ASIC Design Process Flow
Design Specification
iSine can work with the customer to develop a robust design specification to ensure that the final product will do what is required. If needed we can design FPGA prototypes prior to ASIC commitment.
Process Selection
As a fabless semiconducto design house, we select the best process that balances speed, performance and cost. We work with XFab, TSMC, Global Foundries, Vanguard, SMIC, Dalsa Teledyne, Polar Semiconductor and TowerJazz.
Mixed-signal Design
iSine's engineers will do any combination of architectural, RTL, and gate design needed for the chip. Matlab, Mathematica and Python are used for code translation to VHDL or Verilog. We do logic synthesis, DFT and scan insertion. Timing is evaluated for multi-corner process variations.
Analog Design
High voltage and low noise designs require special consideration for successful implementation of the design. We use Silvaco SmartSpice for analog circuit simulation.
Physical Design
iSine uses Silvaco's Expert and Guardian tools for custom analog layout and DRC and LVS. Larger designs use Mentor's Calibre tools.
Manufacturing
iSine will complete the tapeout paperwork and help select the most cost-effective mask choice: single level, multi-level or multi-product mask sets. iSine can submit the gds for manufacturing, or the gds can be cusomer-owned.
Packaging and Test
iSine will help select the bonding type and packaging most suitable for the chip's use and price point. We will develop a test specification and test programs and custom load boards, if needed.
Supply Chain Management
iSine can handle production orders for on-time deliveries with product tracking and direct shipments to the customer.