Software in the semiconductor industry

A transformation of the semiconductor industry is happening at present. Software is taking a more important role as customers are looking for systems (embedded systems) instead of chips. A few years ago, the semiconductor industry's customers bought chips to design systems using those chips (e.g. TV set, communication equipment). Now, they want systems instead of chips to produce faster, smaller, smarter, and cheaper products. The design of embedded systems and/or products produced by the semiconductor industry must change. It must be adapted to this new market requirement. This paper presents the most common design methodology used at present and the problems associated with this methodology. It also presents a different design methodology taking into account what the market is expecting from the semiconductor industry.