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Article: Prototyping ASICs makes design less risky. (application-specific integrated circuits) (includes a related article on starting production with programmable devices)
- Article from:
- EDN
- Article date:
- June 21, 1990
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. (US). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The time-honored art of prototyping circuit designs can also benefit ASIC designs. Programmable logic and in-circuit emulators are among the prototyping tools available.
One of the biggest deterrents designers face when considering an ASIC design is the high cost of failure, both in money and in time. You can improve your chances of having a successful design by prototyping your ASIC. But first, plot out your migration path from prototype to ASIC. Otherwise, you may wind up paying the very penalties you hoped to avoid.
When ASICs first became available, your only prototyping alternative was wiring your design in discrete logic. That method was feasible ...