In the fast-evolving semiconductor landscape, migrating designs to lower technology nodes (e.g., from 90nm to 55nm or 45nm to 28nm) has become essential to meet market demands for higher performance, lower power, and reduced form factors. For key decision-makers like CTOs and CEOs, choosing the right partner for this transformation is mission-critical.
At Incise, we don’t just migrate technology—we strategically re-architect silicon performance to help our clients remain competitive.
Why Consider Technology Migration?
Benefits of Migrating to Lower Nodes Considerations Against Migration
✓ Improved performance and speed ✗ High initial investment costs
✓ Lower power consumption ✗ Increased design complexity
✓ Higher integration density ✗ Potential IP compatibility issues
✓ Smaller die size and packaging ✗ Risk of yield drop and reliability concerns
✓ Longer product lifecycle extension ✗ Tools and flow compatibility gaps
When Should You Consider Migration?
Legacy designs need power/performance boost.
EOL (End-of-Life) notices for current nodes/foundries.
Cost optimization opportunities.
New market demands (automotive, wearables, etc.)
Volume scaling requirements.
Typical Technology Migration Flow
Below is the standardized migration flow adopted by Incise:
Feasibility Analysis
IP availability & compatibility
Foundry/process support
Risk and ROI assessment
Migration Planning
Node selection (28nm, 16nm, etc.)
Library & PDK readiness check
Toolchain and license alignment
RTL/Netlist Analysis & Re-mapping
Gate-level simulations
Power domain adjustments (UPF/CPF)
Floorplan and Layout Adjustments
Placement & routing changes
Redesign of analog blocks
Timing Closure & Sign-off
Static and dynamic timing analysis
Signal integrity checks
Verification
Mixed-mode simulations
Post-layout parasitic simulations
Tape-out & Validation
DRC/LVS sign-offs
Packaging readiness
Challenges Faced During Migration
Challenge How Incise Addresses It
IP Compatibility Custom IP porting and analog design expertise
Timing Closure in new tech node Expert STA engineers + sign-off tool setup
Analog Re-design for lower nodes Mixed-signal layout and simulation specialists
Foundry documentation gaps Direct collaboration with top foundries
Toolchain gaps or mismatches Strong partnerships with EDA vendors
Performance degradation in early runs Iterative optimization cycles + correlation
Tools & Technologies Used at Incise
EDA Tools: Synopsys (IC Compiler, PrimeTime), Cadence (Virtuoso, Innovus, Spectre), Mentor Graphics (Calibre)
Simulation: Mixed-signal (AMS Designer), Functional/DFT (VCS, Xcelium)
Verification: Formal, GL-Sim, Dynamic Power Sim
Extraction & Sign-off: QRC, StarRC, Calibre PEX, LVS/DRC
Collaboration Tools: GitLab, Jira, Confluence, custom client portals
Successful Use Case: 45nm → 28nm PHY Migration
Incise led the full migration of a PHY IP block with:
Layout support for Transmitter, Receiver, PLL, Equalizers
Mixed-signal simulation and post-layout verification
Full-chip integration and support for tape-out
Result: Reduced power by 35% and increased throughput by 20%
Another client saw node migration within 40nm technology where process updates required re-verification of mixed-signal sub-blocks and PVT here corners. Incise’s precise change management enabled seamless transition with zero missed milestones.
Best Foundries and Easily Ported Nodes
Foundry Popular Nodes for Migration Notes
TSMC 65nm → 40nm → 28nm Most supported by EDA tools
UMC 55nm → 40nm Cost-effective for analog-heavy designs
GlobalFoundries 90nm → 65nm, 28nm Industrial and automotive grade
SMIC 55nm → 40nm Effective for volume consumer products
Samsung 28nm → 14nm Advanced tech availability
Why Incise is Your Right Technology Migration Partner
Deep Analog + Digital expertise in migration across process nodes
Direct foundry engagement ensuring smoother transitions
Robust post-migration verification to reduce silicon risk
Flexible engagement models to fit your roadmap and budget
About Incise
Incise is one of India’s fastest-growing providers of Semiconductor, Embedded Systems, and Software Solutions. With 50+ global clients and a passionate team of engineers, Incise ensures "Right First Time" delivery for complex silicon challenges.