3d imaging asic

The Use of 3D Imaging ASIC in Medicine

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The availability of 3D imaging ASIC has revolutionized the way health and medical care professionals create accurate models of every part of the human body.

With more detailed images, it is easier to detect medical conditions that are not possible especially during the early signs of an emerging condition. The creation of in-depth imaging helped medical and health care providers carry out the best treatment and management for their patients.

Advances in three-dimensional imaging techniques provide important benefits for both doctors and patients. Custom-made medical equipment and products have proved to offer positive impacts in different medical-related activities including implants and surgeries.

Besides, it is known to give beneficial influence in terms of patient recovery time, the required time for surgery, and the success of any surgical operation. With its satisfactory advantages, the use of 3D imaging ASIC is anticipated to be universally used in the coming years for accuracy and efficiency in every medical specialization.

3D Imaging in Healthcare Applications

Three-dimensional imaging is critical to several medical diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This is because the value of this technology has immensely elevated the way physicians and medical specialists accurately diagnose, manage, and do procedures to save money and time.

Diagnostic Imaging

3D imaging captures highly accurate images in multiple angles or varying depths according to the referring physician’s needs. Due to this, the technology helps medical experts see things clearly and avoid or minimize the risk of human diagnostic errors.

To be given accurate images which can be synthesized into cross-section, physicians are now given the tools to come up with precise diagnostics and treatment planning.

Surgical Planning

Surgeons are now able to strategize more precisely before any surgical procedure through the aid of 3D imaging ASIC. In the same token, better visualization of the human anatomy is possible with the existence of 3D imaging.

Increased understanding of the complex human body provides more detailed information about a certain condition and surgical planning.

Telemedicine

In today’s modern technology, medical experts can share their expertise with practitioners across the globe.

This is because with three-dimensional imaging, team members can work together without the need of being physically there. As a result, telemedicine or teleconsultation cuts down the need to transport patients to other facilities.

3D Printing

3D imaging ASIC allows medical professionals to come up with customized medical plans, devices, or tools faster than before. The recent advances in technology aid clinicians to develop better approaches, treatment, and management of different medical conditions. This goes to help with patient comfort, satisfaction, and rehabilitation.

Benefits of 3D Imaging

To conclude, here are some of the overall benefits of 3D imaging:

  • Improved productivity
  • Cost efficiency
  • High accuracy
  • Customization and personalization
  • Data sharing among researchers for collaboration

Three-dimensional imaging is also useful in areas like orthopedics, neurosurgery, brain imaging, design of prosthesis, oncology, and so much more.

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System on a Chip (SOC) or CPU? Which is Better?

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System on a Chip or SOC is an electronic circuit board responsible for integrating all the necessary components in electronic and computer systems.

The components consist of memory, a central processing unit, wireless radios for Wi-Fi, GPS, FM radio, Bluetooth, and 2G/3G/LTE, and USB controller. These are permanently fastened into the motherboard. While compact, fast, and reliable, these parts are not as easily replaceable, requiring finer tuning in the building process to ensure long lasting productivity.

System on a Chip (SOC) is common in single-board computers, smartphones, tablets, Wi-Fi routers, game consoles, and other computing devices. SOCs consist metal-oxide-semiconductor technology, having 2 major subsystems: functional unit and inter-module communications.

The functional unit of a SOC holds the microprocessors responsible for memory, running code, and digital signal processors while the second subsystem has the communication networks and topology.

With the power of miniaturization, all these components shrink into one single silicon chip, leaving more space for other functionalities and sections at the same time consuming less power.

Advantages of SOCs

  • Lightweight
  • Consumes less power
  • Greater design security (both for firmware and hardware)
  • Faster performance due to faster memory and faster processor
  • Smaller overall cost

Drawbacks of SOCs

  • Complex
  • Higher or expensive initial cost
  • If the design or functionality consists of smaller SOCs, it can be costly as you pay per SOC

However, in this case the advantages are worth the investment. SOC on average performs better than CPU, and here’s how:

What is a CPU?

The Central Processing Unit or CPU is commonly referred to as the “brain of the computer”. CPU is in charge of tasks like manipulating data and calculations.

