A Systems Approach to a Compatible Family of Linear Integrated Circuits

An efficient and rapid technique for developing a compatible family of custom integrated circuits for systems applications is described. The approach makes use of a general purpose functional block which can be readily wired into a number of integrated circuit configurations. Wire bonded interconnections are used in place of the usual metallized interconnections. This permits a convenient form factor for "breadboarding" integrated circuits, while maintaining approximately the same parasitic interactions which will be present in the final designs. In this way, interface problems between functional electronic blocks can be studied as they relate to overall systems performance. Quick wiring changes may be made to modify the integrated circuits and optimize system performance. Final design layouts are then made in the conventional manner. As an example of the use of this technique, a general purpose block is described which was used to generate a compatible family of linear integrated circuits used in the Apollo-LEM lunar television camera.