IC Development Cycle :

The IC development process of digital integrated circuit is as shown in Figure below.

The process is consists of different steps as follows.

Define specifications : The process begins with the IC specifications. The expected

features and the design technology is fixed up in this step. The specifications must be

tight enough so that the developed product meets the expected features.

Initial design : From a complete set of specifications it is necessary to define the

general structure of an initial design of the IC. It is usually performed by the designers

using the different design rules.

Simulation : When the initial design is finished the results must be verified against the

original specifications. CAD tools are used to simulate the behaviour of complex ICs

and such simulators are used to determine whether the obtained design meets the

required specifications or not.

Prototype implementation : When the simulation indicates that the design is correct, a

complete physical prototype of the product is constructed using the devices such as

Programmable Logic Devices (PLD).

Testing : The Prototype is thoroughly tested for the intended results as per the

specifications. Any errors occurred in the testing must be fixed; the errors can be

eliminated by making small corrections directly on the prototype.

Final product : When the prototype passes all the tests, then the product is said to be

final IC and send to the production.