ASIC

ASIC is an integrated circuit that is customized for a particular purpose opposed to general use. For example, the chip used to function a cell phone is considered as an ASIC. On the contrary, other integrated circuits act as logic building blocks that may be wired together and used in various programs. The maximum complexity and functionality in an ASIC has improved due to advancements in programming tools. Modern chips usually consist of 32-bit processors along with memory blocks such as RAM, ROM, Flash objects and other building blocks. In this instance, an ISIC may be referred to as an SOC (System-on-a-Chip). Designers of digital integrated circuits use hardware description languages such as Verilog and VHDL to describe it’s functionality. In some instances, FPGA (field-programmable gate arrays) are used as equivalent more cost effective alternatives to an ASIC. This is typically the case in applications with a less complex design and lower production volumes. ASIC is still used by most designers for non-field programmable devices.