Spread spectrum pre-processor ASIC design: a case study

The design methodology used for development of a spread spectrum preprocessor (SSPP) is described. The SSPP in conjunction with a digital signal processor (DSP) functions as a digital demodulator for satellite communications. The key element of the design process was the combination or circuit-level and system-level functional verification. This approach ensured that the ASIC architecture supported the required DSP algorithms, and that the hardware implementation performed as intended. As a result, subtle flaws were detected early, the development was smooth, the layout was efficient, and this ASIC was a first silicon success.<>