Infineon design software unit will form basis of new company called OneSpin German chip maker Infineon Technologies has spun off a design software unit into a new company that will be majority owned by an international investment group.The Circuit Verification Environment (CVE) unit, which is responsible for testing circuits and plays a role in the design of new chips, will form the basis of a new company called OneSpin Solutions. OneSpin will begin operations with a staff of 25 in Munich.“We have decided to spin off the CVE unit because it is not one of our core businesses,” said Infineon spokesman Günter Gaugler. “We will continue to be active in software development but only in areas that have a direct impact on our products.” Infineon will remain a OneSpin customer and continue to license the company’s products, according to Gaugler.Like most major semiconductor manufacturers, Infineon has been looking at ways to reduce operating costs and remain competitive in the fiercely aggressive global chip market.The new venture will receive €40 million ($50 million) in funding from Apex Partners, a venture capital company and provider of equity funds with main offices in London and New York. Infineon will have a small minority stake in the new company, Gaugler said but declined to say how much.The verification technology developed by the CVE team is one of several projects sponsored by Germany’s Federal Education and Research Ministry. The team has also been supported by various E.U. programs. Technology Industry