Epson ASIC Solutions: Ensuring Long-Term Supply Security for Industrial Applications

Introduction: The Growing Challenge of Semiconductor Discontinuation

In today's industrial electronics landscape, manufacturers face a critical challenge: ensuring long-term availability of key semiconductor components. As major semiconductor companies discontinue older product lines or exit specific markets altogether, many industrial systems with decades-long lifecycles risk becoming unsupportable. This is particularly problematic for applications in industrial automation, measurement instrumentation, and control systems.

Epson's ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) solutions directly address this challenge by providing custom-designed replacements for discontinued ICs and programmable logic devices. With over 40 years of experience in ASIC design and manufacturing since starting the business in 1982, Epson offers one of the most comprehensive solutions for companies seeking to secure their supply chains against semiconductor obsolescence.

Key Features of Epson ASIC Solutions

Epson's approach to ASIC development focuses on providing direct replacements for discontinued components while offering improvements in power efficiency and long-term reliability. Their solutions feature:

1. Comprehensive Technology Options

   • Gate Array architectures for cost-effective designs (L-series)

   • Embedded Array solutions with integrated memory blocks (X-series)

   • Standard Cell designs for complex applications (K-series)

   • Process technologies from 0.35μm to 0.15μm

2. Pin-Compatible Replacements

   • Free pin assignment to ensure drop-in compatibility

   • Support for various package types including QFP, LQFP, PFBGA, and VFBGA

   • Customizable I/O characteristics to match original IC specifications

3. Power and Voltage Flexibility

   • Single 5V power operation for legacy systems

   • Dual voltage designs (1.8V core/3.3V I/O) for power optimization

   • Lower power consumption compared to FPGA equivalents

   • Support for wide voltage range operation

4. Integrated Design Services

   • Simplified design interface requiring only RTL and simulation data

   • Full support for conversion from FPGA/CPLD designs

   • Integration of multiple discrete components into a single ASIC

5. Manufacturing Quality

   • Owned and operated fabs in Japan ensuring quality control

   • Complete IDM (Integrated Device Manufacturer) solution from design to production

Epson ASIC Product Lineup

Epson offers multiple ASIC product families to address different application requirements:

Series	Type	Process	Features	Applications
S1L5V000	Gate Array	0.35μm	5V single power supply	Legacy industrial equipment
S1L50000	Gate Array	0.35μm	Dual power supply	Replacement for MAX2/5, MACH CPLDs
S1L60000	Gate Array	0.25μm	Higher performance	Replacement for Spartan/Cyclone FPGAs
S1X50000	Embedded Array	0.35μm	Integrated memory	Higher complexity FPGA replacements
S1X60000	Embedded Array	0.25μm	Higher performance with memory	Complex system replacements
S1X80000	Embedded Array	0.15μm	Advanced performance	High-end FPGA alternatives

If you are interested, Epson has products under development with dramatically improved gate counts, dual power supply and many other enhancements, making them particularly well-suited for replacing more advanced programmable logic devices. Do contact us on the link below for more details.

Applications and Use Cases

Epson's ASIC solutions are primarily targeted at industrial applications where long lifecycle support is critical:

1. Reproduction of Discontinued ASICs

When semiconductor manufacturers discontinue specific IC products, Epson can create functional replicas that maintain complete pin and function compatibility. This allows manufacturers to continue production without system redesign, providing:

• Power supply, pin assignment, and functional compatibility

• Customized I/O characteristics matching original specifications

• Support for 5V power supply systems common in industrial equipment

• Options for enhancing functionality beyond the original design

2. Replacement for Programmable Logic Devices

As FPGA and CPLD products reach end-of-life or face supply constraints, Epson offers fixed-function ASIC alternatives with advantages in unit cost, power consumption, and long-term availability:

• Direct replacements for Lattice, Intel (Altera), and AMD (Xilinx) programmable devices

• Elimination of configuration ROM requirements

• Reduced power consumption compared to FPGA equivalents

• Integration of multiple CPLDs into a single chip

3. Industrial System Longevity

Epson ASICs are particularly valuable for industrial equipment with expected service lives of 10-20+ years:

• PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers)

• Industrial displays and HMI systems

• Servo motor controllers and inverters

• CNC (Computer Numerical Control) systems

• Precision measurement instruments

Why Choose Epson ASIC Over FPGAs and CPLDs?

When comparing semiconductor solutions for long-lifecycle industrial applications, Epson ASICs offer several advantages over programmable logic alternatives:

Feature	ASIC	CPLD	FPGA
Unit price	✓
No NRE		✓	✓
Power consumption	✓	✓
Memory Size			✓
"Instant on" functionality	✓
Small outline packages	✓	✓
Long-term supply	✓

While FPGAs offer advantages in development speed, gate capacity, and design flexibility, ASICs provide significant benefits in unit cost, power efficiency, and supply chain security. For mature products with stable designs, the one-time NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) cost of ASIC development can be quickly offset by reduced per-unit pricing and power consumption.

Conclusion: Securing Your Supply Chain with Epson ASICs

As semiconductor obsolescence continues to challenge industrial manufacturers, Epson's ASIC solutions provide a reliable path to long-term supply chain security. With options ranging from simple gate arrays to complex embedded memory designs, Epson can address virtually any replacement need from discontinued ICs to end-of-life programmable logic devices.

For companies facing component discontinuation challenges, Epson offers a complete replacement service with simplified design requirements—customers typically need only provide RTL code and simulation results to initiate development. With manufacturing based in Japan and a 40+ year history in ASIC design, Epson delivers both the technology and reliability needed to support industrial systems for decades to come.

Contact Ineltek today to discuss how Epson ASIC solutions can secure your product designs against component obsolescence and ensure long-term production capability.