The new Smart TV SoC is the industry's first single-chip implementation with support for the "4K2K" Ultra High Definition video format. Realtek used Synopsys' DesignWare Embedded Memories and Logic Libraries, Galaxy Implementation Platform and Professional Services to help them meet their aggressive performance, power and schedule goals.

“Our RTD2995 smart TV controller was the industry’s first comprehensive single-chip solution in mass production. It combines 4K2K video decoding and 1080p encoding with a powerful multi-core ARM microprocessor and a high-performance multi-core 3D GPU to deliver extremely high-resolution images for life-like image clarity,” said Jessy Chen, vice president and spokesman for Realtek.

“By collaborating with Synopsys and UMC we were able to take advantage of a total solution including silicon, logic library and embedded memory IP, EDA tools and experienced design consultants, which helped us bring our chip to market in record time.” Mr. Chen added.

UMC is a leading foundry provider of 40-nm technology, delivering customer products on this advanced process since 2008. UMC realizes approximately 20% of its revenue from 40-nm products, and is among the top foundries worldwide for total 40-nm production capacity.

UMC’s 40-nm process provides seamless design migration continuity between 55-nm and 28-nm technologies, and features robust versatility to target a wide range of applications including DTV controller and demodulator, feature phone SoC, smartphone connectivity and RF transceiver, FPGA, etc.

Furthermore, the Synopsys 40-nm standard cell libraries and memory compilers used for Realtek’s chip are available free-of-charge from Synopsys for qualified customers designing into this process node.

“The combination of our high-yielding 40-nanometer low-power process and Synopsys’ comprehensive portfolio of logic libraries and memory compilers, along with their complete EDA platform and services offering, enables us to continue to deliver innovative semiconductor solutions to market-leading customers such as Realtek.” said Steve Wang, vice president of IP development and design support for UMC.

Realtek took advantage of a combination of Synopsys DesignWare IP, Galaxy Implementation Platform and Professional Services to realize their RTD2995 SoC project goals. The high-speed, high-density and low-power standard cell libraries and memory compilers enabled the Realtek design team to optimize their SoC for the optimal balance of power, performance and area.

Design consultants from Synopsys Professional Services assisted Realtek’s engineers with the physical implementation of an ARM microprocessor and helped Realtek achieve their performance target, while reducing core area and leakage power.

The integrated project team took advantage of the complete Synopsys Galaxy Implementation Platform for synthesis through physical design, including the Lynx Design System and use of DC Explorer to accelerate design exploration runtime.