# 105: Some Paths Are More Suicidal

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-06-17
- Length: 48m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep105mp3

## Summary

Manny Wright, Senior FAE Manager at Cortus, explains the process of designing custom processor IP, from RTL to silicon fabrication. He details the high costs and long timelines (1.5+ years, millions of dollars) involved in tape-out, the role of FPGAs like the Xilinx Spartan in early development, and the importance of configurable cores for power and cost efficiency. Wright also discusses security features, debugging methods like JTAG and trace, and the challenges of protecting intellectual property from reverse engineering.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=6) Introduction and Cortus Overview
- [4:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=264) Processor IP and Customization
- [12:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=775) Development Platform and FPGA Prototyping
- [20:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=1235) Chip Design Timelines and Costs
- [30:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=1824) Compiler, Debugging, and Multicore
- [36:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-06-17-105-some-paths-are-more-suicidal#t=2208) IP Protection and Career Advice

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Cortus (company)
- Xilinx Spartan (chip)
- Arduino Due (product)
- ARM (company)
- TSMC (company)
- UMC (company)
- Microsemi (company)
- Leapfrog (company)
- GCC (tool)
- Keil (tool)
- IAR (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [029 - Old Timey Name Droppin'](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2019-10-17-029-old-timey-name-droppin) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [An Interview with Philip Freidin - Xenodochial Xilinx Ex-Employee](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-07-09-an-interview-with-philip-freidin-xenodochial-xilinx-ex-employee) (The Amp Hour)
- [Chip Design for Fun (and Waffles) with Julia Desmazes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-04-09-chip-design-for-fun-and-waffles-with-julia-desmazes) (The Amp Hour)
- [Silicon Revolution with Matt Venn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2024-06-30-silicon-revolution-with-matt-venn) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep. 28 | How DARPA Stops IC Hardware Hackers in Their Tracks: Insights from Serge Leef](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-08-24-ep-28-how-darpa-stops-ic-hardware-hackers-in-their-tracks-insights-from-serge-le) (Moore's Lobby)

## Citing this page

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