Custom IC design: beyond standard components
Whether you need analogue precision, digital logic, or mixed-signal integration, custom ICs deliver optimised performance, compact design, and long-term supply security for products that demand reliability.
Swindon Silicon Systems at a glance
shipped globally
produced annually
in TPMS ICs
test facilities
Complete custom IC design solutions
From discrete analogue circuits to fully integrated system designs, we deliver custom silicon solutions tailored to automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications.
Analogue IC design
One of our primary areas of expertise, delivering precision signal processing, sensor interfaces, and power management engineered for your exact specifications.
Our analogue design capabilities:
- Signal conversion and conditioning circuits
- Precision amplification and measurement
- Power regulation and control
- Oscillators and timing circuits
Proven in demanding applications across automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors, with 40+ years of successful analogue IC development.
Typical applications: Sensor interfaces, precision measurement systems, power management, signal conditioning
Digital IC design
Custom digital logic optimised for your application – from simple control systems to advanced processor integration.
Our digital design capabilities:
- Control logic and state machines
- Processor integration (from 8-bit microcontrollers to ARM Cortex cores)
- Custom processing blocks tailored to your needs
- Memory integration (Flash, SRAM, non-volatile memory)
We work with you to assess requirements and deliver the optimum architecture, often using custom blocks rather than off-the-shelf processors to eliminate wasted resources.
Typical applications: Control systems, data processing, communication interfaces, system management
ASIC IP & accelerated development
Pre-validated IP blocks that work first time, reducing your development timeline and investment while accelerating time-to-market.
What we provide:
- Extensive library of in-house developed IP blocks
- Access to foundry partners' proven digital IP
- Pre-validated functionality
- System-level integration expertise
Our IP library has been deployed in 1B+ ASICs worldwide, ensuring reliability from day one.
IP categories include: Memory blocks, signal processing, sensor interfaces, communication protocols, power management, protection circuits
Custom IC solutions across applications
From sensor interfaces to power management, our custom ICs deliver proven performance in demanding environments.
Sensor interface ASICs
Custom analogue and mixed-signal ICs for sensor signal conditioning, data acquisition, and processing.
Haptics
Integrated touch and tactile feedback ICs for automotive and industrial applications, delivering intuitive user interfaces and enhanced control experiences.
Optical image sensing
Custom analogue and mixed-signal ICs for optical positional sensing, improving accuracy and efficiency in industrial control systems.
Explore our complete range of custom IC applications and technical capabilities.
Your complete custom IC partner
From feasibility to lifetime supply, we deliver complete custom IC solutions backed by 40+ years of proven expertise.
Full-Turnkey Service
- Complete design expertise: Analogue, digital, mixed-signal, and system-level integration
- In-house test & validation: 550+ sqm facility with CMOS and MEMS wafer and package-level testing, operating with a zero-PPM improvement mindset
- Fabless flexibility: Access to leading foundries with process node optimisation for your specific requirements
- Supply chain ownership: 40+ years of supply chain expertise with obsolescence protection built in
- Proven at scale: 150M+ die shipped annually, established, stable partner
- Quality standards:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management System
Our obsolescence assurance approach
Process: First choice – proven technologies with 40+ year track record
Device: Last-time-buy support in the case of supply chain end of life
Design: Design portability – migrate to new process if needed
Wafer: Long-term storage – LTB dry nitrogen storage >20 years
Guaranteed supply for your product's entire lifetime
Your ASIC remains available for your product’s entire lifecycle. We don’t discontinue designs based on our production schedules.
Proactive supply chain management
- Dedicated team oversees forecasting, inventory management, and supplier coordination
- Constant quality monitoring (yields, PPM rates, on-time delivery)
- Global fulfillment with direct shipping to any location
Zero-gap continuity
If unforeseen issues occur, we work with you to ensure zero gaps in availability through the most cost-efficient solution - always mutually agreed with customer support.
