Collaboration Agreement - SGS-Thomson Microelectronics Srl and VLSI Libraries Inc.
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
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SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS S.r.l., a company incorporated and existing under
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the laws of Italy, having its registered office at 20041 Agrate Brianza, Via C.
Olivetti 2 (hereinafter referred to as "SGS-THOMSON")
also acting for the benefit of other Affiliated Companies of SGS-THOMSON
MICROELECTRONICS N.V.
(Affiliated companies shall mean companies in which SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS
N.V. holds directly or indirectly at least 50% of the share capital or voting
rights and major external design teams subcontracted by an SGS-THOMSON company
to create products in SGS-THOMSON Technologies)
on the first part
AND
---
VLSI LIBRARIES, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of California, U.S.A. having its registered office at 2077 Gateway Place,
San Jose, CA 95110-1016 (hereinafter referred to as "VLI")
on the second part
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
Whereas
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* SGS-THOMSON is willing to establish a long term collaboration with a
qualified supplier in the field of memories, libraries and associated
technologies;
* VLI is available to enter into such collaboration in order to become a key
supplier of SGS-THOMSON and provide it with memories, libraries and some
design tools particularly, but not limited to, for the HCMOS7 and HCMOS8
processes;
* the Parties hereto intend to fix some general terms and conditions under
which the above mentioned collaboration has to be carried on.
Now, it is hereby agreed and declared as follows:
1. PREMISES
The Premises hereto constitute an integral part of this Collaboration Agreement.
2. DEFINITIONS
As used for the purposes of this Collaboration Agreement, in the singular or the
plural, the following terms and expressions shall have the following means:
a) "SGS-THOMSON TECHNOLOGY" shall mean any technology developed by SGS-THOMSON
such as, but not limited to, HCMOS7, HCMOS8, etc., as well as technologies
derived by SGS-THOMSON from such technologies, such as, but not limited to,
HCMOS7A, HCMOS7S, HF7CMOS, BICMOS7, HCMOS8A, HCMOS8S, HF8CMOS, BICMOS8,
etc., and layout specifically related to the above technologies, especially
for memories.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
b) "PRODUCTS" shall mean the products developed by VLI for use with SGS-
THOMSON Technology, such as, but not limited to, RAM and ROM Generators,
Libraries of Standard Cells, Macroblocks, etc.
c) "Front-End Data" shall mean:
Simulation Models
Timing Information
Bounding Box Generator
Schematic Icons
Specification Level Documentation
relating to the Products.
d) "Product Data" shall mean:
Layout Level Data
Schematic Level Data with transistor sizing
Design Details
Critical Path Generators
Design Documentation
Transistor Level Netlists or Equivalent Models
relating to the Products.
e) "DESIGN DATA" shall mean the Design Details (in particular Schematics,
Simulation Results, Layout) and Documentation included in the Product Data.
f) "VLI GENERAL TECHNOLOGY" shall mean:
Design styles
Design architectures
Electrical schematics without transistor sizing
Layout styles
Analysis and verification techniques and tools
Tools for automatic layout assembly
Tools for automatic design verification and characterization
relating to the Products.
g) "VLI COMPETITORS" shall mean the companies listed in Appendix whose
business could include the design and sale in third parties of libraries of
circuits (standard cells, generators) and whose business could include the
design and sale of Electronic the Design Automation tools to third parties.
The list of VLI competitors is attached hereto as Appendix. From time to
time, VLI may propose to SGS-THOMSON an update of Appendix which will enter
into force upon its written approval by SGS-THOMSON.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4,1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
3. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this Collaboration Agreement between SGS-THOMSON and VLI are
the development and supply by VLI to SGS-THOMSON of memories, libraries and
associated technologies according to the development and supply orders issued
from time to time by SGS-THOMSON during the term of this Collaboration
Agreement.
To this purpose SGS-THOMSON will agree with VLI proper work plannings that will
in particular state, for each development and supply work required by SGS-
THOMSON, the specific development and commercial tasks, the time schedule, and
the related costs. The work plannings, duly signed by SGS-THOMSON and VLI
Authorized Representative, will be annexed to this Collaboration Agreement and
will constitute an integral part of it. It is understood that the work
plannings will be governed by the provisions of this Collaboration Agreement,
unless specific provisions will be agreed and inserted; in such case the
provisions of the work plannings will prevail.
