SUPPLY CHAIN
Choosing a custom IC partner
What to consider before embarking on an ASIC design project M
anufacturers ready to make the most out of a custom IC can be keen to jump into development. Before putting any pen to paper, it is vital to ensure you choose the right partner for your design project. In this article, Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, explains what to consider. For manufacturers looking to gain both a technical and commercial edge over their competition, an Application Specific IC (ASIC) could be the ideal solution. An ASIC is a chip that has been designed specifically for its designated application. As a result of the bespoke design approach, an ASIC can offer superior performance and functionality
40 MAY 2024 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
over off-the-shelf solutions. While the benefits of an ASIC may be well understood, less so is the process of choosing the right ASIC partner. What should businesses consider when searching for a custom IC partner?
Engineering expertise
The first step is to identify whether the IC designer can deliver a product that meets application requirements. The strength of an ASIC comes from its bespoke design approach, with the chip built to fit customer expectations. If the designer does not have the expertise to fine-tune performance at such a high level, the resultant chip likely will not be as successful.
For example, if you need an ASIC solution that combines both analogue and digital functionalities, typically ICs are used for analogue to digital signal conversions, you will need to look for a mixed-signal designer. A mixed-signal specialist can combine analogue and digital technologies on a single device without corrupting the signal integrity of either domain. The result is a high-performance chip in a small, low-cost package.
It is also worth finding out if the IC designer has experience working in your application sector. An IC designer familiar with your particular industry will make achieving regulatory compliance a much easier process. Sensitive markets where safety
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
