Feature: Avionics


The new government strategy emphasises the need for advanced technical development and digital adoption to drive greater


efficiency and support the transition to more sustainable air travel


analogue, digital and power management. ASICs can deliver these on a single chip. Beyond efficiency, ASICs help unlock the


benefits of digitalisation for the aerospace industry, supporting real-time sensor fusion, high-speed avionics and onboard data processing. In these applications, these chips handle large volumes of telemetry and operational data, enhancing situational awareness, predictive maintenance and preparing the groundwork for advanced autonomous or assisted flight operations. For the UK aerospace sector, ASICs


enable smarter, more connected aircraſt, enhancing system reliability, improving safety margins and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in sustainable and technologically advanced aviation.


Unlocking smart factories Te UK’s growth strategy also focuses on manufacturing where we are seeing the rise of smart factories that rely on connected Internet of Tings enabled sensors, advanced robotics, predictive maintenance and adaptive material-handling systems. Tese intelligent systems enable smart factories to be highly responsive, data- driven manufacturing environments. Tey depend on high-speed data acquisition, real-time processing and energy-efficient control, all the while maintaining reliable operation in demanding industrial environments. ASICs power these intelligent systems by embedding specialised processing power directly into the hardware. Sensors monitor subtle changes in


vibration, temperature or current that signal early signs of machine wear, allowing operators to act before failures occur, minimising downtime and extending the lifespan of critical equipment.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk September 2025 39 ASIC-enabled sensors achieve this by


processing vast streams of data in real time, filtering and interpreting it so only the most relevant information reaches the central control systems. Tis capability supports faster, more efficient decision making, particularly for predictive maintenance. Robotics and collaborative systems also


rely on custom ICs to perform high-speed sensor fusion, precise actuator control and real-time calculations, enabling accurate and repeatable movements even in dynamic production environment. Meanwhile, automated guided vehicles


use ASIC-powered, low-latency, obstacle detection path-planning algorithms and adaptive routing to optimise material flow and enable smooth operations across the factory floor. Tese capabilities allow ASICs to


directly support the UK’s industrial strategy goals, increasing manufacturing productivity, improving resource


efficiency and fostering a more transparent, adaptable and resilient economy, resilient of any future disruptions.


Forward with ASICs ASICs also help mitigate the risk of obsolescence. Integrating multiple functions into a single chip reduces reliance on standard off-the-shelf components, which can be discontinued or become obsolete over time. ASICs not only safeguard production lifecycles, they also minimise costly redesigns and component replacements, helping manufacturers maintain consistent system performance. Te result is greater long-term reliability and confidence in the continuity of operations. While ASICs were not specifically


referenced in the new manufacturing strategy, their capabilities make them essential for building the connected, automated and future-ready manufacturing ecosystems that the UK wants to establish. As the UK seeks to boost business


investment and develop the industries of the future, investing in semiconductors, especially ASICs, is more than a technological decision. Tese highly specialised chips will be central in transforming the UK into an efficient and forward-thinking manufacturing nation, powering smarter factories and advanced aircraſt.


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