Innatera Picks Synopsys Simulation for Processors for Edge Devices

Innatera, a company vested in brain-like neuromorphic computing for ultra-low-power intelligence at the sensor edge, selected Synopsys for design and validation of its next-generation neuromorphic microcontrollers. Synopsys' solutions for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and power integrity analysis will help Innatera scale its operations for edge processing in industrial sensors, robotics, wearables, and smart home technologies.

Neuromorphic microcontrollers process information through Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) that mimic how biological neurons communicate, delivering brain-inspired intelligence at the sensor edge. This event-driven approach enables real-time, ultra-low-power operation in sensor-rich environments.

Innatera's architecture combines mixed-signal analog computation, dense interconnects, and low-voltage design—enablers of efficiency but potential sources of electrical noise and ESD sensitivity. To address these challenges, Innatera leverages PathFinder-SC and Totem to validate power integrity, and manage noise coupling.

PathFinder-SC simulates ESD events at scale, identifying vulnerabilities and root causes before the final design goes to manufacturing and ensuring chips are functioning optimally against real-world electrostatic occurrences. 

Totem performs detailed power integrity analysis at the transistor level. By pairing Totem's high-fidelity modeling of typical operating conditions with PathFinder-SC's capacity to identify and address ESD risks, the solution provides designers with a tool that protects against expected and unexpected electrical challenges throughout the chip's life cycle.

"Innatera's mission to redefine edge AI through neuromorphic computing requires both technological innovation and reliable design collaboration," says Aditya Dalakoti, director of systems on a chip and mixed-signal at Innatera. "Synopsys stood out for its leading technology and unwavering support for startups in the edge AI ecosystem. Its ESD analysis solution and collaborative approach enable us to scale into real-world, adaptive applications with enhanced speed, usability, and versatility."

For example, Innatera used Synopsys technology to validate the design of Pulsar, a commercial neuromorphic microcrontroller. Pulsar optimizes AI workloads at the edge by combining flexible computing architecture. Using SNNs, Pulsar only reacts to registered sensor changes, improving data transfer speeds and battery power for "always-on" devices like wearables and smart sensors.

"By enabling Innatera to accelerate product development and scale confidently, Synopsys reinforces its role as a catalyst for cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of embedded AI," says Prith Banerjee, senior vice president at Ansys, part of Synopsys. "This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem, from global enterprises to emerging startups. As edge computing becomes increasingly central to real-time intelligence, Synopsys simulation is helping innovators bring efficient AI where it's most needed."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.