A computer’s Central Processing Unit is the one responsible for doing logical input/output operations and arithmetic. Basically, the CPU picks up instructions; what to do, follows these instructions, and executes them. Every key that you press on your computer goes through the CPU to be executed.

Most of the devices that we use today to complete office tasks, research, or entertainment through video games have a CPU. While CPUs function as the core part of a computer system, they are still only a small part of the entire motherboard architecture.

Today, computer systems have multiple CPU cores keeping up with different information being received. Certainly, the more CPU cores installed on your computer, the better. They aid your machine in handling the complexity of websites, graphics, and programs. The more CPUs, the better your computer will perform.

System on a Chip vs CPU

Although CPU is bigger than a SOC, the latter has more functionality compared to a regular CPU. Therefore, based on how the world and technology are consistently changing, it will be of no surprise when regular CPUs have been completely replaced.

 

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What Makes SOC a Better Choice? SOC and Its Advantages

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What should I know about SOC?

System on a Chip or SOC is widely used in today’s modern electronics and computing systems.  SOCs are available in a variety of compositions, sophistication, and complexity depending on the intended use of a specific computing system.

A SOC can range from one single processor system to multiple processor systems with integrated memory controllers, storage elements, and more.

System on a Chip is highly preferable due to its capability and power. Its design is compact which means less power consumption, better power performance, requires less space, and is more reliable.

Below are additional benefits of SOC:

  • Power usage is comparably low since all components are embed and connecting in one single chip. Lower power requirements
  • The design requires less space because all components are on the same chip
  • A smaller size means lightweight and compact
  • Overall and cabling costs are also lower since the media player is already on the display
  • Faster performance and execution because of higher memory and the use of a high-speed processor which is equivalent to greater system reliability
  • Better security design; hardware and firmware wise

Providing numerous advantages and benefits, SOC remains the preferred solution today and the future demand is on the rise.

Interested in learning more about SOC? Click here to view some of our previous blogs all about the ins and outs of system on a chip!

Linear MicroSystems, Inc. is proud to offer its services worldwide as well as the surrounding areas and cities around our Headquarters in Irvine, CA: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, Orange County, Fullerton, and Los Angeles.

MicroSystems

What Does a Microsystems Engineer Do?

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Overview

A microsystem engineer researches, designs, develops or tests microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.  Microsystems engineers use computer software to produce the design they are working with.

Also, these engineers assess their design plans to determine the production cost as well as the efficacy of the products; address issues, if necessary, changes are needed (to improve product or design), and the production process.

Tasks and Duties of a Microsystems Engineer

Daily, a microsystems engineer is responsible for the planning and/or scheduling of development projects about microelectromechanical systems technology.

  • Plan and research about microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology
  • Research development projects about MEMS technology
  • Propose product designs related to MEMS technology while adhering to customer’s requirements, data, and specifications.
  • Manage new product introduction and oversee the successful placement of MEMS applications or devices
  • Develop microelectromechanical systems tools, develop or procure instrumentation, test equipment, or facilities to define MEMS application
  • Develop and handle customer documentation including operating instructions and training manuals
  • Draft intellectual property and patent disclosure related to microelectromechanical systems MEMS products, systems, or devices
  • Develop performance specifications
  • Take note of the operating performance and characteristics at the same time communicate these gathered experiences to fellow engineers and designers for training or development of new products
  • Compose and maintain engineering documents such as materials specifications, bills of materials, and/or packaging requirements
  • Supervise and conducts surveys, reviews, audits, performance monitoring of incoming materials, vendor qualification protocols, and such to ensure its in accordance with specifications

Apart from an engineer’s day–to- day tasks and responsibilities, a microsystem engineer might also conduct environmental testing and product testing to validate products or devices using different tools and simulation software.

Inspection of materials, fabrication methods, evaluation of packing materials, cost, performance, and availability are also part of an engineer’s responsibilities.

Add to that the weekly or monthly tasks to address issues for the improvement and development of microelectromechanical systems product or device designs. This added responsibility also involves the investigation of the cost and process capability using simulation software.

How to become a microsystems engineer?

