When system design engineers evaluate the risks of choosing a particular supplier for FPGAs and eFPGAs, they often focus on traditional concerns such as supply chain issues, quality, and reliability. While these are certainly critical considerations, there are other, more subtle risks that are often overlooked but equally important. Let’s explore a few of these key risks:
Longevity of Supply
Close to 75% of the FPGA/eFPGA companies that have been founded over the past four decades have either been acquired or are no longer in business. First and foremost, the FPGA and/or eFPGA Company you commit your project’s success needs to have the track record and financial wherewithal to be there every step of the way – in some cases for decades into the future.
Vendor Tool “Lock-In”
Most FPGA suppliers offer proprietary toolsets that only support their own devices. This can seem fine—until you discover that your targeted device is more expensive than expected, doesn’t meet timing or power requirements, or lacks the right mix of features for your design.
Inadequate Technical Support
If you’re a top-tier customer for a large FPGA vendor, you’ll likely receive excellent technical support. However, smaller customers often struggle to get the timely answers and assistance needed to complete their designs efficiently.
Technical Risk of Physical Design of eFPGA IP
ASIC Designers using soft IP for the embedded FPGA portion of their ASIC/SoC may face significant challenges with area optimization of the soft IP, timing closure across all of the LUTs, physical design and verification, and design for test – all while under budget and time constraints.
Why QuickLogic Is the Low-Risk Choice
QuickLogic not only addresses the traditional concerns about supplier risk—we’ve been in business for decades and have shipped tens of millions of units—but also tackles these more nuanced risks.
– Open-Source Development Tools: We embrace open-source tools, enabling non-proprietary design flows and making it easier to target the right device for your needs.
– Comprehensive Technical Support: Our dedicated support team ensures your design moves through development as efficiently as possible, no matter your size or scope.
– Plug-and-Play eFPGA Hard IP: Our eFPGA Hard IP integrates seamlessly into your ASIC platform, simplifying the design process and reducing risk. You don’t need to design the eFPGA IP; we will do that hard work for you.
When considering risks for your next project, remember that QuickLogic offers a lower-risk option compared to traditional suppliers. With our experience, flexibility, and commitment to innovation, we provide the tools and support to ensure your project’s success.
