Method and system for use of a field programmable function within a chip to enable configurable i/o signal timing characteristics

Abstract

An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is disclosed. The ASIC includes a standard cell, the standard cell including a plurality of logic functions. The ASIC also includes an input/output (I/O) configuration function coupled to at least a portion of the logic functions. The ASIC further includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) function coupled to the I/O configuration function. The FPGA function controls the I/O configuration function based upon a configuration file. A system in accordance with the present invention reduces the cost and time associated with the timing analysis activities during development. An FPGA function within the ASIC is utilized to control the I/O characteristics such as delay, termination and/or slew rate for the I/O pin mapping. Different I/O configurations will be provided by the FPGA function depending on the environment the ASIC is used in. By providing an ASIC that is adaptable to different timing criteria through FPGA programming, the timing analysis performed by the user of the ASIC will be substantially reduced, resulting in a reduction of the development cycle.