Does the development of a custom or semi-custom integrated circuit make business sense for my product(s) and organization?

Answering this question requires considering:

1. Part volume over product lines
2. Optimal system partitioning
3. Future product requirements
4. Full custom or semi-custom IC approach
5. Value of improved product reliability (if any)
6. Value of reduced manufacturing costs (if any)
7. In-House development (COT), OEM, or development partnerships
8. Selecting IC foundry and process geometry (node)
9. Management process for chosen design strategy
10. Cost and availability of third party IP
11. Protection and control of company IP
12. Capturing core technology
13. IC development infrastructure investment
14. Selecting, managing the IC supply chain
15. Verification, testing, quality control

Sometimes the answer is found to be no, but sometimes there is no other way to get the target performance, reliability, and cost, necessary to be competitive.

ASI’s experience can be a guide through this process.