SENSORS & SENSING SYSTEMS u SWINDON SILICON SYSTEMS
development, packaging and test 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. And 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 isn’t enough? In most cases, embarking on an ASIC design project is the beginning of a much longer relationship between customer and supplier. For many manufacturers, it could also include shipping ASIC chips worldwide. To avoid being left vulnerable, it’s 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. 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
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.
that matches the required longevity of the product. But 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. Swindon, for example, has been a market leader in ASIC design and development for more than 50 years. With a dedicated account management team, Swindon is in constant contact with customers to ensure there is enough Work in Progress (WiP) in the production line to meet customer forecasts and requirements. And as an ASIC designer offering an FTK solution, Swindon’s in-house Quality Assurance Department is constantly monitoring product quality and yields to ensure on-time delivery of a superior product. When it comes to protecting against obsolescence, Swindon works on a four- pronged approach to ensure the ASIC solution is available for the entirety of the product’s lifetime. This not only includes careful consideration of the ideal silicon process at initial design, but also extensive support beyond product delivery. Swindon will work to ensure there is never
a gap in IC availability in the most cost-efficient way for the customer. Regardless of the route taken, it’s always one that is agreed mutually. Manufacturers keen to unlock the benefits
offered by a custom IC can be tempted to jump headfirst into a project. But it’s 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.
22 February 2024 Irish Manufacturing
www.irish-manufacturing.com
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