Abbreviation encountered throughout the article is ICs , which stands for integrated circuits. Each discrete device or component in the system can be purchased from separate vendors which own or have rights to the IP in the device. The best technology, both digital and analog, can usually be implemented because discrete components can be easily purchased from different vendors.
Standardization occurs at the sub-chip level and customization at the device level.
The combination of virtual components enables high quality electronic systems to be built faster and at a lower cost than products containing discrete physical components. Standardization is still developing and the goal of the growing Virtual Socket Interface Alliance is to establish technical standards to enable the mix and match of virtual components. Copyright law is also applicable for software on a chip. Patent and copyright protection are available on a worldwide basis while Chip Act type protection is not as widely available. Patent law protects elements of chip designs and production processes that are useful, novel and non-obvious.