Thursday, August 02, 2012

ASICs vs FPGA



FPGA
ASIC
Definition
A semiconductor device containing programmable logic components called "logic blocks", and programmable interconnects. Logic blocks can be programmed to perform the function of basic logic gates such as AND, and XOR, or more complex combinational functions such as decoders or mathematical functions.
Definition
An integrated circuit designed for a particular use, rather than intended for general-purpose use. Processors, RAM, ROM, etc are examples of ASICs.

Speed
Less speed.
Speed
ASIC rules out FPGA in terms of speed. As ASIC are designed for a specific application they can be optimized to maximum, hence we can have high speed in ASIC designs. ASIC can have hight speed clocks.

Cost
FPGAs are cost effective for small applications.
Cost
For complex and large volume designs (like 32-bit processors) ASIC products are cheaper.
Size/Area
FPGA contains lots of LUTs, and routing channels which are connected via bit streams(program). As they are made for general purpose and because of re-usability. They are in-general larger designs than corresponding ASIC design.
Size/Area
 Optimised , so smaller
Power
FPGA designs consume more power than ASIC designs. The unwanted circuitry results in wastage of power. FPGA wont allow us to have better power optimization.
Power
When it comes to ASIC designs we can optimize them to the fullest.

Time to Market
FPGA designs will take less time, as the design cycle is small when compared to that of ASIC designs.
Time to Market
ASIC designs will take more time
Type of Design
It is not possible to design mixed signal designs or only analog designs using FPGA chips.

Type of Design
ASIC can have mixed-signal designs, or only analog designs
Customization
FPGA has less customization.
Customization
ASIC has the upper hand when comes to the customization. The device can be fully customized as ASICs will be designed according to a given specification.
Prototyping
Because of re-usability of FPGAs, they are used as ASIC prototypes. ASIC design HDL code is first dumped onto a FPGA and tested for accurate results. Once the design is error free then it is taken for further steps. Its clear that FPGA may be needed for designing an ASIC.


Non Recurring Engineering/Expenses
NRE refers to the one-time cost of researching, designing, and testing a new product. No such thing is associated with FPGA. Hence FPGA designs are cost effective.

Non Recurring Engineering/Expenses
NRE  is generally associated with ASICs.
Design Cycle 
Due to software that handles much of the routing, placement, and timing, FPGA designs have smaller design cycle than ASICs.

Design Cycle 
ASICs have larger design cycle.
More Predictable Project Cycle
Due to elimination of potential re-spins, wafer capacities, etc. FPGA designs have better project cycle.


Tools
Tools which are used for FPGA designs are relatively cheaper than ASIC designs.



Re-Usability
A single FPGA can be used for various applications, by simply reprogramming it (dumping new HDL code). By definition ASIC are application specific cannot be reused.



2 comments:

  1. For me ASIC is better than FPGA. It have more qualities than FGPA, it is cheaper, its faster and it consumes less electricity.

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  2. FGPA is more comprehensive than ASIC. ASIC is cheaper and faster but all other features of FGPA are greater.

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