The AMD EPYC Performance Advantage for Cadence EDA Software

AMD is a leading semiconductor company driving innovation in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Their EPYC server processor family is designed to perform well on many different workloads, including high-performance computing (HPC) such as Cadence computational software.

In 2017, AMD unveiled its first EPYC line of processors, unique for pioneering the use of chiplet technology. The 1st Gen EPYC CPU started as a multi-chip module-type design with four equal-sized die that put together the 32-core CPU design. 3rd Gen EPYC CPUs offered more cores, with a large cache that is ideal for EDA tools like logic simulation. AMD has been using Cadence tools from the get-go, and throughout the 20-year-long partnership, they’ve delivered outstanding products.

Today, AMD is building both an input/output (I/O) die and a core complex die (CCD), which are much more complicated designs than the original EPYC processor. The I/O die has the DDR and all of the heavy SerDes interfaces, while the CCDs are optimized for performance, resulting in high frequency and high instructions per cycle (IPC). The recently announced fourth-generation AMD EPYC processors have up to 96 cores, constructed of 12 CCDs with eight cores per CCD, in a single package.

Cadence’s Spectre Simulators and Innovus Implementation System have played a significant role in helping AMD put out top-notch products, especially in terms of time to market. The technology offered by AMD, such as its multi-chiplet-based architecture, is used in multiple use cases across many domains. Their 3D V-Cache technology enables fast results leading to more innovative and complex designs. These details are highlighted in this Designed with Cadence video.

“Designed with Cadence” is a video series that showcases creative products and technologies accelerating industry innovation using Cadence tools and solutions. For more Designed with Cadence videos, check out the Cadence website and YouTube channel.