Renesas joins Intel, other chipmakers with big bet on design software

Altium acquisition highlights shift to providing complete development environment

20240215N Renesas

Software is becoming a more crucial part of the semiconductor industry. (Photo by Hideaki Ryugen)

RYO MUKANO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japanese chipmaker Renesas Electronics has made a major move to boost its competitiveness among chipmakers, acquiring design software provider Altium as industry rivals shift from an emphasis on product lineups to software-based design services.

"While we have made a number of cross-border acquisitions over the past few years, this one is of a very different nature," said Renesas CEO Hidetoshi Shibata during an online news conference Thursday, announcing the acquisition of the American-Australian company. "It is an important first step into our long-term future."

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