Getting a career as a microsystems engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in microsystems engineering.  Although this field focuses on elements from electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics, one should have good designing skills as the main task involves designing MEMS devices and products.

Anyone with relevant training or a graduate of electrical engineering or mechanical engineering can have a career in this field for entry-level positions.

Apart from a bachelor’s degree or relevant training, one must be very experienced with computer design software, designs, and schematics. Besides, the job requires critical analytic skills to identify potential design issues and address existing problems.

One must also be a great team player with great communication skills to effectively communicate issues with team members to have a clearer understanding of issues related to design or products to come up with a solution based on their analysis.

A microsystems engineer can land a job in the energy sector, communication, automobile industry, medical services, and more.

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A Breakdown of the Job of an Analog Design Engineer

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The job of an analog design engineer is to design the circuitry found in analog electronics. Basically, as electronic engineers, they develop and maintain the circuitry by way of testing and troubleshooting, including the supervision of the manufacturing process in factories and plants.

 

Responsibilities of an analog design engineer

 

Everyday electronic devices, such as mobile phones, hearing aids, and microwaves, among others are developed by analog circuit design engineers. He or she must at least have a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering with several years of training experience, state-regulated licensure, and passed an engineering exam.

 

An analog design engineer is required to have a strong analog and digital background. Therefore, he or she must be responsible for several tasks which include the following.

 

  • Has to come out with a proper design, which should be a top-to-bottom approach, starting from highest to lowest level of abstraction.
  • The design must be fed in a CAD software for appropriate simulations.
  • The design must be sent for fabrication following the testing of chips in five stages, beginning from the chip to the field level.
  • Must be able to guarantee proper functionality over maintenance, periodic bug checking, updating, and warranty.
  • Conduct brainstorm for new problems and appropriate solutions.
  • Conduct most of their work in laboratories and offices
  • Usually work forty hours per week
  • Often required to work longer hours to meet deadlines

 

Software skills required

 

The analog design engineer should also possess skills in the following software applications.

Cadence virtuoso

 

This software can help in the pre- and post-layout simulations. Moreover, it can aid the analog design engineer in debugging, optimizing, and adding speed, making it a crucial tool. There are online tutorials to learn using this software.

 

MatLab

 

MatLab or Matrix Laboratory has a lot of toolboxes and functions with great importance to the engineer working on the implementation of complex mathematical functions.

 

Qualities of an analog design engineer

 

It is important to note that a potential analog design engineer must have strong understanding and command over the fundamentals, particular in analog electronics. That includes a number of qualities that an analog engineer should possess.

 

  • Thirst for knowledge
  • Killer spirit
  • Perseverance
  • Tap on the current development
  • Liberal mindset

 

Requirements of an analog design engineer

 

  • Holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering
  • Holds a state-regulated licensure from a licensing board, such as the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
  • Some states require one to have a bachelor’s degree from Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) accredited engineering programs
  • At least have four years of training experience as engineer interns or engineers in training
  • Has completed the licensure process as mandated by their state of employment

 

Overall, the main duties of the analog design engineer is to create and test specific types of circuits that power electronic devices.

 

This can range in a wide number of uses. However, there is an expected decline in the employment of this profession by 2018-2028 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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What Is an Inductive Position Sensor ASIC?

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Position sensors are used in detection and processing of measurement data on the basis of position of a moving object. In this case, the inductive position sensors will measure the angular positions with the use of arising variations of the magnetic field amplitudes.

 

Rotations or shifts of the moving magnet induce such amplitudes. However, there are disadvantages for such a traditional solution, which include the costs of the magnet, limit of operating temperature, and sensitivity of the magnetic stray fields.

Application of inductive position sensor ASIC

 

There is a need for position sensors nowadays particularly in the automotive industry. These include the accelerator pedal sensors, gearbox control position sensors, head lamp position sensors, steering angle sensors, turbocharger actuator systems, and throttle body position sensors, among others.

 

Potentiometers traditionally equip such sensors, but with the reliability disadvantages of mechanical contact sensors  In modern cars, such potentiometers are replaceable with electronic contactless sensors on the basis of different principles, such as hall sensors, inductive sensors, or magneto-resistive sensors.

