Open Source Tapeout with Matthew Venn

The Amp Hour · 23 Jan 2023 · 1h 15m · Episode 616

What this episode covers

Matthew Venn, host of the Zero to ASIC course, joins Chris Gammell to discuss the rapid expansion of open-source silicon, driven by Google-sponsored multi-project wafer (MPW) shuttles and open PDKs from foundries like Skywater, GlobalFoundries, and IHP. They detail the tools enabling this shift, including Wokwi for beginner simulation, OpenLane for automated digital design, and the new SillyWiz tool for learning analog transistor-level design. The conversation highlights how these resources lower barriers for education, prototyping, and niche commercial applications like secure root-of-trust chips, while addressing challenges like volume costs and long turnaround times.

Mentioned

Companies
Skywater, GlobalFoundries, IHP, eFabulous
Products
Caravel
Chips
Pico RV32, RISC-V
Tools
Wokwi, OpenLane, SillyWiz, OpenRAM, OpenROAD
Also
Zero to ASIC, Sky130, GF180, Fosste Foundation, LATCH UP, OSDA, DATE

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