Understanding Fabless IC Technology

Fabless (no fabrication) IC (integrated circuit) techniques are growing rapidly and promise to become the standard method of IC manufacturing in the near future, this book will provide readers with what will soon be required knowledge of the subject. Other books on IC fabrication deal with the strictly physical process aspects of the topic and assume all factors in IC fabrication are under the control of the IC designing company. By contrast, this title recognizing that fabless IC design is often as much about managing business relationships as it is about physical processes. "Fabless" ICs are those designed and marketed by one company but actually manufactured by another.

*Written by board members of the Fabless Semiconductor Association, an industry consortium that include Xilinx, Intersil, Micro Linear, and many other members
*Approriate for a wide range of integrated circuit (IC) designers and users who need to understand the fabless process and its advantages/limitations
*Discusses important topics such as negotiating with outside fabrication companies, choosing the right electronic design tools, protection of intellectual property and business plans, and maintaining quality control

PART 1 - Manufacturing Strategies: Understanding Fabless IC Technology

Chapter 1: More than a Decade of Transition in the Semiconductor Industry
Chapter 2: Fabless Semiconductor Manufacturing
Chapter 3: Qualities of Successful Fabless Companies

PART 2 - An In-Depth Understanding of the Fabless Semiconductor Business Model

Chapter 4: Semiconductor Manufacturing Basics
Chapter 5: Fabless ASICs
Chapter 6: Electronic Design Automation
Chapter 7: Intellectual Property
Chapter 8: e- Commerce
Chapter 9: Quality and Reliability
Chapter 10: Test Development

PART 3 - Becoming a Best-in-Class Fabless Company

Chapter 11: Best Practices for Fabless Companies
Chapter 12: Building the Right Partnerships
Chapter 13: Building the Right Relationships with the board and VCs

PART 4- The Fabless Business Model: A Look into the Future

Chapter 14: Perspectives in the Future of Fabless