services-soc-and-fpga[1]-modified

Platforms for Semiconductor Design

Reuseable functions across processing platforms & mixed signal systems.

Intrinsix Platforms and semiconductor IP provide unique solutions that can be quickly brought to bear on customer projects.  The two most direct and tangible benefits are in speeding time to market and predictability of schedule and outcome.  This, in turn, drives down effective cost of development and, of course, accelerates time to revenue for Intrinsix customers. 

Intrinsix platforms consist of groups of semiconductor IP which have been pre-configured for a particular market or purpose.    Often, the Design IP (whether represented by RTL or transistors in a particular process) is paired with Verification IP to create a development suite for that market.   A critical aspect of the Intrinsix IP strategy is that we avoid marketing our IP as standalone products.  This strategy frees us from typical “Not Invented Here” attitudes and positions our solutions as agnostic in regards to IP choices.    Our customer’s view of Best-in-Class price/performance wins the day.   Every day.   With this approach, we are able to partner with all providers of IP, such as EDA companies and boutique IP companies.    New solutions and options appear all of the time and Intrinsix strategy ensures a level playing field for our customers and their choices.

Most of the Platforms and IP offered has been derived from focused internal R&D, funded solely by Intrinsix.   But a significant portion also comes directly from Intrinsix participation in the Small Business Innovate Research (SBIR) program. This program funds companies to create compelling solutions for government and commercial advancement.    Check out our SBIR and Patents page for a complete list.

Platforms and IP Collections

AIB PHY IP and Services

Overview

The Intrinsix AIB PHY Intellectual Property is a complete set of hard and soft macros that provides a direct connection to the AIB heterogeneous digital interface for “Chiplet-to-Chiplet” communication.   Intrinsix is providing the IP as a standalone package or it can be combined with customization (changes to the PHY) or integration (integrating the PHY in an SoC) services.    Both services are outlined below.  The macro contains the high-speed process dependent circuitry to minimize the effort involved in adopting the AIB interface standard. Proven macros and flows minimize the risk of achieving first pass success.

Features

  • Supports AIB version 1.0
  • AIB LR up to 2Gbps per data line
  • AIB SR up to 2Gbps per data line
  • SDR and DDR modes supported
  • I/O redundancy
  • 80 data lines per channel macro
  • Configurable RX/TX per data line
  • Level shifters included
  • Programmable output drivers
  • Multiple channel macros possible
  • AUX channel macro included
  • JTAG boundary scan

aib-phy-macro-usage

The AIB PHY utilizes a parallel synchronous interface that supports transactional and streaming adapter interfaces. An existing 3rd party interface is available to connect to AMBA AXI interconnect and IP.  To support various Chiplet bump densities and technologies the microbump array is external to the PHY macro. Multiple levels of metal are left open to support the routing to the microbump array. 

Base macros (Channel macro & AUX macro) available now in TSMC 16FFC and GF 14LPP processes.

AIB-IO-Cell-Channel-Architecture
Figure 2: AIB IO Cell and Channel Architecture

IP and Services

  • AIBcolumn copyAIB PHY IP is available as a standalone IP block, complete with…
    • Verilog models
    • LEF boundary
    • CDL netlist
    • GDSII layout
    • SDC timing information
    • IBIS model
    • Documentation
  • AIB PHY Customization Services are available to customize the IP to meet your exact requirements, and include…
    • Process porting
    • μBump array creation
    • Data width customization
    • Adapter logic creation & subsystem packaging
    • Control logic customization
  • AIB PHY Integration Services are available to ensure that the AIB PHY IP is properly inserted into your design and fully verified at the chip-level.

chiplet

Intrinsix Capabilities & Experience in ASIC/SoC Design

  • Digital, Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF Chips
  • ASIC & SoC Design/Verification
  • Metrics-Based Mixed-Signal Verification
  • Architectural Modeling and Analysis
  • Place & Route, Layout, Post Silicon Support
  • Embedded Software and Firmware
  • Average Experience of Staff > 20 years
  • Professionally Trained & Dedicated Project Managers
  • IC Supply Chain Management (Concept to Silicon)
  • DoD “Trusted Design” Accreditation

AMBA SoC Design and Verification Platform

The following is one example of an AMBA/Tensilica SoC Development (Intrinsix IP in Dark Green)

Surrounding the Development IP is the Intrinsix Verification environment (with Verification IP on a light green background)

Intrinsix is also experienced with the bridge interface between the local Tensilica (PIF) bus and the AMBA environment

Intrinsix ahb -apb verification environment example

Proprietary Intrinsix AMBA Verification IP in green

See Component IP file for a detailed IP List.

