Terungwa Stephen Akor et al, International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing, Vol.8 Issue.10, October- 2019, pg. 25-34 © 2019, IJCSMC All Rights Reserved 25 Available Online at www.ijcsmc.com International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing A Monthly Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology ISSN 2320–088X IMPACT FACTOR: 6.199 IJCSMC, Vol. 8, Issue. 10, October 2019, pg.25 – 34 A POPBL CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ASICs Terungwa Stephen Akor* 1 ; Kamalularifin bin Subari 2 ; Hanifah binti Jambari 3 ; Amirmudin bin Udin 4 ; Sarimah binti Ismail 5 1* Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Benue State University, PMB 102119, Makudi, Banue State Nigeria 2,3,4,5 Department of Technical and Engineering Education, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia 1 * akoredu78@gmail.com, 2 p-arifin@utm.my, 3 hanifah-j@utm.my, 4 p-amir@utm.my, 5 p-sarima@utm.my Abstract— The popularity of ASICs is growing every day due to the high demand for customization and the need for hardware/software integration in the digital society, especially in the IoT. A major benefit of using custom ASIC models in IoT is that products delivery can be carried out at very low cost thus, making the designers across the vertical market like industrial, smart utilities and medical devices to differentiate IoT products using custom ASIC designs. This article seeks to develop a POPBL conceptual framework for the design and implementation of ASICs. To this effect, a content analysis of scientific literature, models and frameworks were carried out with a focus on ASIC application, design and implementation, PbBL, PjBL, and POPBL processes. The resulting conceptual framework is a logical and systematic algorithm starting from problem identification/analysis, activation of prior knowledge, the setting of objectives/specifications, project initiation/execution, assessments/evaluation, and public presentation. The POPBL process stages act as the anchor for the ASIC design and implementation from start, product specifications, architecture, logic design, physical design, and tap-out. The framework will be useful for students and researchers for the development of soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and innovation. Keywords— Problem-Oriented Learning, Project Based-Learning, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits, Conceptual Framework, Development & Implementation. I. INTRODUCTION The increasing demand for complex technology with higher functionality, micro-size devices with lower power dissipation has placed heavy challenges on emerging multimedia and portable electronics industry. This has made the problem of integrated circuit manufacturers so demanding in terms of time-market-circle where shorter design and implementation is carried out within a limited lifetime of products. The advent of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) in from of system-on-chip has presented a promising future for addressing these challenges [1]. ASIC has presented promising flexible characteristics with value-added features like super functional performance with high operating speed thus, linking the innovation to the evolution of process technology.