 

Composition of inductive sensors

 

An inductive contactless sensor consists of a rotor or cursor and a stator. The rotor or cursor is a passive element designed in a special geometry with a single closed winding. The stator has an excitation coil, electronics, and receiver coils for signal processing.

 

Development of inductive sensor ASIC

 

Contactless, magnet-free, inductive position sensors can take advantage of ASIC. These sensors use the physical induction principles in a wire loop and eddy currents for detecting the position of an electro-conductive target. This will glide or rotate over a set of receiver coils.

 

The sensor has a structure of PCB coils and a target having specifically formed layers from conductive material. Each of the coils is part of the oscillating circuit stimulated by the high-frequency sinus signal.

 

The magnetic field results in the induction of eddy currents in the metallic target and the opposing field reduces the inductance of the coil. So, both the amplitude of the oscillating circuit and the phase are changing.

 

The described effect differs and a signal emits from the ASIC that is proportional to the conductive material’s surface. But this depends on the influence of the surface of the conductive material to the coil.

 

Two coils comprise a sensor element in which each is a part of an oscillating circuit. A phase difference between the resonance signals can be measured from the ASIC when the said coils are influenced asymmetrically by the conductive material of the target.

 

This phase difference as well as the resulting output signal is sensitive towards the electrical and magnetic influences.

 

Conclusion

 

The harsh automotive environment is manageable through an inductive position sensor. This is possible by providing a powerful solution in comparison to other concepts. This type of sensor can be very precise without any contact between the stator and the moving part.

 

This is quite suitable for applications with frequent sensor movements even if an exceptional accuracy is of need. The sensor ASIC is configurable as a dual, fully redundant system for the purpose of safety relevant applications.

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How Mixed Signal ASIC Can Be Used in Machine-Learning Algorithms

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A study was able to determine how mixed signal ASIC was able to accelerate diverse machine-learning (ML) algorithms.

Knowing machine-learning algorithms

 

Basically, machine-learning algorithms process huge datasets rapidly, giving helpful insights to a particular outcome. Nowadays, there are many emerging applications that has increasing dependencies on the ability to extract patterns from huge data sets in support to inference and decision-making with ML algorithms.

 

Thousands of data sources are analyzed simultaneously using machine learning algorithms. This makes it impossible for human traders to achieve. That is because machine learning algorithms can help them squeeze a slim advantage over the market average.

 

ML algorithms offer higher performance in comparison to humans particularly in cognitive and decision-making tasks. However, more computing capability is needed due to the complex computation in processing larger amounts of data.

Meeting challenging demands

 

The challenges in meeting the computational demands of general purpose processors, the use of specialized processors has been applied. As a result, such ML accelerators will be able to deliver orders of magnitude higher energy efficiency more than general purpose processors can provide.

 

However, the use of analog or mixed signal accelerators can be useful for improving the energy efficiency of machine learning accelerators. Comparing these to traditional large-signal computations in the digital domain, these are much more energy-efficient.

 

But still, such accelerators lack the programmable architecture, compiler support, or instruction sets to support architecture software. These are important in supporting high-level programming languages like Julia or Python.

 

In addition, there are tradeoffs in energy versus accuracy due to the algorithmic error tolerance in allowing hardware-level small-signal computations. with this case, there must be a control at the application level to meet the application domain accuracy or precision goals.

 

In such a case, there is a need for careful hardware, instruction set architecture, and compiler design.

Designing programmable mixed-signal accelerators

 

The use of programmable mixed signal accelerator can address the challenges in the previous applications. This can help diverse ML algorithms to accomplish a high level of programmability without affecting mixed-signal accelerator efficiency for specific machine-learning algorithms.

 

Basically, mixed signal ASIC uses both analog and digital circuits on a single semiconductor die. This is most common in smart mobile phones as mixed signal designs are everywhere.

 

Advantages of using mixed signal ASIC

 

  • Exposes instruction set mechanisms to allow software to control over the said tradeoffs in energy vs. accuracy
  • Supports the compilation of high-level languages
  • Offers an alternative line of integration through the use of computer memory
  • Energy benefits through optimal swing values gained through compiler directed energy optimization

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, the utilization of the first end-to-end design of mixed signal ASIC will accomplish high-level programmability. This aims to do it without compromising the efficiency of mixed signal accelerators for particular machine learning algorithms.

