GigOptix Launches ‘Sunset Rescue’ Program

A service was announced that provides replacements for obsolete application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) by using a methodology owned by GigOptix Inc. through its acquisition of ChipX in November 2009.

The "Sunset Rescue" program’s methodology ensures that the replacement ASIC is a drop-in replacement and will meet the original component specifications and operate reliably in the customer’s system, regardless of the original component’s process and geometry.

The fabless manufacturer of high-performance electronic and electro-optic semiconductor products uses industry-standard flow to port ASICs in the program. It can convert the design to GigOptix Structured ASIC or standard cell and port the original test vectors to work on its tester. ASIC timings are accurately mimicked on the new ASIC.

To date, it has successfully converted eight ASICs, ranging from 0.8 to 0.18 µm, saving customers $100K to $500K per year, the company said.

Originally designed with a 3.3-V core and 0.35-µm embedded array technology in a 352 BGA package, it was converted into a GigOptix 3.3-V core and 0.25-µm standard technology with the same package and footprint.

For more information, visit: www.gigoptix.com