Sensor ASIC

Mixed Signal SOC Explained

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Most individuals may already be familiar with analog circuits and digital circuits. But there are some designs that integrate both analog and digital in real-life applications. In fact, the use of a mixed-signal System-on-a-Chip (SOC) with sensor ASIC is almost everywhere and present in daily living.

Today, mixed-signal devices are available in standard and customized designs for applications. However, the signal is more complex compared to analog-only or digital-only integrated circuits. The design and manufacturing are difficult with requirements entirely different from digital or analog circuits.

Mixed Signal SOC and Sensor ASIC

Firstly, mixed-signal SOCs are everywhere from smartphones, space electronics, electric vehicles, sensors, and more.

So, there are many common uses of mixed-signal SOC including Sensor ASIC.  The chip is customizable to meet specific requirements. Then, converts the analog input into 1 of 10 programmable ranges. Then, the results are displayed on a 10 segment bar.

Also, the use of mixed-signal ASICs and sensor ASICs are more prevalent in recent years. So, you can find sensors in offices, our homes, cars, and other establishments. Certainly, these sensors are made to make our lives comfortable and convenient.

From simply switching on/off lights, fire or smoke detection, the opening of the garage, and adjusting room temperature. All these are made possible because of sensors.

However, even before smart homes were in demand, sensors have been around and utilized in a wide range of applications from robotics, industry, electronics, and more.  Also, sensors are classified depending on the type of physical parameters they measure or the output signal.

Common Applications of Sensors:

  • Communications
  • Smartphones
  • Smartwatches
  • Satellites
  • Smart cars, autonomous cars
  • Smart homes
  • Computers
  • Remote Sensing
  • Robotics
  • Energy Plants
  • Lastly, Avionics

A sensor ASIC addresses the speed sensor to synchronize the speed of collective motors. Simultaneously, an ultrasonic sensor is for distance measurement.

Different types of sensor ASIC, their uses, and application

Speed Sensor

A speed sensor is customizable to detect the speed of an object like a vehicle. This is also available in different types: speedometer, picometer logs, wheel speed sensors, airspeed indicators, and more.

Temperature Sensor

Sensor ASIC in a temperature sensor controls the temperature of devices or equipment used in industrial applications.

PIR Sensor

Certainly, a PIR sensor or Passive Infrared sensor detects the motion of an object at 110-, 180-, and 360-degrees angles. This is type is particularly for automatic doors based on body movement nearby.

Other types of sensor ASIC:

  • Ultrasonic sensor
  • Light sensor
  • Color sensor
  • Pressure sensor
  • Touch sensor
  • Smoke sensor
  • Alcohol sensor
  • Rain and humidity sensor
  • Tilt sensor
  • Metal detector
  • Position sensor
  • GPS
  • Odometer sensor
  • Sound sensor
  • IR sensor
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Pressure sensor
  • Bending sensor
  • Vibration sensor
  • Digital compass sensor
  • Half effect sensor
  • Heartbeat sensor
  • Water flow sensor
  • Flow and level sensor
  • Fog sensor
  • Lastly, Gas sensor

Certainly, check out the latest applications we are working on here at Linear MicroSystems by clicking 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.

system-on-a-chip(SOC)

System-on-a-Chip(SOC) Technology and Its Common Uses

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System-on-a-Chip(SOC) is popularly used across almost all industries. But despite its widespread use, many are still not familiar with the technology.

System-on-a-chip(SOC) is a single Integrated Chip with the components of a normal computer system like Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), and Random Access Memory (RAM). SOC is a single, complete electronic medium that may comprise of digital, analog, radio or mixed-signal frequency.

Instead of assembling multiple chips and several components in one circuit board, system-on-a-chip(SOC) carries all this in one circuit. SOCs are small with impressive performance without using too much power.

Also, these chips made it possible for the creation of devices and applications that are useful in our day-to-day activities. SOCs are now an integral part of today’s modern times. So, SOCs are used in a variety of applications:

Mobile phones and Smartphones

The use of a single and tiny chip does not only make a mobile phone or smartphone receive and make calls/messages but can also perform multiple tasks effectively. From taking photos, playing games, access the Internet through mobile data and Wi-Fi, listening to audio files, and more, System-on-a-Chip (SOC) is responsible for all these.

