Latest IC Design Technical Articles

Analog Design Trade-Offs in Applying Linearization Techniques Using Example CMOS Circuits

This article will look at the trade-offs we face when trying to improve the linearity of a circuit.

AXI Interconnects Tutorial: Multiple AXI Masters and Slaves in Digital Logic

This article will explore AXI interconnects, the digital logic that allows multiple AXI masters and AXI slaves to communicate.

November 28, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

Obtaining Convergence for High-Q XTAL Oscillators

Learn a method of attaining convergence when simulating very high Q crystal oscillators using Cadence’s Virtuoso Periodic Steady State (PSS) analysis.

October 30, 2019 by Kevin Aylward

Introduction to the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI)

This article will introduce the Advanced Extensible Interface (AXI), an extension of AMBA.

October 17, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

Meeting ASIL Compliance for ADAS with an Integrated SoC Power System Monitor

This article looks at the safety standard that governs ADAS features and the challenge in designing power monitoring systems to comply with this standard while introducing an automotive power monitor that has been certified to meet this standard.

September 06, 2019 by Michael Jackson, Maxim Integrated

IC Design Resources Roundup: Mentor, Cadence, and Synopsys

The design of a modern IC is a truly monumental undertaking, and IC design tools make the job possible.

August 05, 2019 by Gary Elinoff

The Arm Architecture Explained

Learn more about the Arm computer architecture, including ISA, execution states, and processor families.

April 10, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael

Running Hard Real-Time Applications and Linux on PolarFire SoC

This article discusses the RISC-V-based SoC FPGA architecture for PolarFire SoC, which allows hard real-time applications and Linux applications to coexist.

March 26, 2019 by Tim Morin, Microchip

Securing Embedded Processors on RISC-V

This article explores the equal importance of software and hardware security for IoT devices and provides actionable steps for securing embedded processors on RISC-V.

October 31, 2018 by Dan Ganousis, Dover Microsystems

Intro Software Walkthrough: Fast Fourier Transforms and the Xilinx FFT IP Core

This article will explain some of the most important settings and design parameters for the Xilinx FFT IP core and function as a basic walkthrough of the Fast Fourier Transform interface.

October 17, 2018 by Steve Arar

RISC-V: Opening a New Era of Innovation for Embedded Design

This article explores the benefits behind RISC-V's open-source hardware model, discussing it's longevity, portability, and reliability.

June 27, 2018 by Ted Marena, Microsemi

A Simple, Compact Power Supply for Analog and Mixed-Signal Systems

This project demonstrates and discusses the performance and functionality of an inductorless ±5 V power-supply circuit.

June 18, 2018 by Robert Keim

RISC-V: Transforming the Development of SoC Devices that Combine FPGAs and Microcontrollers

Until recently, developers integrating a FPGA fabric with a microcontroller were severely limited in their choice of IP licensing options. Using open-source tools with a RISC-V core in a FPGA is present a solution to that problem.

September 06, 2017 by Ted Marena, Microsemi

Maxim Integrated’s Sound Activated NeoPixel Rave Goggles

Be the spectacle at this summer's music festival with these sound activated rave goggles!

July 07, 2017 by Ryan Jones

Op-Amp Input Overvoltage Protection: Clamping vs. Integrated

High precision op amps enable system designers to create circuits that condition signals (amplify, filter, and buffer) while maintaining the precision of the original signal. The precision of the total system depends on maintaining the precision of the signal path.

June 20, 2017 by Daniel Burton, Analog Devices

Convenient Rotational Measurements: A New Angle-Sensor SoC from Allegro

Hall-effect-based ICs such as the A1337 can help your device to perform a variety of sensor tasks related to angular motion.

May 11, 2017 by Robert Keim

Dealing with Variable Lighting: CMOS Vs CCD Image Sensors

Despite the convenience of CMOS imagers, CCD imagers still have their place. And if you really need low-light performance, consider a device with EMCCD technology, such as the KAE-02152.

May 03, 2017 by Robert Keim

Design Considerations for Digital VLSI

In this article, we discuss metastability, setup time, and hold time in designing a digital VLSI circuit.

April 26, 2017 by Mohammad Amin Karami

The CMOS Transmission Gate

This technical brief presents a simple MOSFET configuration that can be used as a voltage-controlled switch.

August 12, 2016 by Robert Keim

Make a PWM Driver for FPGA and SoC Design Using Verilog HDL

An FPGA is a crucial tool for many DSP and embedded systems engineers. However, the learning curve when getting started can be fairly steep. This project introduces the Quartus II and ModelSim software suites as well as a background on FPGA design flow for system on chip development. The development board used was a Terasic DE1-SoC, which has the Altera Cyclone V SoC chip. This IC contains an FPGA and an integrated ARM Cortex A9 as a hard processor system.

December 29, 2015 by William Coventry