Streamlining ASIC Verification with Altium Designer: A Case Study on STMicroelectronics

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor manufacturer, designs ASICs that function as the brains inside the latest generations of hard-disk drives. A critical step in the ASIC production is testing and verification using a custom development board. Each ASIC needs its own development board, designed and manufactured in parallel with the chip. These boards connect the prototypes to the motherboard and the hard drive assembly so engineers can put the ASIC through its paces. Any delay in the production of the boards threatens the rollout of the chip, as well as the company's bottom line. Last year, STMicroelectronics produced 11 of these ASICs, each requiring its own custom development board for evaluation. Just two engineers were responsible for these boards, producing a new one nearly every month. The engineers had to manage parts library maintenance, schematic capture, simulation, system design, PCB layout, and generating manufacturing files. The hard drive assemblies are notoriously difficult for their odd mechanical clearance rules, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process.

STMicroelectronics is a global leader in the semiconductor industry, serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. The company focuses on multimedia convergence and power applications, leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise, and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships, and manufacturing strength. In 2009, the company's net revenues were $8.51 billion. Within the data storage segment, the company designs ASICs that function as the brains inside the latest generations of hard-disk drives.