SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 2, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magma(r) Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA), a provider of chip design software, today announced that eSilicon Corporation, a pioneering semiconductor value chain producer (VCP), used Magma's IC implementation software to design the world's fastest field programmable chip. With Magma's integrated synthesis and place-and-route system, eSilicon was able to maximize performance and achieve first-pass silicon success.

Designed for Achronix Semiconductor, a newly launched fabless semiconductor company, the device is the first in the Speedster(tm) family of FPGAs and operates at speeds up to 1.5 GHz, representing a three-fold increase in performance over traditional FPGAs. The 65-nanometer (nm) design included very complex internal circuitry and several high-speed multi-protocol interfaces. With its ability to concurrently address timing, power and area challenges in nanometer designs, the Magma software allowed eSilicon to achieve the required operating speed and reduce turnaround time.

"eSilicon has built a reputation for delivering complex designs within short timeframes," said Jim Kupec, chief operating officer of eSilicon. "With advanced capabilities and an integrated approach to IC design, the Magma software was an excellent solution that enabled us to meet the challenging requirements of the Achronix design."

"The first-time silicon success and superior performance achieved by eSilicon on the Achronix design demonstrates the ability of Magma's software to improve performance, power and turnaround time of nanometer ICs," said Kevin Moynihan, general manager of Magma's Design Implementation Business Unit. "Magma software and eSilicon's expert design services are a powerful combination."

About eSilicon Corporation

eSilicon, a leading Value Chain Producer (VCP) for the semiconductor industry, provides a comprehensive suite of design, productization and manufacturing services enabling a flexible, low-cost, lower-risk path to volume chip production. The company delivers custom chips (ASICs) to system OEMs and fabless semiconductor companies who serve a wide variety of markets including the consumer, computer, communications and industrial segments. For more information, please go to www.esilicon.com.

About Magma

Magma's software for designing integrated circuits (ICs) is used to create complex, high-performance chips required in cellular telephones, electronic games, WiFi, MP3 players, DVD/digital video, networking, automotive electronics and other electronic applications. Magma's EDA software for IC implementation, analysis, physical verification, circuit simulation and characterization is recognized as embodying the best in semiconductor technology, enabling the world's top chip companies to "Design Ahead of the Curve"(tm) while reducing design time and costs. Magma is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., with offices around the world. Magma's stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LAVA. Visit Magma Design Automation on the Web at www.magma-da.com.

Magma is a registered trademark and "Design Ahead of the Curve" is a trademark of Magma Design Automation Inc. eSilicon is a registered trademark of eSilicon Corporation. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward-looking Statements:

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements about the features and benefits of Magma's software and eSilicon's design services are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including but not limited to the ability of Magma's products to produce the desired results, the company's ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology and eSilicon's decision to continue using Magma software. Further discussion of these and other potential risk factors may be found in Magma's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). The companies undertake no additional obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT:  Magma Design Automation Inc.


          Monica Marmie, Director, Marketing Communications 


          (408) 565-7689


          
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          eSilicon Corporation 


          Dmitry Lipkin, Sr. Director, Corporate Marketing


          (408) 616-4655


          dlipkin@esilicon.com