4. PROJECT LEADERS
Each Party shall designate a Project Leader who will have the responsibility of
all the technical and operative aspects of any work planning agreed upon between
the Parties. Each Party hereby also designates Authorized Representatives, who
will have the responsibility of all the operative and contractual aspects of the
Collaboration Agreement
* SGS-THOMSON designates as Authorized Representative [*** Redacted].
* VLI designates as Authorized Representatives Mr. Mark Templeton and Mr.
Dhrumil Gandhi.
All communications or informations either in oral or written form have to be
addressed to the Authorized Representatives and/or the Project Leaders, as the
case may be, at the following address or at other places, as may be designated
by the Parties during the course of the Collaboration Agreement.
* SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics
via C. Olivetti 2
20041 Agrate Brianza (Mi)
Italy
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
* VLSI Libraries Inc.
2077 Gateway Place
San Jose
USA, 95110-1016 California
5. TERM AND TERMINATION
This Collaboration Agreement shall become effective as of December 1st 1996 and
shall continue in full force and effect until December 31st 2000, unless
terminated ear-lier in accordance with the provision of this Section 5.
The present Collaboration Agreement will expire in the following cases:
a) by means of a written notice of termination to be given by the Authorized
Representative, in case a Party breaches any of its obligations in the
performance of this Collaboration Agreement, and the relevant breach is not
cured within 90 days from the written notice by the non breaching Party;
b) by advance notice to be served by a Party to the other at least 4 months
before the expiration of any year of duration of this Collaboration
Agreement. In any case such termination shall not affect, unless different
agreements in writing are agreed upon between the Parties, the contractual
activities relevant to work plannings still in progress at the date;
c) the termination of this Agreement as a result of breach of VLI shall not
prevent SGS-THOMSON from using the deliverables and information provided by
VLI for having the work performed by a third Party. In any event, VLI will
not be liable to SGS-THOMSON for an amount exceeding SGS-THOMSON's payments
to VLI for the deliverable which is the subject of the breach.
6. COMPENSATION
SGS-THOMSON will recognize VLI, for the contractual activities duly performed in
accordance with the agreed work plannings, the amounts that will be fixed in the
development and supply orders issued in reference to the said documents.
The payments will be normally due at [*** Redacted] from the date of issue of
the relevant invoices from VLI, subject to the approval in writing by SGS-
THOMSON Authorized Representative within such period. The money remittance will
be performed in USA
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
unless another currency will be agreed upon between the Parties, to the Bank
account previously indicated by VLI.
7. MAINTENANCE
VLI agrees to provide maintenance [*** Redacted] for [*** Redacted] following
the delivery of any complete product. During this period, VLI will use its
commercial efforts to support SGS-THOMSON and will dedicate resources to SGS-
THOMSON issues with a higher priority than other VLI customers.
8. RIGHT OF USE
a) Products, including Design Data, Front-End Data and Product Data can be
used without restriction within SGS-THOMSON sites and sites of Affiliated
Companies. SGS-THOMSON undertakes to ensure that Design Data, Front-End
Data and Product Data shall be considered as proprietary information and as
such shall receive the same degree of protection as SGS-THOMSON proprietary
information.
SGS-THOMSON shall ensure that its customers that access the Products at
SGS-THOMSON deign centers, shall sign appropriate non-disclosure agreements
relating to the protection of Confidential Information.
b) SGS-THOMSON may distribute without restriction the Front-End Data, for use
outside SGS-THOMSON sites by design houses or customers.
c) Design Data, Front-End Data and Product Data could be given out to any
third Party who would have products manufactured under its own designs, by
a foundry company not wholly owned by SGS-THOMSON subject to a common
agreement between SGS-THOMSON and VLI.
d) Nothing in this Collaboration Agreement shall authorize SGS-THOMSON to
distribute Product Data to VLI Competitors.
e) Nothing in this Collaboration Agreement shall authorize VLI to make, have
made, use, and sell the Products, Design Data, Front-End Data, Product Data
and information developed and supplied for SGS-THOMSON under the work
programs referred to this Collaboration Agreement, without the SGS-
THOMSON's prior written authorization.
All such products, Design Data, Front-End Data, Product Data and
information will be the sole property of SGS-THOMSON, that will also retain
all the rights con-
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thompson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
nected therewith.
