Custom Integrated Circuits Research Articles

Introduction to the Special Issue on the IEEE 2003 Custom Integrated Circuits Conference

Introduction to the Special Issue on the IEEE 2003 Custom Integrated Circuits Conference

The evolution of DSP processors

The number and variety of products that include some form of digital signal processing (DSP) has grown dramatically. DSP has become a key component in many consumer, communications, medical, and industrial products, which use a variety of hardware approaches to implement DSP, ranging from the use of off-the-shelf microprocessors to field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to custom integrated circuits (ICs). Programmable "DSP processors", a class of microprocessors optimized for DSP, are a popular solution for several reasons: they can potentially be reprogrammed in the field, allowing product upgrades or fixes. They are often more cost-effective (and less risky) than custom hardware, particularly for low-volume applications, where the development cost of custom ICs may be prohibitive. In comparison to other types of microprocessors, DSP processors often have an advantage in terms of speed, cost, and energy efficiency. In this article, we trace the evolution of DSP processors from early architectures to current state-of-the-art devices. We highlight some of the key differences among architectures and compare their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we discuss the growing class of general-purpose processors that have been enhanced to address the needs of DSP applications.

Experimental Basis and Design of a New Cochlear Prosthesis System

In a multichannel cochlear prosthesis, electrical interactions between electrodes impose severe limitations on dynamic range and selectivity. We present a theoretical model to cope with these limitations. Building a successful cochlear implant requires full custom-integrated circuits. We present the design of such a device, implemented in complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. The area of the chip is 9 mm2 and it can stimulate 15 cochlear electrodes with current impulses.

The impact of custom and semi-custom integrated circuits on measurement system design

Reviews custom and semi-custom integrated circuit design and implementation procedures. The effect of integrated circuit technology on measurement system design and manufacture is described. Correlation-based measurement systems and machinery health monitoring systems are introduced as particular examples illustrating the benefits that can result from the application of this technology.

D4 Digital Channel Bank Family: Custom-Integrated Circuits for Digital Terminals

This article describes the design steps for generating custom and semi-custom integrated circuits for digital terminals. The design styles and processing techniques are discussed with special emphasis on the interaction of the device organization with the system organization. Metal-oxide-semiconductor technology makes possible high-packing-density custom integration. Logic conversion is verified by simulation, layout is performed automatically, and timing is verified by using layout information as input to the timing simulator. Gate arrays facilitate semi-custom designing at low cost for modest scales of integration. The same design automation tools are used for both custom and semi-custom integration. Complementary bipolar integrated circuit technology realizes high-performance analog circuitry and can be combined with buried injector logic to integrate both analog and digital circuitry on the same chip. The combination of these technologies offers cost-effective system integration for digital terminals.