Two Custom Design Methods to Satisfy Every Custom Requirement
Maxim's QuickChip Approach A QuickChip uses an uncommitted array of strategically placed devices that you can quickly interconnect to meet application requirements (similar to gate arrays for digital designs). QuickChip arrays are easier to use, less expensive, and less time-consuming than full custom design, because there are fewer masks to customize. The QuickChip9 (PDF, 116K), fabricated on Maxim's 27GHz GST-2 process, and the QuickChip 10 Family (PDF, 818K), fabricated on Maxim's high-speed complementary CB-2 process, each use only six custom masks. The QuickChip 10 family provides added bond-pad placement and die-size flexibility to bridge the gap between QuickChip and full custom designs. QuickChip 11, based on Maxim's third-generation SiGe process, GST-35, is in development. Please contact the ASIC group for availability.
Maxim's Full Custom Approach Our full-custom approach to ASIC design offers greater flexibility. You can choose from a complete library of transistors, generate custom resistors, capacitors, and diodes, and have complete placement freedom. Full custom designs achieve higher performance and smaller die size (hence, lower production cost) than QuickChip arrays. Several customers have proven product feasibility using a QuickChip design, then later, as their volume grew, migrated the design to a full custom die to lower manufacturing cost.
Comparison of QuickChip and Full Custom Design Methods
