Additional advantages of an ASIC implementation in advanced sensor systems include immunity to single event upsets (SEUs) and improved Mil-Temp performance. ASIC implementations sometimes require additional compliance with International Trade in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Silicon Re-spins in ASIC Design (Source: Collett International Research)

Due to the complexity of radar systems design, engineers should maintain as much flexibility as possible through system definition and prototyping with respect to digital logic elements. Later, when systems manufacturing and production systems are made, the program manager still has several options to meet changing requirements on cost, power, heat, performance, and form factor. FPGAs offer maximum design flexibility, while the design transition option to structured ASIC increases that flexibility for radar systems designers.

This article was written by J. Ryan Kenny, technical marketing manager in the military and aerospace business unit of Altera Corporation, San Jose, CA. For more information, click here.