ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the three different forms of application-specific IC switches: Full-custom switches, semi-custom or array programmable switches, and “specials”. “Full-custom” circuits tend to have a more compact and efficient chip layout, but because of the requirement for a new unique mask set, they require more layout time and expense, and the overall cycle time to produce prototypes, as well as production cycle time, is therefore longer. The NRE usually covers the costs for designing the IC, laying it out, making masks, developing test programs, and running prototypes. The unit cost in production is usually based upon how many units are required, and by factoring in wafer costs, chip size, package cost, test time and yields. Lead times must be carefully scrutinized and a safety margin should be ready in any schedule involving a non-standard device. The testing of Application-Specific and User-Specific (ASIC/USIC) switches has long been a tough hurdle to overcome.
