Online chip builder enables designers to visualise their ASIC solution

Swindon Silicon Systems has announced its online IC Builder. The builder is a new way for design engineers to visualise what their ASIC/MEMS solution could look like for their application and to informally discuss with the company the results and the process needed to achieve the IC solution. Click by click, the builder enables the user to progressively add the functions needed for their intelligent sensing application and the ability to see what the final package could look like. Creators can add processors including ARM Cortex and Intel 8051, a choice of memory type – ADCs, DACs, Flash, EEPROM, low and band-pass filtering, sensors – including MEMS pressure, frequency generators, photodiode and temperature, RF and a choice of communication protocols. Power management by DC-DC converters or voltage regulators is selectable as is the type of protection required, such as EMC and surge and reverse polarity. Finally, users can choose the operating voltage level for the device. Once all the functions required have been chosen, a single click will let the user see the package and its dimensions required for their particular application. “We are really looking forward to seeing who will use IC Builder,” says Richard Mount, sales and marketing director at Swindon Silicon Systems. “Our experience tells us that design engineers who are new to ASICs find it difficult to know the best way to begin the process without giving away too much information about their application. IC Builder lets them see what is possible with just a series of mouse clicks and an email address. We are also confident that existing ASIC users will experiment with IC Builder to see if their current solution, be it either ASIC or discrete components, really is the best available to them or to look at new requirements.”