Our Business Model
Snowbush offers different business models for its IC design services that allow you to structure fees to fit your specific product development needs.
Design Services Business Model
Fixed Fee
A fixed fee is appropriate when a detailed specification is available or can be developed early in the project. The fee is comprised of two components - a non-recurring engineering (NRE) fee to cover design, integration and validation, and a success fee.
A time-based fee is appropriate both in cases when a detailed specification is available or can be developed early in the project and where the scope of the work is uncertain. Fees are based on hourly rates with weekly maximums. A budget is prepared and reported on regularly to monitor fees.
A fixed fee is appropriate when a detailed specification is available or can be developed early in the project. The fee is comprised of two components - a non-recurring engineering (NRE) fee to cover design, integration and validation, and a success fee.
- NRE payments are required only on completion of milestones - typically: (i) sign contract, (ii) circuit-level review, and (iii) GDSII delivery. This fee varies based on the engineering effort required for the project.
- The success fee gives you confidence that our interests are aligned with yours.
A time-based fee is appropriate both in cases when a detailed specification is available or can be developed early in the project and where the scope of the work is uncertain. Fees are based on hourly rates with weekly maximums. A budget is prepared and reported on regularly to monitor fees.
Design Services Deliverables and IP Considerations
IP Core Customization
We'll provide customization and enhanced support for our pre-developed IP cores. Where we provide customization, we provide our customer with an enhanced set of design reviews covering the customized development, together with our standard IP deliverables. Ownership of customized IP cores remains with Snowbush, but flexible licensing options are available.
New IP Development
This type of design project involves primarily newly-developed IP. More comprehensive deliverables are available and terms regarding licensing and ownership will be agreed upon.
We'll provide customization and enhanced support for our pre-developed IP cores. Where we provide customization, we provide our customer with an enhanced set of design reviews covering the customized development, together with our standard IP deliverables. Ownership of customized IP cores remains with Snowbush, but flexible licensing options are available.
New IP Development
This type of design project involves primarily newly-developed IP. More comprehensive deliverables are available and terms regarding licensing and ownership will be agreed upon.