This is a question we often get: “Sir, why Synopsys and not Cadence?” “Why are you not using Cadence?”
And my honest response is always: Why should I use Cadence if I already have Synopsys?
Let’s clear the air.
🎓 The Illusion of “All Tools”
Many training institutes and colleges proudly say:
“We have multiple tools from multiple EDA vendors. It will help students.”
But how exactly?
- How much access are you getting to those tools?
- Are you doing research or a tape-out level project where you really need tool-specific features?
- If the trainer isn’t available, does the presence of a tool alone teach you anything?
The truth is—just having access doesn’t mean you’re learning.
🧠 Learning the Flow, Not the Logo
Whether you learn the PNR flow using Cadence or Synopsys, what truly matters is that you understand the flow and the concepts.
Even the industry’s top timing analysis tools:
- PrimeTime (Synopsys) vs. Tempus (Cadence) — differ by 5–10% in accuracy. But are you here to benchmark accuracy, or to learn timing concepts?
If your goal is learning, one well-supported tool is more than enough.
🛠 Tools Are Just Instruments
At VLSI EXPERT®, we made a decision years ago: to be exclusive to Synopsys tools. And for the last 7+ years, we’ve stuck to that. No distractions. No marketing gimmicks.
Because for us, the tool is a means to learn the concept. And once the concept is clear, any tool can be picked up with the help of a user manual.
Tools don’t teach. Trainers do. Concepts do.
We don’t “fool” students by saying we have every tool under the sun. We focus on training that matters—with industry-leading tools, strong mentorship, and clear fundamentals.
📣 A Word to Students
Before choosing a course or institute, ask yourself:
- Are you getting clarity of concept?
- Or just screenshots of multiple tools?
At this stage of your learning, the concepts should come first, not the brand name of the tool.
Unfortunately, due to misguided advice and flashy marketing, many students fall into the wrong mindset.
Jagoo Grahak, Jagoo.
Choose mentorship, not marketing. Choose clarity, not clutter. Choose a concept, not confusion.
