Application-specific integrated circuits are custom chips engineered to perform a single workload with maximum efficiency. Because the logic is hardwired at the silicon level, they offer vastly superior speed and lower power consumption compared to software running on a CPU. They are heavily used in network routing, digital signal processing, and cryptocurrency mining.
We can't handle this packet throughput in software, so we'll need to spin a custom ASIC.
Do not mix it up with
- FPGA: An FPGA can be reprogrammed after manufacturing, whereas an ASIC has its logic permanently baked into the silicon.
Related terms
FPGA
A field-programmable gate array is an integrated circuit whose internal logic can be configured by the user.
SoC
An integrated circuit that combines all necessary components of a computer or electronic system onto a single chip.
IC
A complete electronic circuit manufactured on a single piece of semiconductor material.
Chip
A small piece of semiconducting material containing a complex integrated circuit.