Moscape is collaborating with AMD to create a circuit analysis tool for the K8, it said. According to the Moscape release, its patented "assertion based" technology will allow chip designers to increase quality and performance before a design is taped out. Bruce Gieseke, K8's circuit design manager, said that AMD has chosen Moscape because it needs to enforce a good methodology for complex chip designs. "In a large and complex design task such as a high-end microprocessor, we cannot leave anything to chance. Besides needing the best static timing analysis, logic verification, and physical implementation tools, we need to verify the electrical integrity of the entire design," said Gieseke. "Our intent is to integrate CircuitScope into our design methodology, and to continue to work with Moscape to fix bugs and continue to enhance its functionality." ®