Mixed Signal ASIC: 800K and up <--- most companies avoid this due to cost. Plus it ends up being alot of voodoo. Vendors IP extends to knowing what processes can handle both logic and analog reasonably ie how do you put an ARM core and a RF amplifier together - alot of processes wont like it - the arm will be great but the noise in the RF amp will be crap - stuff like that. Lots of people get burnt here and so there a fewer custom vendors out there to do these jobs.



I would say that Jeri has more of a digital IC background than anything. I think a software developer with the right mindset could morph into a digital IC designer without much of a stretch. Especially if he/she is doing some FPGA work or prototyping first. In fact a software person who understands digital design is an indispensable resource IMO. Analog is quite a bit different simply because understanding device physics is so important.All of that said I wouldn't want Shenandoah to be too discouraged. Just friendly advice that it will take a lot of perseverance.gregariz, great breakdown and for most vendors in the industry, this is very true.So full disclosure, I'm a FAE for Triad Semiconductor and Mixed Signal ASIC design is our business. We do things differently and as a result, we're able to do a mixed signal ASIC design starting around 100K NRE. 800K would be on the far upper end of our spectrum for a custom IC design. We have IP and proven silicon for ARM cores, precision ADC's and all kinds of analog including power management. In the future we think that using our via only approach and our ViaDesigner software that we could get this NRE as low as 10K or 0 if the volume makes sense. But anyway, if interested, send me a PM and we can chat more about it.So now that cat is out of the bag, my best recommendation for the question at hand is that it sounds like you are really dedicated to making this happen. Working your way up is the best thing to do, especially since the world is in need of good IC designers. My advice would be to use your current talents as a segway to do IC design. Maybe that means finding a company that does both (which there are many) get in with your current credentials and start talking to your manager about where you would like to see your career in the next few years. If your manager is good he/she will listen and do whatever to help you fulfill your goals.