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Why Use Mixed-Signal ASIC Array?
- Lower Cost than Discrete Solution
- Lower NREs than Full Custom
- Transistor Level Design for Optimal Performance
- Significantly Faster Time-to-Market than Full Custom ASIC
- Ultra-fast Iterations
- Lower Risk than Full Custom
While the desire to implement application
specific integrated circuits is vigorous, full custom solutions
are often time consuming, costly and sometimes frustrating.
The gate array approach provides an attractive alternative
that offers shorter design cycle, quicker response on iterations
and modifications, and lower cost. A gate array solution is
frequently completed many months ahead of a full-custom or
standard-cell equivalent. Most importantly, our gate arrays
are proven circuits; there is no guesswork or venturing into
unknown territory.
Some applications ultimately require a full
custom solution to achieve long-term cost objectives. In these
situations, a design completed as an array is often an ideal
intermediate solution between a functional discrete implementation
and a full custom ASIC. After evaluation in the system, the
ability to implement modifications quickly in the analog ASIC
array lowers the risk for implementation in a full custom.
Manuflex's analog/mixed-signal advantages
vs. full custom:
- Allows our analog design engineers and the customer to
cooperatively optimize the design before implementation
as a full custom.
- Proves the design in a short time period. Analog ASIC
arrays are processed up to metal. Therefore, finished wafers
are available typically 1-2 weeks after masks are made.
- Easy modifications can be made to optimize the design
in just 2-3 weeks.
- Lower cost solution than a discrete design. The ASIC array
solution can be running in full production sooner than a
full custom and, if the volumes warrant, a full custom solution
can be implemented to lower the cost even more.
- A functional ASIC array solution provides the smoothest
transition to a full custom IC with minimal risk for added
cost savings.
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