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ASIC Design and Development

Swindon’s team of ASIC designers, utilising our own IP library from production proven former designs and supplemented by the digital block IP libraries of its foundry partners, form the base for a predictable development plan.

In all ASICs, where market leadership is the aim, there will be a requirement for custom circuits in order to provide that competitive edge. Swindon has a depth of engineering talent that ensures that all aspects of the design can be met in-house. This ensures that the customer will still meet the critical time-to-market but also benefit from a unique solution and product.

The ASIC development phase includes:

  • Mixed signal ASIC design (analogue and digital)
  • Corner simulations and verifications
  • Custom layout
  • Synthesis of all digital sections
  • Top level integration, layout and verification
  • Design documentation
  • Final wafer probe and ATE production test programmes
  • Qualification plan
  • Design Tape Out procedure

Foundry Process

Swindon combines its own expertise with that of the world’s leading analog/mixed-signal semiconductor foundry services. By combining our market leading ASIC design and test capabilities with their specialised expertise in advanced analog and mixed signal process technologies we provide our customers with an expert and secure route to advanced product realisation.

    Foundry Process Information

    NameProcess DescriptionCore(V)I|OMV|HV(V)OPTONVM
    55/65nmFlexibile analog mixed-signal1.2|1.8|2.53.3|5|8|12eFlash
    0.13µm High flexibility analog mixed-signal1.53.3
    0.18µmHigh performance mixed signal, high temperature, high-voltage and NVM1.83.36|10|15|20|40|
    45
    		TrimOTP
    eFlash
    NVRAM
    0.18µm

    		High performance analog mixed signal 1.83.3 5.0TrimOTP
    PolyFuse
    0.18µmPower Management1.8
    5.0
    		5.013|15|25|30|40|
    45|60
    		TrimOTP
    PolyFuse
    EEPROM
    eFlash
    0.18µmImage Sensor Enabled3.31.8
    3.3
    		TrimOTP
    PolyFuse
    0.25µmAnalog/digital mixed signal baseline2.53.3
    5.0
    		eFlash
    0.35µmHigh performance, high voltage 3.33.3 5.012|14|18|45|55|
    75|100
    		TrimOTP
    ZenerZap
    HD OTP
    NV Latch
    EEPROM
    CEEPROM
    0.35µmHigh temperature analog mixed signal3.33.3 5.012|14|18|45|55|
    75|100
    		TrimOTP
    ZenerZap
    EEPROM
    CEEPROM
    0.35µmHigh speed opto3.33.3
    5.0
    		12PolyFuse
    ZenerZap
    0.35µmUltra-High-Voltage5.05.020|40|700ZenerZap

    Memory Options

    Memory OptionsTypical SizeData RetentionEndurance
    SRAM64-512kbits
    Trim Registers
    Bit Writeable OTP1 - 128 bits

    		10 Years @ 85˚C10k Cycles
    Bit R/W 1 - 128bits
    Word Writeable OTP8bit - 2kbit
    Application Memory
    OTP1kbit, 64kbit, 256kbit10 Years @ 85˚C1k Cycles @ 85˚C
    EEPROM32bit – 32kbit10 Years @ 125˚C100k Cycles
    CEEPROM
    (Fast access and lower power)
    		32bit – 4kbit10 Years @ 125˚C100k Cycles
    FLASH32kbit – 1Mbit20 Years @ 85˚C1k Cycles @ 85˚C
    NVRAM1kbit – 16kbit10 Years @ 125˚C10k Cycles

    Mixed Signal ASIC Design and Development FAQs

    What is ASIC Design?

    ASIC design is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). ASIC design is used to improve the performance and repeatability of complex electronic circuits and systems through the integration of individual components and their functionality into a single element (reducing the size & cost). Swindon’s ASIC design is the methodology of transforming a complex electronic system specification into the digital database (GDS2) that would be used to define the multi-layered circuitry and to physically manufacture the silicon wafers and the individual dies used in the chip.

    What are ASICs used for?

    ASICs are used in all electronic applications ranging from automotive and electric vehicles to Industrial IOT and smart factories where cost, size, performance, IP protection and non-obsolescence is important.

    What is an ASIC Specification?

    An ASIC specification is a document that lists how a device needs to function and perform in various operational situations is an extremely significant part of the design and development process. An expertly crafted ASIC specification helps guide the design process and stipulates the exact performance that each block of the IC has to meet.
    It is crucial that the ASIC design team guides the customer during the development of the ASIC specification and the process can take a number of weeks, depending upon the system complexity, to complete.

    What is ASIC design flow?

    ASIC design flow is a proven design process which follows various steps or stages of IC design. For example, the Swindon design team consists of Consultant, Design, Layout and Test engineers working together in a structured and planned process to deliver the optimum performance, both technically and commercially for our customers. The process starts from the customer concept and progresses to the system specification, then on to an early design and simulation, through layout, prototype evaluation and production test engineering.

    What is full custom ASIC?

    A full custom ASIC is where the IC is developed to a unique set of requirements and specifications, as defined by the customer, and will be a unique product that is not available on the open market.

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