SOC is the brain of the smartphone’s entire system. Imagine the number of things you can do on a gadget of size like the palm of your hand. All these tasks effectively function because of a SOC.

Products and Services With System-on-a-Chip(SOC)

Manufacturers have integrated the use of SOCs in automobiles, smartphones, medical equipment, computers, and more.

So, handheld medical devices are taking advantage of SOC, the power efficiency, size, design time, and reduced medical applications cost.

The automotive industry has also integrated SOCs in their automobiles for safety and navigation like operational efficiency, detect automotive attacks and technological issues such as connectivity and geolocation.

Data Centers and System-on-a-Chip(SOC)

SOCs are also deployed in data centers to provide solutions to big facilities and corporate computers. With the use of hundreds or more core chips to store, process, and manage information, data centers can save on power consumption while saving space.

Sensors

Also, system-on-a-Chip (SOC) is useful in sensors for a multitude of electronics, devices, equipment, security devices, transportation, and more.

Some examples of these sensors are speed sensors for vehicle speedometers, radar guns, accelerometers, GPS to track location using a satellite system, camera to capture still photos and record videos, thermometer to check temperature changes, fingerprint sensor, etc.

Other Uses of System-on-a-chip(SOC) in Different Industries

  • Virtual Machine
  • Data Processing
  • Computing
  • Machines and Infrastructure
  • Embedded system
  • Binary
  • Proximity awareness
  • Augmented Reality (AR)
  • Construction
  • Entertainment
  • Manufacturing
  • Music
  • Fashion
  • Software and Technology Industry
  • Travel Industry

With today’s System-on-a-Chip (SOC), businesses and infrastructures no longer worry about high power consumption, overheating, or the need to have bigger space to store their equipment or computer systems.

As technology progress, SOC designers and manufacturers are also taking steps to advance the technology further to improve products, services, and experience.

Check out some of our applications using SOC by clicking 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.

analog design

The Three Qualities That Make Analog Design Still Alive

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Despite the advancement of technology, analog design remains in demand despite the prevalence of digital technology. Today, the use of highly capable computers, machines, and devices are common. While advancements have been present to try and kick analog to the curb, it perseveres. But what aspects of analog design make it great?

1.   Analog Process and Products are Indispensable

First, despite the popularity of digital designs, there are some things that modern technology cannot do for now. One example is the simple task of cursive typography which looks unnatural when done on a computer. Not to mention that manual typography has its natural flowing feel for added personality. Designs made from computers differ a lot compared to the analog process.

The majority of us would always go for sleek and beautifully designed tablets, laptops, or mobile phones, but if these will be of no use when bogged down. A non-working laptop while working will turn you to using old-fashioned pen and paper to take down notes. Even Google designers take courses on how to sketch their designs and ideas on paper before doing their designs online.

Then, switch-mode power supplies still rely on analog design because these cannot be handled by digital electronics. The same goes with high-class amplifiers that convert the analog signal to digital and back again, still rely on analog transistors to amplify them.

2.   The World is Analog

Even with high technology and the availability of digital electronic devices, almost everything that surrounds us is analog. No matter how much progress and how digital can we get, the world still needs analog interference to translate signals to the digital world.

Digital information needs to be moved to analog format at the transmitter t drive the communication channel when transmitting information over long distances. The same happens at the receiver’s end, digital signals need to be processed back to analog format so they can be converted back into digital information.

As the technology evolves and the demand for digital electronics increases, the analog design will also expand, and those analog components are likely to remain important.

3.   Accurate Representation of the Physical World

Sounds are analog. The video we capture and still images are analog. Measuring our heartbeat requires processing analog information. All that we see and hear is analog. The world is analogous, so analog design and signals provide a more accurate characterization of temperature, sound, or light, making an analog design best suited for audio and video transmission.