 

The development of a new technology has enabled software control over tradeoffs in energy versus accuracy. It also supports the compilation of high-level languages down to the hardware. Thus, it has better energy efficiency compared to digital ASICs even with much greater programmability.

 

This also shows significant energy savings resulting from tolerable small programmer-specified errors.

 

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Linear MicroSystems in the Medical World: What ASICs Do for Hearing Aids

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Advancement is the medical world can be credited to modern technology, such as the development and integration of linear microsystems. One of the notable microsystems technologies currently is the application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

 

Definition of microsystems

 

In short microsystem is defined as the collection of electronic and electromechanical elements that are reduced in size using advanced machining and lithographic techniques.

 

Therefore, the use of microsystem architecture in many medical devices will help improve the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.

 

These microsystems are developed for devices for short and long periods of time, particularly in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Additionally, these are used in devices with limited contact with the patient and in permanently implantable devices.

 

Analog ASICs in medical applications

 

A lot of reasons sit behind the use of analog ASICs in the medical field. As a matter of fact, the use of analog ASICs can simplify sensor conditioning and calibration due to the flexibility of its form factor.

 

For example, the medical device industry uses ASICs technology to develop devices like glucose meters, hearing aids, and pacemakers.

 

Among the technologies used in the medical field are the following devices:

 

  • Deep brain stimulator
  • ECD readout
  • Hearing aid power management
  • Lab-on-chip interface
  • Li-ion battery charger
  • Nerve stimulation integrated circuit
  • Power management chip
  • Ultrasonic TX/RX
  • Wireless power/data transfer
  • X-ray imaging chipset

 

Development of ASIC applications

 

Hearing aid (audio tapered pot)

 

To sum up, this custom ASIC device will provide 4 audio tapered trim pots for the adjustment gain and filter response of hearing aids.

 

Each pot has a setting stored in EEPROM and accessed through a 2-wire serial interface. In addition, unique low-voltage analog switches give a rail-to-rail input range at supply voltages of just 1.1v.

 

Device features

 

  • Ultralow supply current of lesser than 1uA
  • Low minimum supply voltage of 1.1v
  • Audio tapered trim pots
  • Resolution = 7 or 8 bits
  • 2-wire serial interface
  • Temperature range = 0 to +70 degrees Centigrade
  • 4 independent channels
  • Internal 30 Bit EEPROM

 

Hearing aid

 

This is an advance custom ASIC hearing aid that provides audio amplification and frequency response correction when mated with input and output transducers. Trim and configuration data stores in an internal EEPROM.

 

Moreover, it operates in a low supply current and voltage.

 

Device features

 

  • Low active current
  • Low minimum supply voltage of 1.5v
  • Adjustable frequency response
  • Adjustable gain
  • Serial interface
  • Internal EEPROM
  • Temperature range = 0 to +70 degrees Centigrade

 

ASICs in hearing aids

 

Microsystems are particularly useful in developing power management ASIC for battery powered implanted hearing aids. The technology in ASIC will convert the power of both single and stacked ZnO2 or Li-ion batteries to turn on the audio capture chain.

 

This includes the ADC, a class D audio driver chain, as well as the digital audio processing. These will manage the inductive communication between the implant and the hearing aid.

In conclusion, if you find yourself interested in what other areas we work in here at Linear MicroSystems, click here!

Linear MicroSystems, Inc. is proud to offer its services worldwide as well as the surrounding areas and cities around our Headquarters in Irvine, CA: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, Orange County, Fullerton, and Los Angeles.

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The SoC Inside Your Smartphone: System-On-A-chip

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Are you familiar with system-on-a-chip (SoC)? If not, well, you should because it is one of the components found inside your beloved smartphone.

 

In fact, it is an especially important component of your smartphone that makes it function, comparable to a human brain. But perhaps it is more appropriate to compare it to the motherboard of a personal computer (PC).

