AMI Semiconductor And Emerson Deliver Mixed-Signal ASIC In Record Time
Sensor Interface IC for flow measurement delivered in under 50 weeks
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 cooperation 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."
About AMI Semiconductor
AMI Semiconductor (AMIS) is a leader in the design and manufacture of silicon solutions for the real world. As a widely recognized innovator in state-of-the-art integrated mixed-signal products, mixed-signal foundry services and structured digital products, AMIS is committed to providing customers with the optimal value, quickest time-to-market semiconductor solutions. Offering unparalleled manufacturing flexibility and dedication to customer service, AMI Semiconductor operates globally with headquarters in Pocatello, Idaho, European corporate offices in Oudenaarde, Belgium, and a network of sales and design centres located in the key markets of the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, please visit the AMIS Web site at www.amis.com.
About Emerson Process Management
Emerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®; Rosemount®; Fisher®; Micro Motion®; Daniel®, DeltaVTM; and AMSTM Suite.
About Emerson
Emerson (www.gotoemerson.com) is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliances and tools. Sales in fiscal 2004 were $15.6 billion.