Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are electronic devices designed to perform a specific computing task. They help engineers design computer systems for complex applications such as Bitcoin mining. In 2022, the United States Government set aside $280 billion for research and workforce development in ASICs within the US. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering wants to contribute to this field of knowledge by providing ASIC training to its students. This project is the next step in that process.

For this demonstration project, the team designs an ASIC that detects the tones generated by each key on a phone’s keypad. First, a small computer records sound coming from its surroundings. Then, it converts the sound into data that the ASIC can understand and sends this data to the ASIC. Finally, the job of the ASIC is to analyze the sound data; therefore, recognizing the key that the user pressed. The design blocks background noise, such as conversations, since it may cause the analysis of the sound data to fail.

The team implements a prototype of the ASIC design in a real-world environment using a special programmable computer. The system determines which keys on a keypad the user pressed. Lastly, the system opens an electric door lock after the user entered the correct combination of keys. The team translates the prototype design into the format used in the fabrication of an ASIC. Fabrication can require between 3 to 6 months to complete, so the ASIC will be tested by a future team of students.