Semi-Custom I.C. A Way of Solving Non-Standard Lower Volume Applications

The custom designed integrated circuit is the optimum method of producing an L.S.I, circuit of highest performance and maximum yield. The associated long design times and high development costs, however, generally restrict this approach to high volume or premium performance products. Several techniques have now been developed to speed the path from circuit specification to completed chip. These semi-custom techniques, which reduce design time and development cost at the expense of curtailed performance and increased device cost, make the custom I.C. an attractive proposition even for lower volume applications. They are also beginning to make possible significant reduction in system software costs.