Technology
How a design moves to silicon.
Every chip follows the same path, from a written specification to parts on a bench. What differs is how carefully each step is checked before the next one starts.
Principles
The rules we design by.
Specify before designing
Targets, interfaces and acceptance criteria are written down and agreed before RTL starts.
Verify against the specification
The verification plan is written from the specification, not from the RTL it checks.
Design for test from the start
Scan, memory test and test access are part of the architecture, not added at the end.
State power intent once
Power domains and modes are described once and carried through every tool.
Sign off before handing off
No stage starts until the stage before it is signed off against its checklist.
Plan bring-up before tape-out
The first-silicon test plan and boards are ready when the wafers come back.
The gates
Six gates, each signed off before the next begins.
Specification review
Requirements, targets and acceptance criteria agreed.
RTL freeze
Function complete and verified to plan.
Netlist sign-off
Synthesis, DFT insertion and equivalence closed.
Layout sign-off
Timing, power and physical checks clean.
Tape-out
Mask data released to the foundry.
First silicon
Bring-up and characterization on real parts.
New to chip design?
The glossary explains the terms on this page in plain language.