VLI will retain rights to all of VLI General Technology, which is used to
provide products to ST and to other VLI customers.
9. PERMITTED DISCLOSURE OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
The Parties intend to exchange on a confidential basis proprietary information
such as, but not limited to, deep submicron technology and design methodology
information with a view to successfully designing memories and libraries.
Notwithstanding VLI and SGS-THOMSON shall have the right to disclose the third
Parties on an unrestricted basis proprietary information which, at the time of
disclosure is:
a) in or passes into the public domain other than by breach of this
Collaboration Agreement; or
b) known to the receiving Party prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party;
or
c) disclosed to the receiving Party by a third Party having the full right to
disclose; or
d) independently developed by an employee of the receiving Party to whom no
disclosure of confidential information has been made.
10. PRESS RELEASES
SGS-THOMSON and VLI will agree specific press releases and other promotional
materials to publicize their relationship as well as specific successes. Any
press release shall be authorized in writing by both Authorized Representatives
and by SGS-THOMSON and VLI competent offices before their disclosure in the
public.
11. ASSIGNMENT
This Agreement may not be assigned by other Party, without the consent of the
other Party.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
12. APPLICABLE LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted according to the laws of
Italy.
13. DISPUTES
Any disputes which may arise between the Parties hereto in connection with this
Agreement, its construction, validity, performance or non performance shall be
finally settled by the Court of Milan, Italy.
All the above read, confirmed and signed
Date and place: Agrate Brianza, November 29th 1996
SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics S.r.l.
/s/ J. Monnier /s/ G. Potenza /s/ G Zocchi
J. MONNIER G. POTENZA G. ZOCCHI
VLSI Libraries Inc.
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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APPENDIX
LIST OF VLI COMPETITORS
[*** Redacted]
COLLABORATION AGREEMENT December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
Work Planning
HCMOS7 Phase 1
Memory Generators
DEVELOPMENT
BY VLSI LIBRARIES INCORPORATED
FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
By the signatures of this document, the two parties agree fully to the project
description defined below.
CONTENT:
1.0 Scope of the Work Planning ("Program")
2.0 Task Definition and Responsibilities
3.0 Program Management
4.0 Project Schedule and Milestones
5.0 Costs
6.0 Specific rights to use and to distribute
ACCEPTED BY:
/s/ unrecognized signature FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
FOR VLSI LIBRARIES, INC.
ANNEXES:
* Statement of Work
* Generator Specifications (4)
HCMOS7 Phase 1 Work Planning December 5, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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1.0 SCOPE OF THE WORK PLANNING ("PROGRAM")
Within the general framework defined by the "Collaboration Agreement", VLI will
develop the following [*** Redacted] Memory Generators for SGS-THOMSON's in
[*** Redacted] (HCMOS7) process:
[*** Redacted]
The Program will be composed by the porting of the [*** Redacted] generators
from the corresponding HCMOS6 ones.
Within this Program the "Definitions" given in Section 2 of the "Collaboration
Agreement" are valid with the following specification:
* "Product" means "Generator" within this Program
* "Product Data" means "Generator Data" within this Program
2.0 TASK DEFINITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
VLI is fully responsible for the Program execution and the deliverables
according- to the Statement of Work hereafter attached. This includes actions
that may be performed by SGS-THOMSON like Silicon processing (if there is any
problem, it is the responsibility of VLI to draw the attention of SGS-THOMSON to
the problem and to propose effective remedial action).
The split of responsibilities for all the tasks necessary to complete the Memory
Generators is also described in the STATEMENT OF WORK attached. VLI will take
full responsibility for all the VLI tasks mentioned in such document.
The electrical design, layout design, characterization, design documentation are
under VLI's responsibility.
The target specifications of these Memory Generators are defined in the four
attached SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS.
Design knowledge transfer will be performed by having SGS-THOMSON engineers on-
site at VLI to interact directly with the VLI designers, during one month after
each generator release [*** Redacted].
HCMOS7 Phase I Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
3.0 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
A monthly program management review and design review will be held throughout
the project duration, in alternate locations.
VLI should only interface to a limited number of SGS-THOMSON representatives
appointed by [*** Redacted].
* SGS-THOMSON designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning [***
Redacted]
* VLI designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning [*** Redacted].
4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES
Below are listed the major milestones and deliverables.
