Archive for January 2007

Soft IP for the Analog ASIC – Impossible Yet True

Via-configurable array (VCA) technology enables the rapid development and low cost design of feature-rich mixed-signal ASICs that integrate sophisticated analog IP blocks without the pain and risk of full-custom design. To IP or Not to IP Although all real engineers would like to create all of their designs from scratch, that just is not practical [Read more...]

Are Digital Structured ASICs Dead?

The Digital Structured ASIC is dead. LSI has pulled the plug. Synplicity is winding down their entire structured ASIC line. Articles appear, almost daily, waxing nostalgic about the rise and fall of an industry. Yet, there is a new approach to using a structured (or platform, or array) approach to ASIC design. Mixed signal via-configured [Read more...]

Via Configurable ASICs for Analog and Mixed Signal Applications

Introduction As any ASIC designer knows all to well, the pressure is relentless to develop larger chips with more functions (including analog) and to deliver in record time. Fabs keep making smaller geometry processes which allows for more transistors per unit area, but this does not make the design easier. And then there is the [Read more...]

FPGA plus Mixed Signal ASIC Conversion

Convert your FPGA and discrete analog design into a low cost, high performance via configurable ASIC. Migrating your mixed signal design to a Triad VCA means: Reduced cost Lower power Better integration Improved reliability IP Protection If you thought that you could not afford a mixed signal ASIC then please consider the Triad advantage: Industry’s [Read more...]

How to Design a 16-bit Sigma Delta Analog to Digital Converter

Designing a Sigma Delta A/D Converter as Soft-IP Sigma delta A/D converters (ΣΔ-ADC) combine over sampling analog sigma delta modulators with digital decimation filters to achieve high precision and cost effective A/D conversion solutions. ΣΔ-ADCs are used to implement high-precision, low-power A/D converters for applications such as sensor interfaces and audio processing. Until recently a [Read more...]