ARM-AMBA Components

Intrinsix IP Components for AMBA Based Systems

  • AHB Quad SPI Master / Slave

  • Multiprocessor Mailbox

  • AHB High Performance DMA

  • ECC for SRAM and Fabric

  • SPI to APB Analog Controller

  • AHB Master Configurable Arbiter

  • AHB Slave Configurable Arbiter

  • APB I2C/SMBus Master Controller

  • APB PWM Controller (8 Channel)

  • APB Interval Timer (3 Channel)

  • APB Watchdog Timer (1 Channel)

  • APB Real-Time Clock

  • AES-128, 256  Encryption

  • SHA-256 Authentication

  • MIPI Battery Interface

  • SENT Protocol Controller

  • Programmable Filtering Engine

  • APB ADC Controller (2 Channel)

  • System Manager (clks, reset, power)

  • JTAG Controller with DFT/MBIST

  • AHB Low Power DMA

  • APB I2S/TDM Controller

  • Status & Control Register Builder

  • AHB Quad SPI Master / Slave

  • Multiprocessor Mailbox

  • AHB High Performance DMA

  • ECC for SRAM and Fabric

  • SPI to APB Analog Controller

  • AHB Master Configurable Arbiter

  • AHB Slave Configurable Arbiter

  • APB I2C/SMBus Master Controller

  • APB PWM Controller (8 Channel)

  • APB Interval Timer (3 Channel)

  • APB Watchdog Timer (1 Channel)

  • APB Real-Time Clock

Analog & Mixed Signal Jump-Start Kit

The following Analog and/or Mixed Signal Components (and more!) are available to Intrinsix Customers.   This IP (both design and verification IP) will help decrease development time while increasing quality and reliability.

Analog Design IP

  • analog jump start kitSigma Delta ADCs
  • Sigma Delta DACs
  • Op Amps, TIAs
  • Variable Gain Amps
  • Comparators
  • Oscillators
  • Gm-C, OTA Filters
  • Auto Zero Chopper
  • PLL & FLL
  • Charge Pumps
  • DC-DC Buck/Boost
  • Voltage References
  • Voltage Regulators

Mixed Signal Verification IP

  • Verilog-A Models for all Design IP
  • Matlab Models for many Design IP
  • Simulink Models for many Design IP
  • Waveform Generators
  • Waveform Capture / Checkers
  • Virtual Spectrum Analyzers
  • Virtual Noise Analyzers
  • Co-simulation Interface Modules
  • Matlab/Simulink Interface Modules
  • Verilog-A Standard Cells
  • ‘Virtual Characterization Lab’ Tools
  • Datasheet Autofill Methodology
  • Verilog-AMS CoSim Jump-Start Kit

Self-contained IP platform for Root-of-Trust and security in chiplets and SoCs

CEVA Fortrix™

Self-contained IP platform for Root-of-Trust and security in chiplets and SoCs

OVERVIEW

FortrixTM is a self-contained, feature-rich IP platform which provides Root-of-Trust and cybersecurity features to chiplet based systems and standard SoCs.  It’s unique combination of hardware and firmware provides NSA Suite-B and CNSA levels of performance with low power and low latency.  Secure Boot, Root of Trust, Encryption/Decryption, Secure Communications, and Secure Firmware Update are among the features currently provided.   CEVA has customized its security IP to meet the needs of chiplet based designs establishing a secure channel between Host and Companion chiplets to allow secure message passing, authentication, attestation, and firmware download.  Take together, these features provide protection against a variety of threat vectors including; firmware copying/tampering, chiplet counterfeiting and chiplet disabling/modifying.

cryptographic-ip-core-benefits

Main Features

  • NSA Suite-B and CNSA
  • Key hardware blocks of Fortrix include:
    • RISC-V processor
    • Secure bus fabric
    • DMA controller
    • SRAM controller
    • AES encryption/decryption controller
    • SHA256 controller
    • Public Key Accelerator (PKA) w/ ECDSA 256/384
    • SPI controller w/ flash support
    • True Random Number Generator (TRNG)
  • A low level API is provided along with a sample application so the IP can be quickly and efficiently customized.