[*** Redacted]
HCMOS7 Phase I Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
[*** Redacted]
5.0 COSTS
Based on the scope of work and approach defined above, payments for SGS-THOMSON
will be for amounts and schedules listed below, subject to the completion by VLI
of the deliverables according to the provisions of this agreement.
TABLE 1. COSTS
DATE DELIVERABLE AMOUNT
[*** Redacted]
Payment terms are [*** Redacted] for all terms.
6.0 SPECIFIC RIGHTS TO USE AND TO DISTRIBUTE
6.1 RIGHTS OF DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE SGS-THOMSON SITES AND SITES OF AFFILATED
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COMPANIES, OF FRONT-END DATA, GENERATOR DATA and DESIGN DATA
------------------------------------------------------------
6.1.1 SGS-THOMSON may distribute without restriction the Front-End Data, for
use outside SGS-THOMSON sites by design houses or customers.
6.1.2 SGS-THOMSON may distribute Generator Data outside SGS-THOMSON sites
subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
The receiver of such data must sign with SGS-THOMSON an agreement
whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all Generator Data received is confidential mad
covered by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure
Agreement;
HCMOS7 Phase I Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
. undertakes not to use the Generator Data received except for the
purpose of designing integrated circuits to be manufactured by SGS-
THOMSON;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge learned through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
6.1.3 SGS-THOMSON may, subject to VLI prior written approval, install Generator
Data within sites of companies which are collaborating with SGS-THOMSON on a
technology partnership. In particular SGS-THOMSON is authorized to install
Generator Data at [*** Redacted]. From time to time SGS-THOMSON may propose
to VLI an update of this list of companies which will enter into force upon its
written approval by VLI.
[*** Reacted] could be delivered to [*** Redacted]. [*** Redacted] may be
delivered to any other third Party subject to a common agreement, in writing,
between VLI and SGS-THOMSON. In any case the receiver of the data has to sign an
agreement with SGS-THOMSON whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all data received are confidential and are covered
by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure Agreement;
. undertakes not to use the data received except for the purpose of
designing integrated circuits to be manufactured with SGS-THOMSON
TECHNOLOGY;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge learned through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
HCMOS7 Phase I Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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***Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
WORK PLANNING
HCMOS6 Memory Generators
DEVELOPMENT
BY VLSI LIBRARIES INCORPORATED
FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
By the signatures of this document, the two parties agree fully to the project
description defined below.
CONTENT:
1.0 Scope of the Work Planning ("Program")
2.0 Task Definition and Responsibilities
3.0 Program Management
4.0 Project Schedule and Milestones
5.0 Costs
6.0 Specific rights to use and to distribute
ACCEPTED BY:
/s/ unrecognized signature FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
FOR VLSI LIBRARIES, INC.
ANNEXES:
* Statement of Work
* Generator Specifications (2)
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 5, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
WORK PLANNING
BETWEEN
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SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL., a company incorporated and existing under the
laws of Italy, having its registered office at 20041 Agrate Brianza, Via C.
Olivetti 2
(hereinafter referred to as "SGS-THOMSON")
also acting for the benefit of other Affiliated Companies of SGS-THOMSON
MICROELECTRONICS N.V.
(Affiliated companies shall mean companies in which SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS
N.V. holds directly or indirectly at least 50% of the share capital or voting
rights and major external design teams subcontracted by an SGS-THOMSON company
to create products in SGS-THOMSON Technologies)
on the first part
AND
---
VLSI LIBRARIES, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of California, U.S.A. having its registered office at 2077 Gateway Place,
San Jose, CA 95110-1016
(hereinafter referred to as "VLI")
on the second part
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
1.0 SCOPE OF THE WORK PLANNING ("PROGRAM")
Within the general framework defined by the "Collaboration Agreement", VLI will
develop the following [*** Redacted] Memory Generators for SGS-THOMSON's in
[*** Redacted] (HCMOS60) process:
* [*** Redacted]
* [*** Redacted]
The Program will be composed by the improvement of the layout of the
[*** Redacted] generators, done in a previous contract, using HCMOS6
specific design rules for static memories.
