Mixed-Signal ASIC Development for Custom Instrumentation Chip Design

When off-the-shelf ICs cannot meet your performance requirements, custom instrumentation chip design becomes the only path forward. Whether you need ultra-low noise signal acquisition, sub-picosecond timing precision, or a highly integrated analog front end — mixed-signal ASIC development gives you exactly what you need, built to your specifications.

What is Mixed-Signal ASIC Development?

A mixed-signal ASIC combines analog and digital circuits on a single chip – designed specifically for one application rather than sold as a general-purpose component.

In instrumentation, this typically means integrating high-speed analog front ends, data conversion blocks, clock generation circuits, and digital control logic into one optimized chip – replacing multiple discrete components with better performance, smaller footprint, and lower power.

When Do You Need Custom Instrumentation Chip Design?

Off-the-shelf ICs work – until they don’t. Here are the clearest signals your application needs a custom ASIC:

Performance Beyond Catalog Limits

Commercial ICs cap out at a certain bandwidth or noise floor. If your instrument needs 30 GHz, 45 GHz, or 60 GHz analog bandwidth — that performance simply does not exist in a catalog part.

Size and Power Constraints

When board space is critical and power budgets are tight, integrating multiple functions into a single compact package changes everything. Custom design lets you optimize every block for your exact operating conditions.

IP Protection and Supply Security

A custom ASIC is yours. No competitor can buy the same part and replicate your system. And unlike commercial ICs that get discontinued, a verified GDS gives you full control over your supply chain.

How Mixed-Signal ASIC Development Works

A well-run project follows a clear flow:

Feasibility Study

Before committing to full development, a feasibility study defines what is achievable at your target process node, power budget, and die size – saving you from costly mistakes before a single transistor is placed.

Design, Simulation and Layout

Each analog and digital block is designed and simulated at transistor level. Physical layout is critical in mixed-signal design — noise coupling between analog and digital domains must be carefully managed throughout.

Tape-Out and Delivery

The verified GDS is submitted to the foundry. Final deliverable is a fully characterized ASIC, or an IP block — whichever your project requires.

Why Choose FMAX for Mixed-Signal ASIC Development

FMAX Technologies has 25+ years of delivering mixed-signal ICs for the most demanding instrumentation and datacenter applications.

Our engineers bring 20–30 years of individual design experience across SiGe BiCMOS, TSMC, GlobalFoundries, and IHP process nodes — with production silicon for Sample & Hold and TDR ICs operating at 30 GHz to 60 GHz. We cover the full development flow from feasibility study through tape-out, with flexible deliverables as a complete ASIC, IP block, or verified GDS.

If your application demands performance no catalog IC can deliver – talk to FMAX Technologies today.

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