An Application Specific Integrated Circuit — commonly known as ASIC — is a type of microchip that’s specially designed for certain applications or purposes. You can contrast it with general integrated circuits (such as your computer’s random access memory chips), which are designed to tackle several tasks at the same time. ASICs are currently used in a wide range of devices and machines, including smartphones, personal digital assistants, digital voice recorders, Bitcoin-mining hardware, and even implantable medical devices. They are also manufactured and designed by a number of different companies, like LinearMicroSystems.
Custom Designed
ASICs can be divided into three categories. The first is a full-custom design, which means that every component and layout is designed from scratch to fulfill a specific application. Each of the microchip’s photolithographic layers is fully defined by the designer, and his design is strictly followed during the manufacturing process.
The second category is a semi-custom design (also known as gate-array design). Semi-custom ASICs use pre-defined diffused layers and use wafers that are already held in stock; the layers are interconnected with each other in a special way to create microchips that fit the client’s specifications. They are less expensive than full-custom design ASICs and have shorter production times.
The third category is a structured design (also known as platform ASICs). ASICs that belong under this category use silicon with pre-defined characterization as well as pre-defined metal layers. Using pre-manufactured components effectively shortens design and production times and lowers manufacturing costs.
Manufacturers
Because of their customized nature, ASICs are more expensive to manufacture than standard logic integrated circuits. However, the cost is usually worth it because they provide several benefits. They have faster speeds and better performance than generic models since they are designed to tackle one task and do it well. They can also be built to use very little operating power, which is a huge advantage for the end users using batteries since they can run their device for longer hours on a single charge and won’t need to recharge it often.
Recent innovations have allowed manufacturers to make ASICs smaller in size. They can now also be built with more than a million logic gates, which means they can offer advanced functionalities and handle complex tasks than older ASICs. Modern ASICs can be produced with analog, digital, mixed-signal, and/or radio-frequency (RF) functions, allowing manufacturers such as LinearMicroSystems to create a complete system on chip or SOC. SOCs require minimal external components and can often function properly on their own, which is why they’re preferred by most device manufacturers. By using an SOC, it’s possible to create speedy and powerful devices with a slim, streamlined design.
LinearMicroSystems, Inc.
If you need dependable and high-quality ASICs, consider getting them from LinearMicroSystems, Inc.. They’re a trusted semiconductor company that offers a range of analog, mixed-signal, and radio-frequency ASICs for different applications. They have one-stop shopping for all ASIC’s needs including development, prototyping, qualification & production; analog, mixed-signal & digital capabilities along with technical consulting, participate in roadmap discussion & strategic planning. LinearMicroSystems can help with both development and production and have in-house facilities for wafer and package testing as well as quality assurance.
To know which types of ASICs are ideal for you, contact us here at Peninsula Technical Sales. With our technical knowledge and years of industry experience, coupled with our strong relationship with LinearMicroSystems, we can help you identify the products that best fit your specifications and will give you excellent value for money.
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