Within this Program the "Definitions" given in Section 2 of the "Collaboration
Agreement" are valid with the following specification:
* "PRODUCT" means "GENERATOR" within this Program
* "PRODUCT DATA" means "GENERATOR DATA" within this Program
2.0 TASK DEFINITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
VLI is fully responsible for the Program execution and the deliverables
according to the Statement of Work hereafter attached. This includes actions
that may be performed by SGS-THOMSON like Silicon processing (if there is any
problem, it is the responsibility of VLI to draw the attention of SGS-THOMSON to
the problem and to propose effective remedial action).
The split of responsibilities for all the tasks necessary to complete the Memory
Generators is also described in the STATEMENT OF WORK attached. VLI will take
full responsibility for all the VLI tasks mentioned in such document.
The electrical design, layout design, characterization, design documentation are
under VLI's responsibility.
The target specifications of these Memory Generators are defined in the two
attached SPECIFICATION DOCUMENTS.
Design knowledge transfer will be performed by having SGS-THOMSON engineers on-
site at VLI to interact directly with the VLI designers, during one month after
each generator release [*** Redacted].
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
3 of 7
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
3.0 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
A monthly program management review and design review will be held throughout
the project duration, in alternate locations.
VLI should only interface to a limited number of SGS-THOMSON representatives
appointed by [*** Redacted].
* SGS-THOMSON designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning
[*** Redacted].
* VLI designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning [*** Redacted].
4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES
Below are listed the major milestones and deliverables.
[*** Redacted]
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
4 of 7
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
5.0 COSTS
Based on the scope of work and approach defined above, payments for SGS-THOMSON
will be for amounts and schedules listed below, subject to the completion by VLI
of the deliverables according to the provisions of this agreement.
TABLE 1. COSTS
[*** Redacted]
The silicon dependent payment schedule assumes that SGS-THOMSON is able to
achieve definitive silicon test results within [*** Redacted] of VLI delivering
the appropriate test cuts. If silicon results are delayed beyond this, at no
fault of VLI, the corresponding silicon dependent payment will be made by SGS-
THOMSON to VLI for half the due amount. If silicon results are delayed by other
additional [*** Redacted], again at no fault of VLI, the corresponding silicon
dependent payment will be completed by SGS-THOMSON to VLI.
Payment terms are [*** Redacted] for all terms.
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
5 of 7
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
6.0 SPECIFIC RIGHTS TO USE AND TO DISTRIBUTE
6.1 RIGHTS OF DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE SGS-THOMSON SITES AND SITES OF AFFILATED
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPANIES. OF FRONT-END DATA. GENERATOR DATA and DESIGN DATA
------------------------------------------------------------
6.1.1 SGS-THOMSON may distribute without restriction the Front-End Data, for
use outside SGS-THOMSON sites by design houses or customers.
6.1.2 SGS-THOMSON may distribute Generator Data outside SGS-THOMSON sites
subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
The receiver of such data must sign with SGS-THOMSON an agreement
whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all Generator Data received is confidential and
covered by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure
Agreement;
. undertakes not to use the Generator Data received except for the
purpose of designing integrated circuits to be manufactured by SGS-
THOMSON;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge teamed through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
6.1.3 SGS-THOMSON may subject to VLI prior written approval, install Generator
Data within sites of companies which are collaborating with SGS-THOMSON on a
technology partnership. In particular SGS-THOMSON is authorized to install
Generator Data at [*** Redacted]. From time to time SGS-THOMSON may propose
to VLI an update of this list of companies which will enter into force upon its
written approval by VLI.
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
6 of 7
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
[*** Redacted] could be delivered to [*** Redacted]. [*** Redacted] may be
delivered to any other third Party subject to a common agreement, in writing,
between VLI and SGS-THOMSON. In any case the receiver of the data has to sign an
agreement with SGS-THOMSON whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all data received are confidential and are covered
by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure Agreement;
. undertakes not to use the data received except for the purpose of
designing integrated circuits to be manufactured with SGS-THOMSON
TECHNOLOGY;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge learned through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
HCMOS6 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
7 of 7
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.
<PAGE>
SGS-THOMSON LOGO
WORK PLANNING
MCMOS7 Phase 2
Memory Generators
DEVELOPMENT
BY VLSI LIBRARIES INCORPORATED
FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
By the signatures of this document, the two parties agree fully to the project
description defined below.
