What is an ASIC?

Summary

In this episode of the 'What is?' series, Brian Fuller and Rob Aen, an expert at ARM, dive into the concept of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). Rob explains how ASICs are custom chips designed for specific tasks, distinguishing them from off-the-shelf solutions. They discuss the benefits of ASICs, including performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Rob also shares insights into the evolution of ASICs, highlighting both challenges and advancements in design, and speculates on the future of ASICs as costs and design processes continue to evolve.

Takeaways

• 😀 An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a chip designed to perform a specific function or solve a particular problem.
• 😀 ASICs differ from standard off-the-shelf chips by being tailored for specific applications, offering unique functionalities not found in general-purpose chips.
• 😀 Historically, System on Chips (SoCs) included processors and custom logic, while ASICs are now also commonly designed with processors, blurring the lines between the two.
• 😀 Engineering teams choose ASICs over standard chips when they need functionality that can't be achieved with off-the-shelf solutions, providing better power, performance, and cost benefits in large-scale production.
• 😀 The power and performance advantages of ASICs are significant when compared to solutions implemented in software or general-purpose chips.
• 😀 As the demand for specific functionalities increases, the cost-effectiveness of ASICs becomes evident when large quantities are produced.
• 😀 The first ASICs had much fewer gates (9,000) compared to today's chips, which can fit 3,000 of those early designs on just one square millimeter of silicon.
• 😀 Over the past 30 years, ASICs have evolved to include more functionality, becoming much more powerful and efficient in their design and application.
• 😀 Looking forward, the cost of designing ASICs is rising due to the expensive design process and the cost of factory provisioning, but automation in the design process is making it easier to implement them.
• 😀 There is a tension between the rising cost of ASIC production and the ease of design, but it’s expected that more ASICs will be produced as people find more applications for them and discover ways to reduce production costs.

Q & A

What is an ASIC?

An ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) is a chip designed to fulfill a specific purpose or solve a particular problem, unlike general-purpose chips.

How does an ASIC differ from a standard off-the-shelf chip?

The key difference is that an ASIC is designed for a particular application, adding functionality that off-the-shelf chips do not offer. Standard chips are general-purpose, while ASICs are tailored for specific tasks.

Is an ASIC the same as a System on Chip (SoC)?

Historically, ASICs and SoCs were different, with SoCs typically including a processor along with custom logic. Nowadays, most ASICs also include a processor, making the terms more interchangeable.

Why do engineering teams choose to design with an ASIC instead of using standard chips?

Engineering teams choose ASICs when they need capabilities that standard chips cannot provide. Additionally, ASICs offer power, performance, and cost benefits, especially when large quantities of a specific design are needed.

How have ASICs evolved over time?

ASICs have evolved to include more functionality, becoming capable of performing more complex tasks. The size and capability have significantly improved, with modern ASICs fitting thousands of older chips' worth of functionality into a much smaller space.

What are the current challenges in ASIC design?

The two main challenges are the increasing cost of initial startup for ASIC design, including the creation of masks and factory setup, and the complexity of designing ASICs, although automation is making this process easier.

What are the two competing trends affecting the future of ASICs?

One trend is the rising cost of designing and manufacturing ASICs, while the other is the increasing ease of automatically implementing designs through automated tools. These trends could either limit or increase the use of ASICs depending on how the balance plays out.

How has the cost of manufacturing ASICs changed over time?

Manufacturing ASICs has become more expensive due to the higher costs of design and production processes. However, advances in automated design tools are helping to reduce the complexity of creating ASICs.

What is the main driver behind the use of ASICs in engineering projects?

The primary driver is achieving functionality that cannot be realized with standard chips or software. Additionally, ASICs provide power and performance advantages, making them a preferred choice for many engineering teams.

What do experts predict about the future of ASICs?

Experts predict that as design tools become more automated, ASICs will become more common despite the higher initial cost of production. The increasing availability of automation tools will likely lead to more widespread use of ASICs in various industries.