EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report dated January 17, 1997 included in Cadence Design Systems, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 1996. /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP San Jose, California November 12, 1997