This section of FAQs consists of questions realted to CHIP fabrication and ASIC design realted basic issues
What are steps involved in chip making?
Chip making is a very complex process, which involve several steps. A simple description about IC fabrication steps is available at the following link.
VLSI design can be broadly classified into 2 categories. They are “Full Custom VLSI” and “Semi Custom VLSI”. In Full custom VLSI the designer goes very detailed level manipulating the transistors and optimizing it silicon level, interconnect level to improve the performance. In semi custom design as the name stands semi custom means it is customized only to some extent. The designers make use of library of basics cells and make the final layout.
What is ASIC?
ASIC stands for “Application Specific Integrated Circuit”. Today in VLSI industry a chip which is made for a special application is understood as an ASIC. Most of electronics hardware like Mobile phone, TV, Camera etc are designed with ASICs.
What is the meaning of “ASIC Prototyping on FPGA”?
ASIC prototyping on FPGA is the process where the ASIC is tested on FPGA hardware by a special method. The main purpose of ASIC prototyping on FPGA is to identify any bugs in the design which will reduce loss of money and time.
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How FPGAs are useful in ASIC development cycle?
FPGAs are mainly used in ASIC development cycle for prototyping applications that means before making ASIC we would use FPGAs to run with the same application or the same logic. So we have a platform, where we can test the complete design and after fixing the bugs we can finalize ASIC for IC manufacturing.