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Speedy ASIC stops Emerson losing its Marbles

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Feb 28, 2005

AMI Semiconductor has partnered with industrial automation leader Emerson Process Management to deliver a mixed-signal sensor interface integrated circuit in record time.

AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) has partnered with industrial automation leader Emerson Process Management to deliver a mixed-signal sensor interface integrated circuit (IC) in record time.

By working with the latest AMIS mixed-signal application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design flows and methodologies, the time between ASIC definition and the delivery of an approved quality part was less than 50 weeks.

The Marble sensor interface IC is a critical component of Emerson's Rosemount 3051C pressure transmitter.

Strong sales of this instrumentation, coupled with an unexpected end-of-life announcement from the incumbent supplier of the Marble part, put pressure on the Emerson team to develop a new solution in a very short timeframe.

Having worked with AMIS on other ASIC projects, this team turned to the company's mixed-signal design specialists to help them develop the replacement sensor interface IC.

A key factor behind the successful development of the Marble product within the tight timeframe was that Emerson's ASIC toolsets and design methodologies were already aligned with those of AMIS.

Because of this, with some AMIS support on design and layout, the company was able to hand-off a design to AMIS that could be put into production almost immediately, resulting in the short time between hand-off and device tape-out.

"With end-of-life stock running out and Emerson needing Rosemount products at an ever-increasing rate, we were under real pressure to deliver in very tight timescales", said Terry Krouth, Vice President Technology, Emerson Process Management.

"Strong co-operation with the AMIS team, and the alignment of our methodologies and tools with theirs, significantly shortened the time from initial design to final delivery".

"In fact, this is Emerson's fastest ASIC turn ever from definition to an approved quality part".

Bob Klosterboer, AMI Semiconductor's Senior Vice President for Integrated Mixed-signal Products added: "The success of the Marble project highlights our flexibility in working with customers' own ASIC design teams".

"This was the first design for Emerson using our new design flows and methodology, and this ensured successful delivery of 'right first time' product".