Programme Logic and ASICs : Costs and Benefits

Programmable logic covers a broad range of digital applications offering an alternative to discrete logic gates, microcontrollers or a software solution.

The report gives an overview of the capabilities and costs of programmable logic and digital ASICs to help in the identification of appropriate technology and design software.

It examines the device architectures, and relates them to both the design processes and typical applications.

In many cases, programmable logic or ASIC technologies are not just alternative implementations for existing applications, but open up new possibilities which would not otherwise be considered feasible.

Design software is discussed in terms of the facilities and features appropriate to each category of devices.

The various design routes are explained in relation to the complexity of the designs for which they are intended and the requirements of the target devices.

The design entry methods examined are based on both schematic capture and hardware desciption languages, and the two approaches are compared. In the final section, specific design examples are addressed in detail, and the reasoning behind the choice of technologies and design routes is given.

An analysis of the financial aspects of a standard cell ASIC design project is presented illustrating the manufacturing volume at which the design becomes economically viable.

Some useful conclusions are drawn.