Manufacturers ready to invest in an Application Specific IC (ASIC) are likely to have several questions: How long will it take to develop my design? How much will it cost? What is the long-term picture? The answer to these queries depends primarily on the scale of the project itself, but the skills and expertise of the IC designer also play a major role.
The ASIC design process comprises multiple stages, including the agreement of the system specification, initial design, prototype fabrication, evaluation and finally the industrialisation stage before production. Navigating this process successfully requires careful management at every step to deliver a high-quality product on time.
This is where opting for a full turnkey (FTK) ASIC service can be advantageous. An FTK ASIC service is one in which the entire ASIC design process - from initial design to the first product delivery - is managed entirely in-house. So, how does this benefit manufacturers seeking a custom IC?
ASIC expertise
Thanks to their in-house capabilities, FTK suppliers have a wealth of expertise across every element of the ASIC workflow. No ASIC design knowledge is required on the part of the customer: they need only know their system requirements and operating environment. The FTK supplier is able to translate this into a detailed ASIC specification and ultimately a high-quality finished product.
Ease of communication
A single supplier also means a single point of contact. For the customer, this offers enhanced security in the case of any issues, with the FTK designer solely responsible. No time is wasted chasing individual suppliers, each passing the blame between one another. And in the case that the customer needs to make any changes to the design, either due to evolving needs or other feedback, these can be quickly communicated and accommodated.
Improved cost predictability
Rather than having to collate quotes from a variety of suppliers for each stage of the ASIC workflow, an FTK supplier can provide a single quote for the entire process. This makes it far simpler for businesses to forecast the true cost of their project, with no hidden surprises mid-way through. Some FTK suppliers will also provide fixed-price quotes, which can be particularly advantageous for manufacturers operating in more turbulent markets.
Faster time-to-market
A complete in-house solution means that there’s no need to wait for individual suppliers to liaise with one another. Having design, test and production teams all under one roof fosters a more dynamic, collaborative approach, streamlining the overall process for a faster time-to-market.
Supply chain management
The responsibilities of the FTK supplier don’t end with the first delivery of completed chips. Ensuring a robust supply chain is just another element of their role, requiring careful management of material sourcing, inventory, forecasting, yield and production timelines. Encapsulating all these roles under one umbrella helps to guarantee a smooth supply of ASIC chips, delivered across the globe to wherever the customer needs them.
At first, developing an ASIC could seem like an overwhelming project. Identifying suitable IC designers, testers and supply teams can require considerable commitment and consultation with multiple experts. But opting for a FTK ASIC solution means the overall process is much simpler. With the tools and expertise to manage the entire ASIC workflow under one roof, customers can reap all the benefits of a more streamlined process and rest assured knowing their project is in safe hands.
Author details: Ross Turnbull, Director of Business Development and Product Engineering at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems
