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Custom advantages
ASICs are highly specialized microchips, crafted at the transistor and logic-gate level to carry out specific functions with precision and efficiency.
Unlike general-purpose processors, which are built for versatility, ASICs can be optimized for power efficiency, signal integrity and data throughput. These capabilities are essential for real-time control in industrial automation, robotics and advanced aerospace systems.
By integrating analogue and digital functions- including signal conditioning, high-resolution data conversion, power management and embedded security features- onto a single chip, ASICs streamline system design. This consolidation significantly reduces overall complexity and improves efficiency across applications.
This consolidation not only reduces overall complexity but also enhances reliability, power efficiency and latency. In demanding industrial environments, it also helps to mitigate interconnect bottlenecks, reduces electromagnetic interference( EMI) and improve thermal performance, resulting in greater overall system stability and smoother operation across applications.
ASICs also help reduce the risk of obsolescence. Integrating multiple functions into a single chip lessens reliance on standard off-the-shelf components, which can be discontinued or become outdated over time. This approach safeguards production lifecycles, minimizes costly redesigns or component replacements and helps manufacturers maintain consistent system performance. Ultimately, it delivers greater long-term reliability and confidence in operational continuity- essential for achieving the UK’ s ten-year industrial ambitions.
Although ASICs were not explicitly mentioned in the new manufacturing strategy, their capabilities make them crucial for creating the connected, automated and future-ready manufacturing ecosystems the UK aims to develop.
Tomorrows’ factories
The government’ s strategy places investment in‘ smart factories’ as central to achieving its ambition of the UK becoming a global leader in“ scaling up innovation and automation”.
Smart factories are highly responsive, data-driven manufacturing environments, connecting Industrial Internet of Things( IIoT) enabled sensors, advanced robotics, predictive maintenance systems and adaptive material-handling technologies.
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