A POPBL CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ASICs

The popularity of ASICs is growing every day due to the high demand for customization and the need for hardware/software integration in the digital society, especially in the IoT. A major benefit of using custom ASIC models in IoT is that products delivery can be carried out at very low cost thus, making the designers across the vertical market like industrial, smart utilities and medical devices to differentiate IoT products using custom ASIC designs. This article seeks to develop a POPBL conceptual framework for the design and implementation of ASICs. To this effect, a content analysis of scientific literature, models and frameworks were carried out with a focus on ASIC application, design and implementation, PbBL, PjBL, and POPBL processes. The resulting conceptual framework is a logical and systematic algorithm starting from problem identification/analysis, activation of prior knowledge, the setting of objectives/specifications, project initiation/execution, assessments/evaluation, and public presentation. The POPBL process stages act as the anchor for the ASIC design and implementation from start, product specifications, architecture, logic design, physical design, and tap-out. The framework will be useful for students and researchers for the development of soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and innovation.