ASIC - Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

The cost of developing an ASIC has to be compared with the cost of using an existing part or an FPGA. The existing part may not perform the required function exactly, requiring either a design specification change, or some additional glue logic to adapt the part to the application.

More than one ASIC may be needed under any of the following conditions:

• application-specific functions are physically distant,
• application-specific functions require different technologies,
• application-specific functions are just too big for one ASIC,
• it is desired to split the cost and risk or reuse part of the system later on.

Factors to consider on a per-chip basis:

• power consumption limitation (powers above 5 Watts need special attention),
• die size limitation (above 11 mm on a side might escalate cost per mm²),
• speed of operation --- clock frequencies above 1~GHz raise issues,
• special considerations :
  • special static or dynamic RAM needs
  • analogue parts - what is compromised if these are integrated onto the ASIC ?
  • high power/voltage output capabilities for load control: e.g.~motors.
• availability of a developed module for future reuse.