Atmel has announced a low-cost re-targeting flow for migrating designs from its low entry-cost AT91CAP ARM-based customizable microcontrollers to its ASICs that minimize unit cost in high volume.

This flow, based on automated netlist re-targeting that preserves system functionality, enables customers to benefit from the low development costs and rapid prototype availability of the CAP and then, once the product has been proved in its application, transition it to a high-volume, unit-cost-optimized ASIC at minimal additional cost and risk.

Atmel provides all its internally-developed IP blocks that are implemented in the CAP fixed architecture or metal programmable block at no charge, and is able to offer competitive prices on third-party IPs because they are supplied to multiple customers.

This provides a wide range of pre-qualified functionality, ranging from standard network/connectivity IPs for Ethernet, USB, and CAN, to leading-edge wireless communications and data compression technologies such as UWB and H.264 in the coming months.

In addition, the mature process technology that Atmel uses to manufacture its ASICs brings the benefit of low mask costs. Taken together, these factors significantly reduce the cost of development of a high-volume, microcontroller-based system-on-chip that is optimized for a single application.

Atmel's CAP-to-ASIC re-targeting flow is available now. Typical NRE cost, covering netlist re-targeting, Place&Route, mask manufacture, prototype fabrication, test and packaging in 130nm technology is less than $300K.

More information: www.atmel.com