Apart from these top 3 qualities why analog designs endure, below are their advantages:

  • analog signals are easier to process.
  • analog communication are less sensitive in terms of electrical tolerance
  • uses less bandwidth
  • analog signals have a higher density

There are many reasons why analog is still alive up to these days. Even with the advancements in digital designs, analog is here to stay: Analog signals, processes, and products. Check out ways we implement analog design here at Linear MicroSystems by clicking 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.

asic card

ASIC Cards in Aerospace Engineering

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Modern aerospace electronics face challenges in the environment and increased security and production handling requirements. Thus, they have to maintain stringent reliability specifications while conforming to effective business models. This is something that ASIC cards can help with.

 

The improved efficiency, performance, and safety of new commercial aircraft can be derived from the advanced capabilities of aerospace electronics made available today. Thanks to the complexity of electronic systems used to develop cutting-edge and increasingly autonomous systems.

 

Consequently, aerospace product designers must have access to advanced deep-submicron process technologies to meet the specifications of future products. Moreover, they need to have access to complex IP like microprocessors and DSP cores, high-performance memory, and serial interfaces.

 

Three options a systems designer can use to implement custom logic in an aerospace electronic application.

 

  • Field programmable gate array (FPGA)
  • Traditional cell-based application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)
  • Structured ASICs

 

FPGA for aerospace applications

 

The use of FPGAs might have some advantages for logic solutions in aerospace applications. One example is the use of programmable devices, which provide impressive performance capabilities.

 

Advanced IP-like microprocessors and memory interfaces available in such devices can make them more attractive for avionics applications. However, the additional requirements for aerospace applications can pose a mismatch between FPGAs and aerospace systems.

 

Justification of cell-based ASICs

 

Given that cell-based ASICs can solve lots of issues in FPGAs, their design can be very low power with an enhancement for security. However, the tradeoff with these semi-custom devices is that they can be less cost-effective for low- to mid-volume aerospace applications that require technologies more advanced as compared to 130 nm.

 

The use of these specific ASICs with tech 130 nm or more can be a good fit. Nevertheless, for 90nm technologies and lower, only a few aerospace or military programs can justify the expense and lead time required for the development of cell-based ASICs for applications to run in production volumes on the order of 50 thousand units per year or lower.

 

Structured ASICs for special aerospace applications

 

Structured ASICs address traditional ASIC and FPGA shortcomings. Thus, they offer compelling advantages for system designers as opposed to cell-based ASICs and FPGAs.

 

Designers will be able to gain access to advanced technology nodes with structured ASIC platforms. These advanced technology nodes offer performance and IP portfolios required for sophisticated aerospace applications.

 

For applications requiring cryptography or other security issues, as well as becoming a possible target for tampering by the enemy, structure ASIC is an effective solution. Structured ASIC will not require a discreet device for providing a bitstream to program an FPGA device.

 

Note that a bitstream is a lot simpler to tamper with and decipher. With structured ASIC cards, an embedded battery-backed memory device can be added to a system with keys installed in secure on-chip memory.

 

As a result, security levels will increase and will make hostile tampering or reverse engineering a lot harder in a sensitive military or aerospace application.

 

ASIC cards serve as aviation or maritime security identification to confirm the bearer has already undergone a security check.

 

Interested in starting a new project with our experts here at Linear MicroSystems? Click here to be re-directed to our contact page!

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.

SOC

ASIC Chip Design Flow

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Engineers must mimic a tried-and-tested ASIC chip design flow to guarantee successful ASIC design. This should be derived from having a good understanding of ASIC specifications, low power design, and performance, requirements while focusing on achieving the goal of the right time to market.

So, what are we talking about?

  • Design specification
  • Architectural design
  • Behavioral and functional modeling
  • Logical implementation
  • Synthesis and testing
  • Place and route
  • Design layout

 

The ASIC chip design cycle

 

Certainly, fulfilling the demands of ASIC chip design is achievable by applying changes in design tools, methodologies, and hardware and software capabilities.

So, what do you need to know?

Chip specification

  • This is the time when the engineer will define features, functionalities, microarchitecture, and specifications with design guidelines of the ASIC chip. So, there are two teams involved, namely the design team and the verification team.

