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ASIC:
(Application
Specific Integrated Circuit)
An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is,
as inferred by the name, designed for a specific
application. Often, it is designed and produced for
a specific customer.
Many technologies can be used to produced the ASIC, but
CMOS is by far the most common. It provides the
highest density and lowest cost for most applications.
Today, ASICS are usually thought of as consisting of
only digital circuits. These ASICS are designed
almost entirely by logic synthesis programs and the
physical layout completed by automated place and route
programs. No analog circuitry is included.
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A Mixed Signal ASIC does include analog circuitry.
Analog is typically used as the interface to the real
world and allows for most of an electronic system to be
included in only one Integrated Circuit.
CSS specializes in Mixed Signal ASICS, and we add a
third feature - non-volatile memory. Non-volatile
memory is often referred to as EEPROM (Electrical Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory). This technology
allows for permanently storing information in the IC.
Typical applications include ID codes, configuration data
and one that is especially useful - "trimming" of analog
circuitry.
The IC shown above is a typical Custom Mixed Signal
ASIC designed by CSS. This ASIC is used for instrumentation on an
electric vehicle. The various analog, digital and
non-volatile memory functions are indicated. |
