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FPGA -> ASIC`

Hello:

I have absolutely no experience in ASIC design. I do however have experience in FPGA. I have a CPU design that is currently working in a Xilinx FPGA. The design fits in a spartan3 XCS200 (144pin Package).

I want to migrate to a fully custom chip in a different package. My design only has 10 pins that are used for signals so I want to get into a very small package such as a SOIC20 or a micro lead frame (QFN) 32 package.

Is it possible to take a synthesizable netlist to an ASIC vendor and get a custom chip in a custom package? What kind of Costs should I expect? Right now the FPGA solution is too big and to expensive for the runs I need. The Spartan chips need to get to around $4 (and in a smaller package) to become cost effective (rather than $20). Also, I want to get rid of the configuration FLASH to save $$ (Hence the ASIC)

Thanks, Eli

Reply to
Eli Hughes
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"Eli Hughes" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news:dpm1ca$1kqc$ snipped-for-privacy@f04n12.cac.psu.edu...

Xilinx chips can go as low as $4, but well depends on quantity and the config flash is a pain

but check also Actel PA3 in CSP package offering, the package is just a bit larger than QFN32, but I think the PCB estate a little smaller than SOIC20 - well cost can be too high, Lattice doesnt have QFN so far, only BGA what is possible too big for you

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has qfn56 as smallest package

antti

Reply to
Antti Lukats

Have you looked at Altera's HardCopy device? It allows you to migrate a FPGA (Startix/Cyclone) design to a HardCopy device. It is suppose to have some of the advantages of ASIC device (price was one of them).

Derek

Reply to
dereks314

You do not mention your volumes : ASICs (and even some FPGA-ASIC alternatives, as well ) have substantial NRE (setup) costs, as well as minimum volumes. FPGA vendors boast about sub $3 'future-price' devices, and also have flows that lower prices for stable code and high volume.

- but their high volume, and your high volume, may be different :) For cheapest config, look at SPI FLASH devices.

-jg

Reply to
Jim Granville

Stratix/Stratix II, rather. The HardCopy devices are definitely high end. Definitely seems like a nice migration program, though.

-hpa

Reply to
H. Peter Anvin

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