 

Design entry / functional verification

  • This confirms the functionality and logical behavior of the circuit by simulation on the design entry level. Then, the design and verification teams will come into play at this stage to generate RTL code with the use of test benches. This process is the behavioral simulation.
    • Types of simulation tools
      • Functional simulation tools – This will verify logical behavior. Also, the implementation after the testbench and design code.
      • Timing simulation tools – This will verify the timing requirements are in check by the circuit design. Also, will confirm the design is free of delays in the circuit signal.

 

RTL block synthesis / RTL function

  • After the generation of RTL code and testbench, the RTL team will work on the description by translating the RTL code into a gate-level netlist with the use of a logical synthesis tool.

 

Chip partitioning

  • This is when the engineer follows the ASIC design layout requirement and specification for the creation of its structure aided by EDA tools with proven methodologies.

 

Design for test insertion

  • To ensure that system-on-chip variation requirements are in check, new models and techniques allow for high-quality testing. Thus, the design for the test comes with a number of techniques.
Scan path insertion
    • This links all register elements into a single long shift register to evaluate small parts of the design instead of the entire design in a single process.
Memory built-in self-test
    • Certainly, chip memory requires lower area and fast access time in lower technology nodes. So, the memory built-in self-test is a device that checks RAMs.
Automatic test pattern generation
    • This method creates test vectors or sequential input patterns to check for faults in different elements of a circuit.

 

Floorplanning

  • This is the first step in RTL-to-GDSII design, which places blocks into chips. In any case, the floorplan will determine the size of the chip and places the gates and connects them with wires.

 

Placement

  • This process is the placement of standard cells in a row.

 

Clock tree synthesis

  • This process builds the clock tree. Also, meets the defined timing, area, and power requirements.

 

Routing

  • This process is done via global and detailed routing.
Global routing
    • This calculates estimated values per net by the delays of wire fanout.
Detailed routing
    • This is where the actual delays of wire are calculated by different methods. So, among others, these methods are timing optimization and clock tree synthesis.

 

Final verification

  • This process involves 3 steps of physical verification also known as signoff checks. Also, this will help check if the layout is working just as it intends to.

 

 GDS II or graphical data stream information interchange

  • The engineer will perform wafer processing, packaging, testing, verification, and delivery to the physical IC in this final step.

Interested in getting your next project going with our experts at Linear MicroSystems? Click here to go to our contact page!

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.

rf asics

The Properties and Design of RF and Mixed Signal ASICs

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The development of electronics has greatly enhanced technological capabilities across multiple devices. This led many to wonder about the significance of RF (radio frequency) ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits) and mixed signal ASIC’s designs and properties in today’s electronics.

 

Both technologies have integrated ASICs into the core for better results. For instance, RF ASICs are capable of providing very high-resolution scans and deep RF analysis. On the other hand, mixed signal ASICs provide design engineers the capability to reduce complex, multiple integrated circuit (IC) design into one IC.

 

RF ASIC design and properties

 

In comparison to designing baseband IC, the development of RF ASICs involves different sets of challenges, which include the following.

 

  • Demand caused by RF ASIC on process technology
  • Need for high-performance passives with minimal parasites to minimize crosstalk and bandwidth reduction.
  • Need for high Q inductors in the process
  • Longer development time due to extensive simulations

 

Developing RF ASICs requires a larger non-recurring engineering budget because of the number of needed engineering resources and process constraints.

 

At the same time, testing of RF ASICs is another challenge because the tester interface hardware needs to be designed carefully and fabricated to minimize the impact of stray parasites and measurement mismatch.

 

The complexity of RF ASICs requires a design team with multiple design engineers to handle the different parts of the chip.

 

Mixed signal ASIC design and properties

 

Mixed signal ASIC design enables engineers to reduce the complexity of multiple IC designs into a single integrated circuit. In fact, this has become widely available and commercially viable. The benefits of using mixed signal ASICs include the following.