Block Diagram

26_01_22_Fortrix_architecture_block-diagram_v3

PWM Regulator IP

Pulse-width modulation (PWM) is a modulation process or technique used in most communication systems for encoding the amplitude of a signal right into a pulse width or duration of another signal, usually a carrier signal, for transmission. Although PWM is also used in communications, its main purpose is actually to control the power that is supplied to various types of electrical devices, most especially for inertial loads such as AC/DC motors.

Intrinsix has developed a number of PWM IP components that are highly reusable for new PWM designs.  This will reduce engineering time and improve reliability through the reuse of proven designs.

PWM Controller Elements

  • Bandgap Reference
  • Error Amplifier
  • PWM Comparator
  • Sawtooth Oscillator
  • Gate Drive
  • Over-Current Comparator
  • Soft-Start Cell
  • ADC
  • DAC
  • PLL
  • RC Oscillator
  • Watchdog Timer

Pulse Width Modulation Regulator IP

Digital PWM Controller Elements

  • Power Good Comparator
  • Zero-Crossing Comparator
  • Bandgap Voltage Reference
  • Current-Sense Amplifier
  • Discrete-Time Compensator
  • Digital PWM
  • Gate Drive
  • ADC’s
  • Source and Synch FET’s

Digital PWM Controller

Sigma-Delta Refinery

sigma delta IP

Sigma-Delta Modulation Explained

Use of a Sigma-Delta Modulation scheme in the design of Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) allows for very efficient and/or high performance data converters.  Sigma-Delta Modulation (aka SD Modulation, SDM or Delta-Sigma Modulation) is not a new technique, but has been deployed relatively recently in a wide range of  applications thanks to continued advances in CMOS semiconductor technology.  Intrinsix has developed several families of Sigma-Delta based IP blocks that are designed to be inserted into larger designed targeted for standard CMOS processes such as those available from TSMC, UMC, SMIC. Chartered and others.

Intrinsix Sigma-Delta Modulator Refinery

Designing a finely tuned SDM-based device, such as a data converter, can be a very time consuming effort, even by engineers very familiar with the technology.  This is where Intrinsix can get you ahead of the curve.  Intrinsix has developed the Intrinsix SDM Refinery, a proprietary design automation suite.  When deployed by our Mixed Signal Design Team, SDM Refinery allows us to quickly produce optimized Sigma-Delta Modulators (SDMs) and SDM-based, over-sampled DACs and ADCs.   Not only do the results come faster, but the components developed with the SDM Refinery are optimized far beyond what could be expected from a manual design methodology. 

sigma delta refinery flow chart

 

Some of the additional features of the refinery:

  • Highly Automated
  • Custom ADC/DAC IP
  • Optimized to System Needs
  • Several Patents

An example of some of the Sigma-Delta based Intellectual Property (created from the refinery) which are available from Intrinsix:

  • SDM Data Converters for High Performance Audio (HPA)
  • SDM Data Converters for Consumer Audio (CA)
  • SDM Data Converters for Precision Data Conversion (PDC)
  • SDM Data Converters for Cost Effective Conversions (CEC)
  • SDM for Radio Frequency Applications (RF)
  • Tri-Mode Television IF Subsystem (with SDM-ADC)

 

Sensor Data Acquisition Platform

This platform is comprised of all components required in a highly-integrated data acquisition solution for smart sensors.  It is targeted at high precision requirements such as MEMS accelerometers, gyros, pressure sensors, magnetic sensors, battery and electrical sensors, and other custom sensing applications.  It includes the analog signal conditioning, analog to digital conversion, filtering, digital signal processing, control-plane processing, protocol engine and serial communications. All blocks are programmable and configurable to optimize performance to a given application, and the platform includes much of the software needed for common signal processing and serial communications.

