What is an ASIC?

Basic explanation of ASIC, IC and semiconductors vs. Chip, SoC and Turnkey etc.

ASIC vs IC 
ASIC is an abbreviation for “Application Specific Integrated Circuit,” while IC simply means “Integrated Circuit” Both are very similar in terms of their technical design and production, but their purposes and target groups differ. An IC is a general-purpose standard component with functionality intended for use in many different applications (which, by definition, always involves a number of compromises), while the functionality of an ASIC is tailored and optimized for a specific customer application. An ASIC is therefore sold exclusively to a specific unique customer, while IC circuits are sold on the open market as CotS (Components of the Shelf) for anyone to buy. Both have their respective advantages … 

Semiconductors and Chips 
ASIC and IC circuits are collectively referred to as semiconductors, also refered to as Chips. In recent years these semiconductors have become increasingly important internationally due to increased geopolitical uncertainty in the world. However, having your own ASIC gives you much greater control over your own component supply, which can otherwise be a challenge with semiconductors in the form of standard Ics, which are more often affected by sourcing problems. 

In addition to IC and ASIC circuits, semiconductors also come in the form of discrete components like transistors and diodes, among others, which are commonly used in traditional electronics design. 

Technically speaking, an ASIC circuit consists of a densely packed combination of electronic functionality in a single small silicon circuit – as mentioned, often simply referred to as a chip! The chip can be made very small but still often contains many millions, or even billions, of transistors. This in turn means that many highly advanced functions can be accommodated on a small chip, which can also often be produced at very low cost in volume production. 

ASIC circuits usually integrate the functions of several standard IC circuits and discrete passive components into a single silicon solution, saving both cost and solution size – in the form of a single small chip. As mentioned, ASICs are also fully customized. In addition to consolidating discrete functions, novel functions and optimized performance are also designed into the chip. 

SoC 
In some cases, the aim is to even accommodate all of a product’s electronics within a single ASIC chip, which is then referred to as a System on Chip (SoC). Such an SoC can be complex and often contains everything from a mix of advanced analog and digital functions to memory and a microcontroller, and sometimes even a complete RF transceiver. 

Turnkey ASIC 
Turnkey refers to taking an idea from concept through design and industrialization all the way to production deliveries. The finished ASIC is developed on behalf of, and supplied exclusively to, a single customer who retains full control over its use in production. ShortLink’s efficient and proven ASIC Development Flow enables both experienced and first-time customers to approach us with nothing more than an initial concept – sometimes just a sketch on a napkin! From there, ShortLink transforms the idea into a complete product specification, designs the ASIC, and provides ongoing supply and support throughout the product’s lifetime.