ASIC acronym — expand the term used in custom silicon design In VLSI and digital system design, what does the acronym “ASIC” stand for?

Introduction / Context:
Engineers often choose between general-purpose programmable logic (FPGAs/CPLDs) and custom silicon. The acronym “ASIC” is foundational terminology that identifies chips manufactured to implement a particular application, not a general-purpose reprogrammable fabric.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are identifying the correct expansion of the acronym “ASIC.”
• Context: chip design and fabrication targeting a specific application’s requirements.

Concept / Approach:
An ASIC is fabricated for a single, well-defined task or product family. Unlike FPGAs, its logic function is fixed at manufacture time. The key phrase is “application specific,” indicating that the circuitry is tailored to a particular need, often optimizing area, performance, and power beyond what a generic device can offer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard textbooks and industry documentation universally define ASIC as “application specific integrated circuit.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “advanced speed/standard/speedy” are not canonical expansions; they are misleading backronyms.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ASICs with ASSPs (application-specific standard products), which are pre-made chips for specific functions but sold to many customers.

Final Answer:
application specific integrated circuit.