# Discussing the Open Source PDK with Tim Ansell

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2020-07-20
- Length: 2h 17m
- Episode: 501
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/501-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell/

## Summary

Tim Ansell of Google discusses the Skywater 130nm open source PDK and the associated shuttle run program that allows designers to get chips manufactured for free. He explains how open source tools like Yosys, OpenROAD, and Magic are enabling a new ecosystem for ASIC design, lowering the barrier to entry for hardware innovation. The conversation covers the technical workflow from synthesis to place-and-route, the challenges of analog design, and the strategic goal of increasing the number of people experimenting with custom silicon.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=0) Introduction and Open Source PDK Announcement
- [5:49](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=349) The Role of the PDK and SPICE Models
- [13:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=800) Open Source Culture and Legal Implications
- [30:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=1853) Moore's Law, Compute Demand, and Google's Strategy
- [47:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=2841) The Skywater 130nm Process Node and Use Cases
- [54:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=3277) Open Source EDA Tools: Yosys, OpenROAD, and Magic
- [1:20:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=4837) The Shuttle Run Program: Criteria and Logistics
- [1:44:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-07-20-discussing-the-open-source-pdk-with-tim-ansell#t=6278) Building the Ecosystem and Future of Open Silicon

## Topics

- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Open-source hardware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/open-source-hardware)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Skywater (company)
- Google (company)
- Yosys (tool)
- OpenROAD (tool)
- Magic (tool)
- NextPNR (tool)
- VPR (tool)
- KiCad (tool)
- RISC-V (chip)
- eFabulous (company)
- Chips for Makers (company)
- Zemax (tool)
- LTspice (tool)
- KLayout (tool)
- Qflow (tool)
- Electric VLSI (tool)
- NGspice (tool)
- FastCap (tool)
- FastHenry (tool)
- FASOC (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

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- [US Semi Fab SkyWater Seeks to Co-Innovate in Quantum, Photonics, and…Free Silicon?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2022-09-13-us-semi-fab-skywater-seeks-to-co-innovate-in-quantum-photonics-and-free-silicon) (Moore's Lobby)
- [044 - Scots Army Knife](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2021-01-03-044-scots-army-knife) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [45: Yanking on a Cat's Tail Is the Only Way to Learn](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-04-02-45-yanking-on-a-cats-tail-is-the-only-way-to-learn) (Embedded.fm)
- [322: Learn Assembly Code](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2020-02-28-322-learn-assembly-code) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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