Last updated on May 7, 2025

How do you update and maintain ASIC IP cores throughout their lifecycle?

ASIC IP cores are reusable blocks of logic that can be integrated into an ASIC design to perform specific functions. They can save time, reduce costs, and improve performance for ASIC developers. But how do you update and maintain ASIC IP cores throughout their lifecycle? In this article, we will explore some of the challenges and best practices for ASIC IP core management.

1 Why update ASIC IP cores?

ASIC IP cores are not static. They may need to be updated for various reasons, such as bug fixes, security patches, feature enhancements, compatibility issues, or compliance requirements. Updating ASIC IP cores can help you avoid errors, improve functionality, and meet customer expectations. However, updating ASIC IP cores can also introduce risks, such as breaking existing functionality, introducing new bugs, or violating intellectual property rights.

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Samuel Tensingh

PhD Candidate & Casual Academic @ The University of Sydney | Digital Backend Engineer @ Macquarie University | Ex - S3B | Ex - ST Microelectronics | Ex - Broadcom | SMIEEE | Sr.MIES | MIEAust | MRSN | MTGN | MEngNZ
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To update and maintain ASIC IP cores throughout their lifecycle, I follow a structured process that includes regular version control, documentation, and testing. Periodically, I review the IP cores for potential improvements or optimizations, ensuring they meet evolving performance and compatibility requirements. I implement fixes or updates based on feedback, bug reports, or changes in design specifications. Regression testing is performed after each update to ensure no functionality is broken. Additionally, I track and address any issues related to process node changes, ensuring the IP core remains compatible with newer technologies. Clear documentation of updates and version history ensures smooth collaboration and traceability.

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Rishu Mukati

BTech Graduate | Passionate About Technology & Innovation | Eager to Start a Career in Engineering | Open to Opportunities
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Explain the critical role of IP cores in modern SoC (System-on-Chip) designs. Detail reasons for updates: bug fixes, performance improvements, feature enhancements, security patches, or compliance with evolving standards (e.g., PCIe, DDR, USB). Include real-world consequences of outdated IPs (e.g., chip respins, time-to-market delays, and security vulnerabilities).

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2 How to update ASIC IP cores?

Updating ASIC IP cores requires careful planning, testing, and documentation. To ensure a successful update, it is important to identify the need and scope of the update, review the license and terms of use of the core, check the availability and compatibility of the updated core, perform a backup and version control of your ASIC design and original core, integrate and test the updated core in your ASIC design, and document and communicate the update. Additionally, verify that the core works as expected with simulation, verification, and validation tools. Lastly, keep a record of the changes and inform customers and stakeholders about the update and its impact on your ASIC design.

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Rishu Mukati

BTech Graduate | Passionate About Technology & Innovation | Eager to Start a Career in Engineering | Open to Opportunities
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Describe standard update workflows (e.g., version control, change logs, configuration management). Discuss integration with design tools (e.g., Cadence, Synopsys, or Siemens EDA). Cover verification requirements post-update: regression testing, formal verification, and functional simulation. Highlight the importance of communication with the IP vendor for proper migration guides and release notes.

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Rishu Mukati

BTech Graduate | Passionate About Technology & Innovation | Eager to Start a Career in Engineering | Open to Opportunities
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Discuss lifecycle management: from integration and verification to support and end-of-life (EOL) planning. Cover the use of IP Management tools (e.g., Cliosoft SOS, Dassault ENOVIA) for tracking revisions and licenses. Recommend best practices: periodic audits, documentation, consistent CI/CD integration, and automated regression testing. Explore dependency management when multiple IPs interact or when upstream tools/libraries change.

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3 How to maintain ASIC IP cores?

Maintaining ASIC IP cores is an ongoing process that involves monitoring, evaluating, and improving their performance, reliability, and security. To ensure the best results, it's important to monitor feedback and performance data from customers, users, and testers. You should also evaluate your cores in comparison to the latest trends, technologies, and standards in the ASIC market. Based on your findings and feedback, you can then implement changes and enhancements to address any gaps or errors. Finally, follow the update process to ensure a successful integration of the improvements.

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Rishu Mukati

BTech Graduate | Passionate About Technology & Innovation | Eager to Start a Career in Engineering | Open to Opportunities
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Discuss lifecycle management: from integration and verification to support and end-of-life (EOL) planning. Cover the use of IP Management tools (e.g., Cliosoft SOS, Dassault ENOVIA) for tracking revisions and licenses. Recommend best practices: periodic audits, documentation, consistent CI/CD integration, and automated regression testing. Explore dependency management when multiple IPs interact or when upstream tools/libraries change.

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4 How to leverage ASIC IP core market?

The ASIC IP core market is a dynamic and competitive environment offering many opportunities and challenges for ASIC developers. To leverage this market, one can explore and learn from existing ASIC IP cores, which can be found through vendors, open-source communities, or online platforms. Additionally, collaboration and contribution to the ASIC IP core community is beneficial, as one can join forums or networks of developers and users to share experiences, insights, or feedback about the cores. Furthermore, innovating and creating one's own ASIC IP cores is an option as well. By utilizing skills, knowledge, and creativity to design and develop unique cores, one can customize or modify existing cores to suit specific needs or preferences. Additionally, patenting or licensing cores protects intellectual property rights and generates revenue.

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Rishu Mukati

BTech Graduate | Passionate About Technology & Innovation | Eager to Start a Career in Engineering | Open to Opportunities
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Analyze current market trends: standardization of interfaces (AMBA, AXI), increased demand for security-focused IPs, and the rise of RISC-V. Provide strategies for evaluating third-party IPs: benchmarks, reputation, documentation quality, and support services. Include tips on negotiating licensing terms (royalty-based vs. perpetual licenses).

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5 How to choose the best ASIC IP cores?

Selecting the most suitable ASIC IP cores for your ASIC design can be overwhelming. There are various factors to consider, such as functionality, quality, cost, compatibility, support, and security. To help you make the best choice, ask yourself the following questions: What are your ASIC design goals and requirements? What are the available ASIC IP cores for your design? How do you evaluate and compare them? How do you integrate and test them in your ASIC design? When answering these questions, keep in mind the types, categories, and domains of the cores; the benefits, drawbacks, and trade-offs; criteria, metrics, and benchmarks; sources, methods, and tools; steps, procedures, and best practices; tools, techniques, and resources.

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Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC)

How do you update and maintain ASIC IP cores throughout their lifecycle?

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1 Why update ASIC IP cores?

2 How to update ASIC IP cores?

3 How to maintain ASIC IP cores?

4 How to leverage ASIC IP core market?

5 How to choose the best ASIC IP cores?

Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC)

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