 

  • Cost reduction
  • Improved reliability
  • Intellectual property protection
  • Low power consumption
  • Improved performance
  • Miniaturization

 

Mixed signal ASIC design is the combination of analog and digital circuit competencies. Many ASIC chips are in cars, which provide the mechanism for basic functions like climate control, airbag deployment, and entertainment systems.

 

Some establishments also take advantage of ASIC chips for delivering basic services, especially in medical and manufacturing facilities. Both analog and mixed signal ASIC designs are found in products used by consumers in various segments of the market.

 

  • Healthcare to cosmetics
  • Industrial sensors to flight control
  • Instrumentation
  • Mobile devices to credit card scanners

Conclusion

Designing and manufacturing a mixed signal ASIC is not as easy as you think. The complexity is, even more, when it includes RF functionality. Therefore, analog integration with digital ICs must be avoided because it is quite risky to rely much on the trial-and-error process as applied in analog and RF design.

 

Understanding the underlying physical interaction phenomena that manifest in complex systems in combination with a robust and elegant design methodology founded on a digital-centric approach is a must in designing mixed signal ASICs.

 

This simply unifies the mixed signal design and digital signal processing. At the same time, it enables the integration of complex and highly sensitive, and high-performance analog and digital circuits without the anticipated compromises.

 

Ready to get your next project going with our experts at Linear MicroSystems? Click here to go to our contact page!

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.

system on a chip

A Deep Dive into System on A Chip Technology and Why We Recommend It

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There are many questions regarding the use of system on a chip (SoC) technology these days and why many experts recommend it. To gain more knowledge about SoC, here are basic information about this type of technology.

 

What is system on a chip technology?

 

SoC is an integrated circuit with all the components of a computer. These include a CPU, I/O ports, memory, and secondary storage. This type of circuit can consume less power and consume less space compared to a multichip design. They are also common in embedded system designs.

 

Unlike a motherboard-based architecture, all the components are in a system on a chip design. Usually, SoCs are built around a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or designed as a programmable SoC for a specific application with some programmable aspects.

 

In comparison to microcontrollers, SoCs have more pins and more systems integration of various peripherals. This can also refer to many things found on the market, which generally means a single chip that does everything instead of multiple chips. So, do not get misled by the name.

 

Why is SoC better than similar technologies?

 

The initiative to take on more complex tasks with minimal number of components has given rise to system on a chip in the mobile phone industry.

 

From the early days of a 2G handset containing a dozen chips until the advent of smartphones compressing all functions into a couple of chips, chip designers were able to sell early versions of SoCs as fabless designs to handset manufacturers.

 

The use of SoC is a priority of companies like Apple leading to the mass production and extreme integration of modern system on a chip technology into their products.

 

Reportedly, it helped in the reduction of cost of earlier generations of SoC so that devices like the Raspberry Pi can use this technology and offer it at affordable prices to everyone.

 

Is it different than a microcontroller?

 

There is a difference between SoC and a microcontroller unit which can be based on definition. While SoC has a lot of definitions and will typically change over time. A microcontroller unit already has a clear definition. But the distinction between the two can be a bit confusing at some point.

 

  • Microcontroller unit – This is a small computer on a single integrated circuit. These have a processor core, memory, and programmable I/O peripherals, among others. This also provides minimal interface, memory, and processing power.

 

The peripherals you can see inside a microcontroller are less specific in comparison to those inside a system on a chip. Thus, it focuses on small, embedded control systems or control applications.

 

  • System on a chip – An SoC is an encapsulation of 1 or more CPUs, microcontrollers, accelerators, or other supporting hardware. It does not have a specific standard about the type of circuitry it must have.

 

Moreover, it is designed for applications with more complex requirements. There might be more than 1 microcontroller inside a SoC. This is because it is like a complete computer system on a single chip. This makes it able to do complex tasks with higher resource requirements.

In the market for a company to help with your next SoC related project? Click here to connect with our specialists!

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.

rf asic

Analog Design Vs Digital Design

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Analog design deals with the management of continuous varying electrical signals. Basically, filters and amplifiers aid in designing the best signal characteristics. In integrated circuit (IC) design, analog design focuses on the circuits created to operate in and optimized for continuous time-domain behavior.

