Cadence software boosts Clemson’s capabilities across campus

Computational software leader gives University students, faculty and staff the power to process with innovative technological offerings through new partnership

Clemson University announced an agreement with Cadence Design Systems, Inc., offering students, faculty and staff access to a vast array of computational software products. The agreement between Cadence and Clemson is intended to empower students to pursue fields of study in advanced electronics using new methods of innovation, allowing them to enter the job market with unique skills.

Cadence has more than 30 years of leadership in electronic systems design, enabling customers to develop chips, boards and complete systems for the most innovative products in the hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, mobile and aerospace industries. As a member of the Cadence University Software Program, Clemson will now have access to Cadence software licenses. A large multi-million-dollar EDA investment by an innovative partner like Cadence, which is the only EDA company accredited by the DoD as a Trusted Supplier, is revolutionary for higher education, and the availability of such advanced software products enhances the way education is delivered to students and further elevates Clemson’s research capabilities as an R-1 institution.

This is an incredible opportunity for our students, faculty and staff to have access to cutting-edge technology that can be used across many departments and colleges. I am grateful to Cadence for their collaboration and their investment in Clemson, which will make a major impact in education and research.

JIM CLEMENTS, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

The collaboration with Cadence aids Clemson’s educational mission in a variety of areas by offering students and faculty access to the same computational software solutions utilized by engineers in the public and private sectors. The rollout is first launching in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences and the College of Science.

In fields of study that rely on computational systems and programming, Clemson researchers plan to use Cadence software to design and model new electronic systems. Additionally, Cadence’s extensive expertise in vertical markets such as the automotive industry is beneficial for facilitating electronic system design in the University’s automotive engineering department.

Though these specific applications will make a significant mark on the University, the software’s potential for impact extends much further as the licenses will be available for faculty use University-wide.

Clemson University’s academic excellence and strong industrial partnerships are nationally recognized. Ensuring students and faculty have access to the best electronics design and analysis solutions is critical as technology transformations are accelerating across key emerging areas including autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, 5G and hyperscale computing. The University’s views on workforce development align with Cadence, and we are committed to fostering talent among the next generation of innovators.

TOM BECKLEY, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CUSTOM IC & PCB GROUP AT CADENCE

Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, said the software will open new doors to students, faculty and staff. “This agreement provides the college with new tools for teaching and research and creates new opportunities for students to get hands-on experience that will help them make a seamless transition to industry,” Gramopadhye said. “I thank Cadence for partnering with Clemson and look forward to launching this initiative in the College.”

College of Science Dean Cynthia Young sees the software contributing to novel developments through the work of University faculty and students, who are some of the top researchers in the nation.

“Clemson University is fortunate to have some of our nation’s top talent in our faculty and students,” said Young. “This new Clemson-Cadence partnership helps accelerate new scientific discoveries and innovation as we tackle some of tomorrow’s grand challenges and prepare the next generation of leading scientists and engineers.”

Not only does Clemson plan to incorporate Cadence software into curricula to equip students with the skills they need to be competitive in the workforce upon graduation, but the educational resources offered by Cadence also make additional training widely available to students. Cadence offers a robust online learning platform that allows students to take software courses at their own pace and independently earn as many certifications as interest them. Students’ ability to self-certify strengthens their abilities in the classroom and in research while making them much more competitive in the job market.

“A lot of our Clemson majors incorporate a senior thesis, and most students start doing research in their first year. They will do a Creative Inquiry or some kind of hands-on study engagement all through their undergraduate careers,” said Sean Brittain, professor of physics and chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Clemson. “Access to Cadence’s computational software, and the fact they will work with faculty members who use the software, gives them an advantage and makes them sought after by companies.”

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Additional quotes from Clemson faculty:

“A modern-day automobile exemplifies a complex cyberphysical system orchestrated by over 100 million lines of code. Therefore, embedded digital subsystems are an increasingly vital element in realizing the vision for future vehicles and transportation systems. Clemson’s partnership with Cadence Design Systems and our access to Cadence design and modeling tools will be a valuable resource for modeling, simulation, design and verification in our Automotive Engineering research and education.”
— Zoran Filipi, Timken Endowed Chair in Vehicle System Design, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, and founding director of the Center for Virtual Prototyping of Ground Systems, CU-ICAR

“This generous gift from Cadence Design Systems provides Clemson researchers with vital tools for groundbreaking research in a wide array of areas utilizing advanced digital systems and computation. Furthermore, it opens the door to important collaborative opportunities between subject-matter experts at Cadence and Clemson researchers.”
— Daniel L. Noneaker, associate dean for research, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

“In partnership with Prof. Chris Sutton at the University of South Carolina, the Clemson Nanomaterials Institute is conducting data driven optimization of the electrolyte composition for improving cycling stability in rechargeable Li-based batteries. Access to the software provided by Cadence Design Systems will advance our research in developing better batteries necessary for our electric future.”
— Apparao Rao, R. A. Bowen professor of physics, College of Science, and founding director of the Clemson Nanomaterials Institute

“Design and fabrication of high-performance cryogenic superconducting devices for quantum technology applications demand a detailed understanding of the physical and electrical behavior of the collection of components as a whole. World-class EM design and simulation platform offered by Cadence including Spectre, AWR, and CadencePCB will allow us to create more robust testbeds for characterization of our superconducting materials and circuits.”
— Kasra Sardashti, assistant professor of physics, College of Science