CONTENT:
1.0 Scope of the Work Planning ("Program")
2.0 Task Definition and Responsibilities
3.0 Program Management
4.0 Project Schedule and Milestones
5.0 Costs
6.0 Specific rights to use and to distribute
ACCEPTED BY:
/s/ unrecognized signature FOR SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL
FOR VLSI LIBRARIES, INC.
ANNEXES:
* Statement of Work
* Generator Specifications (4)
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 5, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
WORK PLANNING
BETWEEN
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SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS SRL., a company incorporated and existing under the
laws of Italy, having its registered office at 20041 Agrate Brianza, Via C.
Olivetti 2
(hereinafter referred to as "SGS-THOMSON")
also acting for the benefit of other Affiliated Companies of SGS-THOMSON
MICROELECTRONICS N.V.
(Affiliated companies shall mean companies in which SGS-THOMSON MICROELECTRONICS
N.V. holds directly or indirectly at least 50% of the share capital or voting
rights and major external design teams subcontracted by an SGS-THOMSON company
to create products in SGS-THOMSON Technologies)
on the first part
AND
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VLSI LIBRARIES, INC., a company incorporated and existing under the laws of the
State of California, U.S.A. having its registered office at 2077 Gateway Place,
San Jose, CA 95110-1016
(hereinafter referred to as "VLI")
on the second part
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON
1.0 SCOPE OF THE WORK PLANNING ("PROGRAM")
Within the general framework defined by the "Collaboration Agreement", VLI will
develop the following [*** Redacted] Memory Generators for SGS-THOMSON's in
[*** Redacted] process:
[*** Redacted]
The Program will be composed by the fine tuning of the design and layout of the
HCMOS7 generators done during Phase 1; moreover specific design rules
for static memories will be used. The specifications will be similar in term of
logical behavior, targeting anyway better electrical/geometrical/layout
performances and wider parameters range (including but not limited to more
output bits, more total memory capacity, etc.).
Within this !Program the "Definitions" given in Section 2 of the "Collaboration
Agreement" are valid with the following specification:
* "PRODUCT" means "GENERATOR" within this Program
* "PRODUCT DATA" means "GENERATOR DATA" within this Program
2.0 TASK DEFINITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
VLI is fully responsible for the Program execution and the deliverables
according to the Statement of Work hereafter attached. This includes actions
that may be performed by SGS-THOMSON like Silicon processing (if there is any
problem, it is the responsibility of VLI to draw the attention of SGS-THOMSON to
the problem and to propose effective remedial action).
The split of responsibilities for all the tasks necessary to complete the Memory
Generators is also described in the STATEMENT OF WORK attached. VLI will take
full responsibility for all the VLI tasks mentioned in such document.
The electrical design, layout design, characterization, design documentation are
under VLI's responsibility.
Detailed specifications for these [*** Redacted] memory generators will be
defined by SGS-THOMSON within the end of January 1997.
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
Design knowledge transfer will be performed by having SGS-THOMSON engineers on-
site at VLI to interact directly with the VLI designers, during one month after
each generator release [*** Redacted].
3.0 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
A monthly program management review and design review will be held throughout
the project duration, in alternate locations.
VLI should only interface to a limited number of SGS-THOMSON representatives
appointed by [*** Redacted].
* SGS-THOMSON designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning
[*** Redacted].
* VLI designates as Project Leader for this Work Planning [*** Redacted].
4.0 PROJECT SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES
The detailed project schedule and definition of Milestones are given in the
Statement of Work annexed to this contract. Below are listed the major
Milestones and deliverables. The scheduling for Phase I Milestones is defined
below; the scheduling for Phase 2 Milestones could have minor adjustment, agreed
upon between VLI and SGS-THOMSON, after the final Phase 2 specifications will be
issued by SGS-THOMSON.
[*** Redacted]
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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[*** Redacted]
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
5.0 COSTS
Based on the scope of work and approach defined above, payments for SGS-THOMSON
will be for amounts and schedules listed below, subject to the completion by VLI
of the deliverables according to the provisions of this agreement.
TABLE 1. COSTS
[*** Redacted]
The silicon dependent payment schedule assumes that SGS-THOMSON is able to
achieve definitive silicon test results within [*** Redacted] of VLI delivering
the appropriate test cuts. If silicon results are delayed beyond this, at no
fault of VLI, the corresponding silicon dependent payment will be made by SGS-
THOMSON to VLI for half the due amount. If silicon results are delayed by other
additional [*** Redacted], again at no fault of VLI, the corresponding silicon
dependent payment will be completed by SGS-THOMSON to VLI.