 

In this context, people mostly think that it is composed of complex microprocessors.

These circuits use digital design techniques that propagate discrete values, particularly 0s and 1s. However, utilizing this model of propagating 0s and 1s simplifies the analysis of big networks.

 

Therefore, analog circuit design is the foundation of designing digital circuits since the actual devices in any circuit responds to continuously varying stimulus. The objectives of analog design are typically amplification, filtering, and signal fidelity.

 

Significance of analog design

 

Analog basically forms the foundation for all integrated circuit designs. That is because all basic devices in an IC respond to continuous time stimulus. The modern IC technology has many design challenges.

 

There are significant differences in the manufacturing process for advanced technology nodes. Likewise, there are significant differences in the actual operation of a great number of devices in advanced ICs.

 

These differences are the changes in the operating temperature, operating voltage, and performance. Devices with one IC can experience signal distortions brought about by densely packed devices within the silicon substrate, package, and board.

 

The analog design should compensate for these effects in order to ensure the basic qualities of consistency, fidelity/precision, and performance. Reliability analysis and signal integrity analysis are useful in moderating these effects.

 

  • Consistency – This ensures that voltages are at one of the reference levels of 0 and 1. The analog design ensures that these conditions are met.
  • Fidelity/precision – There are lots of analog designs that form the foundation for circuits to detect the external conditions of an IC, such as air pressure, ambient temperature, light, and motion. With an analog circuit performing accurate sensing, guarantees excellent fidelity and precision.
  • Performance – There are 2 basic forms of performance which include speed and power. Analog ensures both power and speed to be within acceptable limits.

 

Analog design vs digital design

 

The difference between the 2 is the analysis of each design.

 

Analog design

 

The circuit stimulus in analog design is treated as a nonstop variable signal over time. It is modeled in frequency and time domains with attention on consistency, fidelity/precision, and performance of resulting waveforms.

 

Therefore, circuit variability must model and compensate accordingly in terms of manufacturing and design.

 

Digital design

 

The circuit stimulus in a digital design is like a series of discrete logic 0s and 1s over time. The devices in digital circuits must spend most of their time at either logic 0 or 1. A digital design will work well as long as the circuits processing the signals are consistent in their response to the logic levels. Analog design guarantees such qualities.

Looking for a reliable company to help add microsystems technology to your next project? Click here to get in contact with us today!

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.

Mixed Signal Design

Microsystems Technology: The Industries That Use Them and Why It Is Important

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Aerospace engineering, automotive, and medical industries are just a few that have seen the significance of microsystems technology (MST) in modern times.

 

But the industrial challenges just kept on building up. This led industries to get abreast of the times by updating with the latest in MST trends.

 

With that said, here are some of the different uses of microsystems technology and their importance in particular industries.

 

Microsystems’s technology in medical applications

 

Otherwise called micro-electromechanical systems or MEMS, microsystems technology has proven useful as an enabling technology for innovative medical devices. Nowadays, they have become part of many medical devices, which include sensors and actuators of all kinds.

 

The small size of MST components also offers considerable advantages compared to other technologies with its high integration density which enables superior functional performance and improves system reliability.

 

Notable examples include the cardiac rhythm management implants, cochlear implants, microsurgical instruments, and point of care testing devices.

 

Ophthalmic current solutions

 

Microsystems integrate into medical instruments for measuring intraocular pressure. This is through pressure and strain sensors that stimulate electrodes, microelectronics, and additional microsystems.

 

Medical microsystems are also combined into medical instruments and tools to help in the process of ophthalmic surgery. There is also significant progress made in the field of multi-vision intraocular lenses for the replacement of lenses with cataracts.

 

Microelectronics technology for the aerospace industry

 

Due to the demanding performance and reliability requirements of the aerospace industry, MST provides exceptionally reliable solutions. Such solutions are based on experience and comprehensive knowledge in challenging industries like active implants.

 

With miniaturization capabilities and 100% traceability, MST also provides a comprehensive collection of materials and processes for advanced equipment in communication, radar, and other airborne control applications.

