KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Computer software valued at $6.2 million has been donated to the College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville by the California-based Synopsys firm.
Dr. Jerry Stoneking, UT-Knoxville engineering dean, said Friday the software allows computer chips to be designed and tested much more efficiently.
“To maintain an outstanding program we must commit to keep our faculty and students at the cutting edge of technology,” Stoneking said. “Synopsys’ investment in our program helps fulfill that commitment and aids us in our quest of continual excellence.”
Dr. Don Bouldin, UT electrical and computer engineering professor, said complex circuit designs can be simulated with the software, tested and evaluated many times faster than before.
“Using this software is like riding in a Lamborghini race car instead of having to walk or ride an old car,” Bouldin said. “You go from the idea stage down to the working chip much faster.
“Students using the software can spend more time learning and less time testing designs. It will make them more marketable to employers. For research, you can do much larger projects in a lot less time.”
Bouldin said the UT-Knoxville electrical and computer engineering department has received more than $12 million in computer software gifts in less than three years.
Dr. Ralph Gonzalez, head of electrical and computer engineering, said the gift will enhance research and teaching at UT and will support partnerships with institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
“The gift from Synopsys will put us in an even better position to continue building on our strength in integrated circuit design,” Gonzalez said. “We are thankful to
Synopsys for its generosity and recognition of the quality work being done by Dr. Bouldin and his colleagues.”
Paul Lippe, vice president of business development and legal at Synopsys, said: “We are proud of this partnership between one of the leading technology universities in the South and one of the leading technology companies in the Silicon Valley.
“This high level design software will assure UT students access to the same technology that is currently used by world class technology companies and help assure them a bright future into the 21st century.”
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Contact: Dr. Don Bouldin (423-974-5444)