SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 16, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magma(r) Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA), a provider of chip design software, today announced that AltaSens, a premier supplier of high-performance CMOS image sensors for high-definition (HD) video, standardized on Magma's IC implementation software for nanometer (nm) integrated circuits (ICs) after achieving 100 percent silicon success on every design implemented with the Magma software over the past 3 years. Most recently, a single back-end designer at AltaSens was able to take a complex low-power, 5-million-gate design from final RTL to GDSII in just 1 week with Magma.

"AltaSens' imaging products are used in a diverse range of applications ranging from broadcast to medical to surveillance cameras - all of which require high performance and cost-efficient imaging solutions," said Glen Donelson, senior physical design engineer at AltaSens. "The advanced capabilities of the Magma IC implementation software and the world-class support provided by the company's applications engineers were instrumental in helping us create award-winning products that meet our customers' technical and turnaround-time requirements."

"Increasing designer productivity through an automated and repeatable flow is a key advantage of the Magma software," said Kevin Moynihan, general manager of Magma's Design Implementation Business Unit. "AltaSens' track record of silicon success and 1-week RTL-to-GDSII turnaround on an ultra-low-power design demonstrate our software's ability to address today's design challenges and delivery schedules."

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. 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 that Magma software increases designer productivity and reduces turnaround time of nanometer chips 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 Magma's ability to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, its products' abilities to produce desired results and AltaSens'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). Magma undertakes 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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