2025-06-18 –, February Breakout Room
Software has long dominated development, but more companies—large and small—are now designing custom integrated circuits to meet their specific needs. However, IC development requires significant budgets and expertise in the complex EDA (Electronic Design Automation) workflow, often constrained by expensive licenses. This talk will explore the emerging Open Source alternative, in which the presenter is actively involved, offering a game-changing approach that lowers barriers for small companies and newcomers entering the field.
This talk will begin with an overview of Electronic Design Automation (EDA)—the essential workflow that enables chip designers to analyze, design, and verify semiconductor chips before fabrication. Despite its critical role, the EDA industry is dominated by a triopoly controlling nearly 90% of the market, creating a highly restrictive environment. The lack of open formats and the high cost of licenses pose significant barriers, particularly for newcomers, restricting innovation and limiting access to chip design exploration.
Until recently, Open Source alternatives in EDA were nearly nonexistent—even foundational tools like hardware description language parsers and or chip data manipulation APIs were missing. However, a new Open Source ecosystem is emerging, offering a new approach. While these tools may not yet compete with proprietary solutions for cutting-edge chip manufacturing, they provide a viable path for learning, prototyping, and delaying costly licensing investments until necessary.
This talk will explore the current landscape of Open Source EDA, covering available tools for each step of the design flow. It will also highlight the contributions of the KeplerTech.io team to this growing ecosystem, showcasing how Open Source is making chip design more accessible and fostering innovation beyond the traditional industry constraints.
to come soon.