Analog- and Mixed-Signal Fabrics

Alternatives to traditional full-custom analog/mixed-signal application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are described. These novel approaches apply many of the concepts of deep-submicrometer digital structured arrays and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to analog design and fabrication methodologies. Field- and mask-programmable analog architectures are compared and contrasted to the long-standing full custom approach. In addition, the impact of electronic design automation (EDA) tools, which are critical cost-effective, wide-spread deployment of these new approaches, is discussed. Finally, the changes in manufacturing and fabrication processes to support production of field- and mask-programmable analog/mixed-signal devices will be presented.