SUPPLY CHAIN
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and precision are critical will often require the product to undergo strict certification procedures. In the automotive industry for example, relevant safety methodologies include AEC Q100 and ISO 26262. As part of the ISO 26262 certification, it is also necessary to determine the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), essentially a hazard and risk assessment for each individual component in the vehicle. Certification criteria should be considered as early as possible in the design stage to ensure the final product meets demands; choosing an ASIC supplier that understands these helps to ensure that the delivered product is 100 per cent compliant, avoiding the need for costly redesigns.
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?
In-house capabilities
relationship between customer and supplier. For many manufacturers, it could also include shipping ASIC chips worldwide. To avoid being left vulnerable, it is essential to look for a supplier that can deliver long- term. This protects your business from being stuck with an ASIC design and no-one to produce it; or, worse, not possessing your IP at all and having to go through the entire ASIC workflow again.
Another element to consider is how much of the IC design workflow can be done in-house. Choosing a supplier that offers a full turnkey ASIC service, including initial specification, development, packaging and testing means that the customer has a single point of contact and therefore one person of responsibility overseeing their project. If there are any issues, either on the customer or design side, communication is far simpler.
A process managed entirely in-house will likely be much more efficient, with quicker production lead times and reduced costs. The result of this is a high-quality ASIC solution that meets specification and is delivered on-time.
A robust supply chain
The last key point to consider is the supply chain. An IC designer might be able to deliver one batch of high-quality product on time, but what if one batch is not enough? In most cases, embarking on an ASIC design project is the beginning of a much longer
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When thinking about the long-term, obsolescence is likely to be a key concern for manufacturers. One of the main benefits of a custom IC over off-the-shelf solutions is obsolescence protection; production of a standard IC can be halted at any time at the manufacturer’s discretion, but not so with a custom IC.
However, there is still a risk of obsolescence, typically due to the silicon process becoming obsolete. A reputable ASIC designer will take care to design the IC solution using a process that matches the required longevity of the product. In the unlikely event obsolescence does occur, they must be able to work quickly with the customer to find the right solution for them. Key points to check are how long the ASIC supplier has been in the industry, its supply chain management policies and obsolescence protection.
Manufacturers keen to unlock the benefits offered by a custom IC can be tempted to jump headfirst into a project. It is crucial to take the time to find the right supplier for your product. Industry experience, in-house capabilities and whether the company can deliver a long-term solution are all key considerations to make before beginning any ASIC design project.
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