1. Take advantage of design services for ASICs.
2. Find a ASICs manufacturer offering custom ASIC.
3. Use a high profile ASICs supplier for high priority projects.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for an ASICs distributor that offers design services

The quality of the materials used in your ASICs will be pointless if the design of your chip is faulty. As the technology progresses so quickly, it's not always feasible to maintain an in-house designer, especially for smaller businesses. Luckily, many companies offer ASIC design services from their staffs of high quality engineers.

I recommend: Silicon Logic Engineering offers a "right-first-time" guarantee on their ASIC designs, using their Think Physical™ process. Fujitsu uses industry-leading tools and a unique design methodology to offer rapid and successful results the first time through.

Choose a ASICs vendor that offers custom chips

As their name suggests, application-specific ICs are not interchangeable. You want to make sure that you are receiving the semiconductor that best fits your product. The best way to do this is to use a application specific integrated circuit manufacturer that offers custom services to ensure you are receiving the best product for your business.

I recommend: Advanced Linear Devices offers a cost effective kit to create an ASIC to fit your specifications. Clare Micronix offers a wide variety of custom ASIC products for many applications.

Consider using a big name ASICs manufacturer for high priority projects

If you can fit it into your budget, using a well known company will not only ensure you high quality ASICs, but may also make your end product more appealing to your customer. You will reap the benefits of the company's buyer trust. While it may be a high initial cost, the end benefits may make it worth the investment.

I recommend: Toshiba America Electronic Components is an industry-leading producer of high performance ASICs and offer a complete business solutions that lower design risks and guarantee high-yield manufacturing results. Samsung takes advantage of their industry leading technology and vast experience to offer "full service solutions" from inception of design to manufacture.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While more inexpensive companies may be appealing, you don't want to sacrifice quality to save money in the short term. Before committing to a company make sure they are prepared to maintain a competitive edge in the ever changing field of application specific integrated circuits.