Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has certified its RFPro electromagnetic (EM) design software for Intel Corporation’s (Nasdaq: INTC) latest Intel 14A and Intel 18A-P process technologies, enabling chip designers to simulate radio frequency and mixed-signal designs with greater confidence before manufacturing.
The certification validates RFPro, part of Keysight’s Advanced Design System (ADS) electronic design automation suite, for Intel Foundry’s newest manufacturing processes. It allows semiconductor designers to perform electromagnetic simulations that accurately reflect Intel’s advanced process technologies, helping identify potential issues before chips reach tape-out.
As chipmakers adopt increasingly advanced process nodes, design complexity continues to rise, making early verification critical to reducing costly redesigns and shortening product development cycles. Simulation tools certified for specific manufacturing technologies help engineers detect discrepancies between electromagnetic and circuit behaviour before fabrication begins, avoiding expensive chip re-spins and improving time to market.
The certification supports Intel Foundry’s latest roadmap, covering Intel 18A-P and Intel 14A, which introduces the company’s RibbonFET 2 transistor architecture and PowerDirect backside power delivery technology. These process technologies are expected to support next-generation applications including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and mobile devices.
The announcement builds on an existing collaboration between Keysight and Intel Foundry, which already includes support for Intel’s 18A process node and EMIB-T advanced packaging technology. The companies said the expanded certification enables more consistent design workflows across multiple Intel manufacturing generations.
“As our customers look to address next-generation demands through differentiated solutions, Intel Foundry believes predictable execution on our advanced process and packaging technologies will accelerate their innovation,” said Shawn Han, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Foundry Services at Intel.
He said collaboration with ecosystem partners such as Keysight provides customers with greater confidence in achieving power, performance and efficiency targets while accelerating product development.
Niels Faché, Senior Vice President of Keysight Design Engineering Software, said semiconductor designers require trusted simulation tools from the outset of a new process node.
“Design teams can’t wait for a new process node to mature before they trust their simulation results,” he said. “This certification means engineers can adopt Intel Foundry’s newest technologies early and get the silicon right the first time.”