Payment terms are net [*** Redacted] for all terms.
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
6.0 SPECIFIC RIGHTS TO USE AND TO DISTRIBUTE
6.1 RIGHTS OF DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE SGS-THOMSON SITES AND SITES OF AFFILATED
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COMPANIES, OF FRONT-END DATA, GENERATOR DATA and DESIGN DATA
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6.1.1 SGS-THOMSON may distribute without restriction the Front-End Data, for
use outside SGS-THOMSON sites by design houses or customers.
6.1.2 SGS-THOMSON may distribute Generator Data outside SGS-THOMSON sites
subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
The receiver of such data must sign with SGS-THOMSON an agreement
whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all Generator Data received is confidential and
covered by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure
Agreement;
. undertakes not to use the Generator Data received except for the
purpose of designing integrated circuits to be manufactured by SGS-
THOMSON;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge learned through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
6.1.3 SGS-THOMSON may, subject to VLI prior written approval, install Generator
Data within sites of companies which are collaborating with SGS-THOMSON on a
technology partnership. In particular SGS-THOMSON is authorized to install
Generator Data at [*** Redacted]. From time to time SGS-THOMSON may propose
to VLI an update of this list of companies which will enter into force upon its
written approval by VLI.
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
[*** Redacted] could be delivered to [*** Redacted]. [*** Redacted] may be
delivered to any other third Party subject to a common agreement, in writing,
between VLI and SGS-THOMSON. In any case the receiver of the data has to sign an
agreement with SGS-THOMSON whereby such receiver:
. acknowledges that all data received are confidential and are covered
by the terms of the SGS-THOMSON standard Non-Disclosure Agreement;
. undertakes not to use the data received except for the purpose of
designing integrated circuits to be manufactured with SGS-THOMSON
TECHNOLOGY;
. undertakes (i) not to map the Design Data received to another
process, (ii) not to reverse engineer such design, (iii) not to use
the knowledge learned through use of the received Design Data to make
its own design, (iv) not to modify the Design Data other than for the
purposes of designing IC's to be manufactured by SGS-THOMSON.
HCMOS7 Phase 2 Work Planning December 4, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
STATEMENT OF WORK
BETWEEN VLSI LIBRARIES INCORPORATED (VLI) AND SGS-THOMSON (ST)
1.0 TASK DEFINITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The split of responsibilities for all the tasks necessary to complete the Memory
Generators is described in this section. VLI will take full responsibility for
all the VLI tasks mentioned below in sections 1.1, 1.2.2, 1.3, 1.3.1, 1.3.3,
1.3.4, 1.4.1, 1.4.3, 1.4.5, 1.5, 1.5.1.
ALL EXECUTABLE CODE DELIVERED BY VLI TO ST WILL BE ALSO PROVIDED IN SOURCE
FORMAT.
1.1 DESIGN
The electrical design, layout design, characterization, design documentation are
under VLI's responsibility.
Design knowledge transfer will be performed by having ST engineers on-site at
VLI to interact directly with the VLI designers.
1.2 FRONT-END
1.2.1 VHDL AND VERILOG MODELS, SYMBOL
These will be developed under ST's responsibility.
1.2.2 MERLINO AND MIF
VLI will be in charge of the integration and validation of the timing,
geometrical and power data into the Merlino and MIF formats.
1.2.3 HUMAN INTERFACE
This will be developed under ST's responsibility.
1.3 CHARACTERIZATION
Electrical, power and area characterization will be done by VLI only for
MCMOS6 generators, not for HCMOS7 phase 1 ones; within the end
of January 1997 VLI and ST will agree upon the tools that VLI will use (either
VLI proprietary environment, or ST tools).
Statement of Work November 28, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics 1
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
ST will provide its customers with a complete cut characterization environment
and data, based on Eldo simulations, so as to alleviate the inaccuracies due to
the curve-fitting process encountered for previous HCMOS5 generators.
The list of representative cuts for characterization will be agreed between ST
and VLI. The number of cuts will be similar to the number used for HCMOS6
generators.
