Book excerpt: A Guide to Analog ASICs is a working reference for the engineer who regularly uses analog custom technology or plans to use it in a product. The book includes a detailed analysis of analog and digital application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the vendor selection process, cost trade-offs, and design-options (in-house, design center, use of vendor design resources). After introducing the development of analog ASICs, ASIC vendors, development cycles, and cost considerations, the text reviews basic global semiconductor technology, IC fabrication techniques, and the limitations of linear IC design. The components found inside the chip are integrated resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, and metal connections. The text explains building block circuits, how these are used to construct complex circuitry, and how the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) can check for circuit performance. The selection of the chip's package is important and depends on several factors, such as thermal size, physical size, PC board technology, number of pins, die size. When tested, a typical product should have a failure rate that follows a curve composed of a failure rate (X-axis) versus time (Y-axis). The book also provides suggestions on vendor selections including vendor identification, site visitation, and price negotiations. The book is suitable for computer engineers, designers of industrial processes, and researchers involved in electrical, computer, or other devices using integrated circuits.