 

Micro metal injection molding

 

There is a potential for powder injection molding for microsystems technology. In fact, it is one of the most promising future technologies today. Such innovations are now in different markets: information technology, life sciences, automotive and power engineering, machine construction, and chemical and physical process engineering, among others.

 

Wireless integrated microsystems

 

The addition of non-electrical components to the wireless sensor microsystems has been given emphasis in wireless integrated microsystems (WIMS). This is the combination of semiconductor and microelectromechanical elements into a single hybrid system to enhance system functionality and expand the application space.

 

One of the notable examples of a hybrid WIMS is the prototype gas chromatography system to provide highly sensitive chemical detection. Furthermore, the combination of MEMS with embedded signal processing and wireless communication is enabling new applications to cover different areas, such as food and environmental monitoring, healthcare, homeland security, and many others.

 

Photonic crystals in microsystems

 

Optical microsystems come from a wide variety of micro-optical components, such as micro-lenses and micro-mirrors. These rely on the guiding of light in waveguides, which plays a major role in the application of photonic microsystems to optical communications.

 

Various applications have emerged for photonic crystals relevant to microsystems. Such would include the 2D waveguide structures with ultra-compact couplers, splitters, and bends. Other uses of photonic crystal structures in passive optical systems include resonators and large-area biosensors.

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mixed signal asic

Uses of Mixed Signal ASIC in Industrial Application and Medical Imaging

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Mixed Signal ASIC Overview

A mixed signal ASIC refers to the chip that uses both digital and analog circuit design on the same chip. Today, mixed signal chips are everywhere and used in different industries like electronics, mobile devices, aero electronics, and automotive, industrial, and medical applications.

In the medical and industrial fields, mixed signal ASICs are proven essential tools for increased reliability and efficiency. The development of innovative mixed signal ASICs paved way for the industrial and medical industries. Due to their success, they came up with devices and designs that are highly cost and performance effective.

The Benefits of Mixed Signal ASIC for Industrial Application

  • High level of integration
  • Reduction of cost
  • Low power
  • High reliability
  • Hard to copy, gives you protection in terms of intellectual property

The Benefits of Mixed Signal ASIC for Medical Imaging

  • More simple board testing
  • Simpler design
  • Lesser design components
  • Low BOM cost
  • Higher performance including power consumption, speed, and reliability
  • Low power requirement
  • Low noise while meeting high voltage requirement

 

Uses of Mixed Signal ASICs

The use of mixed signal ASICs in the medical industry plays a significant role in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and monitoring of patients. The availability of mixed signal ASICS provided advanced imaging techniques to improve the understanding of human anatomy and the complexity of existing medical and health conditions.

For example, mixed signal ASICS have been used for ultrasound, CT scans, X-rays, MRI, and 3-dimensional imaging. These advanced visualization approaches have the paved way for medical experts and professionals to better understand complex issues through accurate and precise images in different angles and varying depths.

Different medical specializations have taken advantage of the positive impacts provided by mixed signal ASICs in medical imaging. These practices include orthopedics, cardio-pulmonary, neurology, oncology, internal medicine, diagnostic radiology, surgery, urology, and more.

A detailed and precise digital image is not only beneficial for the treatment or management of an existing condition, but also a great source of detecting early signs of a medical condition.

Although the human body is basically the same, an individual’s anatomy may be different from the other, hence, highly accurate medical images are vital in surgery planning.

That way, a surgeon can carry out a surgical plan before doing the procedure that ensures the safety of the patient without wasting time. The same goes with post-surgery monitoring for faster recovery.

The use of mixed signal ASIC in medical imaging also aids the clinician in designing a personalized medical device. One example would be for splints that support the patient’s comfort while augmenting recovery time.

Conclusion

Although mixed signal ASICs are already in industrial and medical applications, it will take time before they make it in other industries.

Nevertheless, this technology will continue to contribute to improving medical diagnosis, treatment, and management.

In conclusion, Mixed Signal ASICs are tremendously favorable for the medical industry.

 

Interested in learning more about our involvement in these technologies 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.