Mentor Graphics introduced a tool for thermal characterization for semiconductor packaging and design, which has become essential as density on an SoC continues to grow, along with both active and static power leakage. The new FloTHERM IC solution is a Web-based platform that simplifies many of the characterization and validation tasks.

Rumors of Magma’s death appear to have been overstated. The company generated revenues of $31 million for its fiscal Q3, ended Jan. 31. It had a net loss of $2.6 million, but when you compare that to a net loss of $78 million in the previous year—not to mention that the company beat expectations—things are definitely on the upswing. Revenue is expected to be relatively flat over the next quarter. Like many EDA companies these days, proof of success will be the bottom line, not the top line. Magma says it has positive cash flow.

Intel Capital and a group of 24 VC firms pledged to invest $3.5 billion in U.S.-based technology companies over the next two years. Intel’s share will be $200 million. In addition, a group of 17 technology companies ranging from Intel to EMC, Cisco, Marvell and Broadcom said they will increase their hiring of college graduates—some by doubling their hiring over previous years—to sustain the market for future scientists and engineers. This is very good news.

IBM put a green spotlight on the lithography process, creating fluorine-free photo-acid generator compounds that are used to transfer patterns onto wafers. Green is good, and in IBM’s case it’s also the green that comes from licensing patents.

TSMC is collaborating with Dialog Semiconductor on a bipolar-CMOS-DMOS technology that can improve power management in chips for portable devices. Dialog, in case the name doesn’t ring a bell, is based in Stuttgart, Germany.

GlobalFoundries Singapore—the company previously known as Chartered Semiconductor—announced a tender offer for any and all of its senior notes due in 2010. Consider this yet another step in a complete takeover of this foundry by ATIC, the Abu Dhabi-based investment powerhouse.

Tags: Broadcom, Cisco, Dialog Semiconductor, EMC, GlobalFoundries, IBM, Intel, Magma, Marvell, Mentor Graphics, TSMC

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