Conducting intellectual business

Semiconductor design software producer Synopsys has signed an $15m cash agreement to acquire the semiconductor intellectual property (IP) assets of MOSAID Technologies.

Synopsys plans to integrate the assets, primarily MOSAID’s double data rate (DDR) memory controller and PHY semiconductor IP products, into its DesignWare IP portfolio.

DDR DRAM is a key component in electronic systems, such as set-top boxes, high-definition TVs, printers and communications equipment. A critical component, DDR2 DRAMs and DDR3 DRAMs can reach speeds of 1067Mbps and 1600Mbps respectively.

The transaction, subject to standard closing conditions, is expected to be completed in August 2007.