 

The system-on-a-chip in brief

 

Motherboard on a PC are composed of a central processing unit (CPU), graphical processing unit (GPU), and a random-access memory (RAM). While these components reside as separate units on a PC, the system-on-a-chip on a smartphone combines all components into a single integrated circuit.

 

During the consolidation of parts, software components and hardware components will be combined. The combination of hardware and software components allows the reduction of power consumption and increases its performance overall.

 

To keep different elements in a confined area

 

It should be a daunting task to imagine all the different elements to coexist in a single confined area. Therefore, manufacturers take advantage of the ARM architecture in which its processors use the RISC-based design.

 

RISC stands for reduced instruction set computer, while ARM stands for advanced RISC machines. The ARM technology runs using a limited instruction set smaller processors can handle. On the other hand, larger computers use processors utilize processors designed to handle complex sets of instructions.

 

The ARM processor can complete many simple tasks at a higher frequency with less energy. This is because of the reduction of complexity of instructions that the processor needs to handle.

 

As a result, it can increase the efficiency of the processor as it eliminates the unnecessary instructions and parts, such as transistors, to allow the creation of a simple circuit.

 

The future of system-on-a-chip

 

The evolution and expansion of SoC technology with the proliferation and popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices are not limited only to consumer electronics. SoC is applicable in fields of specialty, such as the medical industry.

 

In fact, there is speculation that SoCs can be useful in implants for the deaf and blind, as it gives them the ability to hear and see. In addition, it can be applicable to microscopic robots that can prevent the entry of harmful diseases into the human body. That said, this can be just the beginning of a potentially revolutionary technology.

 

Conclusion

 

Although the system-on-a-chip is small and simple in comparison to the hardware and software found in most modern laptops and PCs, it is equally complex and intricate. But consumers can care less about its intricacy, knowing about its contribution to the development of modern technology.

 

The future of SoC technology is promising, aiming to make the life of smartphone users more convenient and productive. Perhaps it is about time consumers learn to appreciate how SoC technology can pave the way for the future.

 

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ASIC Chip in The World Of AI: An Overview

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Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have a basic need for application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips. The ASIC chip allows programming of instructions to operate as an accelerator for simultaneous algorithms.

 

An ASIC chip basically enables multiple AI algorithms to operate simultaneously without compromise to its computing power. This makes it more advantageous than other technologies, which will likely be the future of AI training and development.

 

Development of AI technology

 

Basically, there are several silicon options for training and development of AI technology aside from ASICs. Such would include central processing units (CPUs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and graphical processing units (GPUs).

 

The use of CPUs offers a great level of programmability, but they tend to give less power in terms of performance compared to dedicated and optimized hardware chips.

 

FPGAs, however, are so flexible and they have great performance, ideal for specialized applications that require a small volume of reprogrammable microchips.

 

FPGAs, on the other hand, are expensive and very hard to make.  In fact, in comparison to ASICs and GPUs, they still can falter in terms of performance and power. That said, GPUs are ideal for graphics, scientific algorithms, and underlying matrix operations.

 

Ideally, ASICs is the best option to accomplish a very specific task at high efficiency, performance, and power as it is a customizable chip.

 

Role of ASIC Chips for AI

 

  • ASIC chips are microchips that are created for a particular application
  • Their logic can be programmed to test an AI model without dedicating its resources or affecting any other task
  • They have faster computing power in comparison to regular CPUs, FPGAs, and GPUs

 

Technologies using ASIC Chips

 

Since ASICs support AI and similar algorithms, here are examples of technologies able to benefit from it:

 

  • Tensor processing units (TPUs) of Google, a series of ASICs created for machine learning
  • Deep learning unit from Fujitsu
  • Intel to release AI ASICs in the near future

 

ASIC chips perform specific computer operations and run a narrow and specific AI algorithm function. Since chips carry the workload in parallelism, AI algorithms accelerate faster using an ASIC chip.

 

 

Need a proposal for your ASIC chip project? Click here!

 

Linear MicroSystems, Inc. is proud to offer its services worldwide as well as the surrounding areas and cities around our Headquarters in Irvine, CA: Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Fountain Valley, Anaheim, Orange County, Fullerton, and Los Angeles.