1.3.1 ELDO NETLISTS AND STIMULI FOR CHARACTERIZATION CUTS.
VLI will provide these to ST
1.3.2 RDB, EQN DATA IN BC, TYP, WC
For all the above ELDO netlists and stimuli, these will be run in best
conditions, typical conditions, and worst case conditions. The results of these
runs will be provided to ST. QA for these data will be performed by VLI, and
checked by ST, according to a methodology agreed upon between VLI and ST.
1.3.3 CADENCE SCHEMATICS FOR MEMORY LEAF-CELLS AND HIERARCHY LEVELS
VLI will provide Cadence schematics for all the memory leaf cells and hierarchy
levels. These schematics will use ST's components, to be compatible with ST's
proprietary Generator Characterization System.
For each leaf-cell there are 2 or 3 schematics, as follows:
* The actual cell components schematics.
* The cell schematics + parasitic elements for critical path simulation.
* An optional simplified cell schematics to be used as loading for critical
path simulation.
ST will provide to VLI the Cadence libraries necessary to enter these
schematics, a.k.a. "HCMOS7 design kit", as well as ST's netlister for
these library components ("SEP").
1.3.4 CRITICAL PATH GENERATORS IN ST'S PROPRIETARY ENVIRONMENT
VLI will support ST engineers on VLI premises to allow a complete know-how
acquisition by ST
1.3.5 CRITICAL PATH ELDO STIMULI GENERATOR
VLI and ST will each use their own tools for generating the Eldo stimuli for the
critical path Generator.
1.4 BACK-END
1.4.1 LAYOUT GENERATORS
VLI will be in charge of the layout generators development, as it was for
HCMOS6. Moreover, VLI will be in charge of their integration into the
UNIGEN environment.
Statement of Work November 28, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics 2
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
After that, VLI will also validate the integrated back-end generators into the
corresponding validation flow.
1.4.2 ABSTRACT GENERATOR
ST will develop the abstract generator for Cell3 and Block-Ensemble for all
memories. ST will add the post-processing routines to bring all pins to the
Cell3 grid.
1.4.3 POWER DISTRIBUTION
VLI will develop the layout generators without power-rings. The number of Vdd
and Gnd connections will be limited to one or two of each. Metal3 will be used
for distributing power and ground internally to the memories. Metal3 will also
be used to shield sensitive nodes from potentially noisy Metal4 lines running
above the memories.
1.4.4 SOG EMBEDDABILITY
ST will develop the routines to make the memories layout SOG-compatible.
1.4.5 SPICE NETLIST GENERATOR FOR LVS
VLI will develop a spice netlist generator for Dracula/LVS. A solution not using
the Cadence netlister will be provided: Either Skill-based or C-based
(preferred).
1.5 SILICON VALIDATION
VLI is fully responsible for this phase, including actions that may be done by
ST, such as processing or testing. In case of problems, VLI should escalate the
issue within ST to insure prompt resolution.
1.5.1 SILICON VALIDATION PLAN
VLI is responsible for the definition and implementation of the silicon
validation plan. VLI will generate the necessary generator cuts.
VLI will describe in the plan how to fully characterize the memory generator
cuts.
1.5.2 TEST CHIPS DESIGN AND FAB
ST will provide the layout of cavities in which the test cuts will be inserted.
VLI will complete the layout of the test cavities with the layout of the test
cuts and with the connections between them and the IO PADS.
ST will provide manpower to assemble the layout of the test cavities into test
chips, do reticle assembly, and process these test chips in HCMOS7/HCMOS6
processes.
1.5.3 SILICON DEBUG AND CHARACTERIZATION
ST will run the characterization plan according to VLI specifications. In case
of any problem during testing, VLI will send their engineers to ST, in a
location decided by ST, to perform silicon debug. This may require the use of
E-Beam equipment to probe internal nodes. Test targets or test pins on the
layout will have been provided by VLI to this effect.
Statement of Work November 28, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics 3
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SGS-THOMSON LOGO
VLI will assemble the Memory Generator Silicon Characterization reports for all
memories.
2.0 PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
A monthly program management review and design review will be held throughout
the project duration, in alternate locations.
VLI should only interface to a limited number of SGS-THOMSON representatives
appointed by [*** Redacted].
Statement of Work November 28, 1996 SGS-Thomson Microelectronics 4
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*** Confidential treatment requested pursuant to a request for
confidential treatment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Omitted portions have been filed separately with the Commission.