New-Tech Europe Magazine | May 2016

analog circuit blocks to implement this functionality do not benefit very much from aggressive feature size scaling. The costs for implementing production prototypes with such foundry technologies are extremely low. Using imec IC-link’s multi-project wafer (MPW) service, a company can produce a prototype run of a 25mm2 ASIC in the extremely popular 180nm technology with 45 samples for as little as $16,000. Number of ASIC projects as a function of technology node. Source imec IC- link database. Here comes substream innovation

The use of ASICs coupled with low- cost foundry technologies is giving rise to a new wave of technology-based innovation. But this would not be possible if the ASICs would not protect the IP. Together, accessible low-cost technologies and IP protection have enabled SMEs with great ideas to gain access to lucrative, high growth, global markets. We refer to this as substream innovation and like to think it would be easily recognizable to those earlier business adventurers looking for opportunities in the New World.

Phill Christie is a Principal Scientist and leads the Business & Technology Strategy Group at imec IC-link.

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