nm | Cost-effective for analog-heavy designs |
| GlobalFoundries | 90nm → 65nm, 28nm | Industrial and automotive grade |
| SMIC | 55nm → 40nm | Effective for volume consumer products |
| Samsung | 28nm → 14nm | Advanced tech availability |
Why Incise is Your Right Technology Migration Partner
- Deep Analog + Digital expertise in migration across process nodes
- Direct foundry engagement ensuring smoother transitions
- Robust post-migration verification to reduce silicon risk
- Flexible engagement models to fit your roadmap and budget
About Incise
Incise is one of India’s fastest-growing providers of Semiconductor, Embedded Systems, and Software Solutions. With 50+ global clients and a passionate team of engineers, Incise ensures "Right First Time" delivery for complex silicon challenges.