The Data Acquisition Platform for Sensor Integration uses IP blocks which have been developed by Intrinsix and targeted into a comprehensive mixed signal solution, including analog, digital and software components.

Features:

  • Very Low Cost Architecture
  • Very Low Power with Power Management
  • Programmable Filters, DSP & Comms
  • No External Components Required
  • Extensible with Customer Logic Blocks
  • Includes Software, Emulation & Debug
  • Offset Auto Zero Front-end
  • Programmable Sigma Delta ADC
  • Highly Efficient Filter Engine
  • Digital Signal Conditioning
  • Low Power Control Processor
  • Flexible Serial Input / Output

sensor data acquisition

IoT Platform

The internet of things (IoT) is the internetworking of physical devices, vehicles (also referred to as "connected devices" and "smart devices"), buildings and other items - embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity that enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

Intrinsix has experience and IP related to the many disciplines that compose IoT-based projects.   The following graphic shows the entire range of IoT domains where Intrinsix has previously worked, and where seamless design and verification IP can be utilized to shorten new IoT design cycles, improve security and to improve probability of successful outcomes through the reuse of IP from previously successful designs.  Most IoT systems will only use only a subset of these elements.

IoT IP platform

Application Areas for IoT Systems

The following list are just some of the product application areas where IoT technology will usually be applied:

  • Secure Storage and Anti Tamper Devices
  • Low Energy RF
  • Integrated Silicon Radios
  • Sensor and Analog I/O
  • Automotive
    • Telematics
    • Safety Systems
    • Engine Control
    • Collision Avoidance
    • Infotainment
    • ISO 26262
  • Imaging Applications
  • Connected Home Devices
  • Remote Security
  • Industrial Controls
  • Biometric Identification and Security
  • Wearable Devices
  • Medical Monitoring
  • Consumer Devices
  • Mobile Electronics
  • Invisible Sensing Motes
  • Data Communications
  • Micromechanical Structures

ROIC & Imaging Technology

ROIC Technology for Demanding Imaging Applications

New innovations in ROIC technology are available from Intrinsix - a leader in advanced imaging chip design services.  The offerings address modern imager challenges such as Signal to Noise (SNR), Dynamic Range (DR), conversion efficiency (watts/bit/sec) and DC scene “skimming”.  The architectures are applicable to cooled (70K) or uncooled photodiode detectors (monolithic, BSI, hybridized), and micro-bolometers (continuous or pulsed).  Current offerings are briefly described below, with example size/process node data points:

Serpentine Sigma-Delta Modulator based ROICs

  • High SNR applications
  • Moderate frame rates
  • Rolling shutter – programmable integration time
  • Configurable Preview & Foveal low power modes
    • 92dB SNR at 48nW / pixel / sec
    • 58dB SNR at 26nW / pixel / sec
  • Independent Primary and Redundant signal paths
  • 15um pixel pitch in 180nm CMOS
  • Targeting Very High Dynamic Range Imaging Applications (>16 bit)
  • Leverages Intrinsix Sigma Delta IP

ROIC and Imaging

Per-pixel Log2ADC based Digital Focal Plane Array (DFPA)

  • High Dynamic Range, High Frame Rate applications
    • 126dB DR at 1000FPS (1920x1080)
  • Moderate SNR (~75dB) over eight octaves
  • Continuous integration (global frame shutter)
  • Digital 16bit log2 integration
    • 13bit mantissa, 3bit radix
    • Optional IIR noise filter and orthogonal TDI
  • 12um pixel pitch in 55nm CMOS 

In-pixel Correlated Double Sampling

  • Small, six transistor (6T) implementation of CDS pixel
  • Single non-floating-diffusion capacitor used for offset and signal sampling
  • CDS removes photodiode bias offset allowing signal gain to be applied yielding 2V output on 3.3V supplies
  • Two color (N-on-P & P-on-N) variant using 8T pixel
  • 10um pixel pitch in 180nm BSI CMOS 

Adaptive self-heating polynomial estimation and correction

  • Pulsed micro-bolometer applications
  • Iterative (averaged) polynomial estimation of self-heating based on “shunted” micro-bolometers
  • Dynamic polynomial Bias compensates for PVT effects
  • Enables dynamic offset cancellation before signal gain to extend TEC-less operational range
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