Quality assurance
Every supplier is regularly audited. All ASICs are manufactured and tested in accordance with our ISO 9001-certified Quality Management System, ensuring consistent quality and reliability across all projects.
Our obsolescence assurance approach
Process: First choice – proven technologies with 40+ year track record
Device: Last-time-buy support in the case of supply chain end of life
Design: Design portability – migrate to new process if needed
Wafer: Long-term storage – LTB dry nitrogen storage >20 years
ASIC design flow: feasibility to production
Our structured approach reduces development risk and keeps you in control at every stage.
Consultation
Requirements assessment, commercial evaluation, and early risk identification.
Feasibility study
Go/no-go recommendation with specifications, cost quote, and project timeline.
Design
Complete in-house design with IP integration, design-for-test, and reviews.
Prototyping
First silicon testing, validation, and production readiness in your environment.
Production
Fabless manufacturing through trusted foundries with flexible volumes and support.
Custom IC design: frequently asked questions
What is full custom IC design, and how does it differ from other types of integrated circuits?
Full custom IC design means designing every element of the circuit from scratch to meet your exact requirements—whether that’s optimal performance, minimal power consumption, or the smallest possible footprint. Unlike semi-custom approaches that rely on pre-designed cells, full custom design gives you complete control over the silicon, though it requires specialist expertise and longer development timelines. We use full custom design when your application demands performance that standard approaches cannot deliver.
Integrated circuits (ICs) in general can be classified into four main types: digital, analogue, mixed-signal, and RF, each serving different applications. Full custom design can be applied across these types, depending on performance and specification requirements.
What are the 4 types of IC?
Integrated circuits (ICs) are generally classified into four main types based on their function and signal type:
- Analogue ICs – These handle continuous signals and are used for amplification, filtering, and modulation. Common examples include operational amplifiers and voltage regulators.
- Digital ICs – These work with discrete signals (0s and 1s) and form the basis of logic gates, microprocessors, and memory integrated circuits..
- Mixed-Signal ICs – These combine both analogue and digital circuitry in a single solution, often found in applications such as data converters, communication systems, and sensors.
- RF ICs (Radio Frequency ICs) – These operate at high frequencies and are used for wireless communication, radar, and radio systems.
Is an ASIC right for my project?
An ASIC is a strong fit if your design needs higher performance, lower power, or tighter integration than standard components can provide. It’s ideal for products with long lifecycles, multiple discrete functions, or demanding environmental requirements. ASICs can help you reduce size, cost, and complexity while improving reliability and supply assurance.
Learn more about the benefits on our Why Use an ASIC? page.
How long does custom IC design take from concept to production?
Most ASIC and custom IC projects take between 12 and 24 months from initial concept to full production. The exact timeline depends on design complexity, testing requirements, and production volumes. Swindon’s milestone-based approach ensures clarity at every stage — from specification and feasibility through to prototyping, validation, and long-term supply.
Can my IP be used in ASICs developed for other companies?
One of the main reasons why a company will commission an ASIC is to protect its IP. Swindon gives its customers ownership of the final system design ensuring that the IP of the final solution remains firmly in our customer’s possession.
What are typical NRE costs for ASIC development?
Investment costs vary based on design complexity, process technology, and integration requirements. A straightforward analogue IC on mature process nodes may require lower investment than a complex mixed-signal design with RF, embedded processors, and advanced memory on cutting-edge nodes.
During our feasibility study, we provide a fixed quote based on your specific requirements. We work with you to select the optimal process technology that balances performance, size, and cost for your application. Our goal is to deliver the best technical outcome within your budget constraints.
Do we need ASIC design experience to work with you?
The Customer should have detailed familiarity with the system level objectives and the operating environment of the target product. No ASIC design expertise is required.
Can I change my specification during the project?
Yes, specifications can be adjusted during development. Early-stage changes typically have minimal impact, while modifications later in the design process require more significant investment. We maintain clear milestone reviews throughout the project to ensure specifications are validated at each stage, minimising the need for late changes while maintaining flexibility where your requirements evolve.