Arya Reais-Parsi - an FPGA for the Google/Skywater/Efabless ASIC shuttle

Arya Reais-Parsi - an FPGA for the Google/Skywater/Efabless ASIC shuttle

Author: Matt Venn March 12, 2021 Duration: 28:10
In this interview Arya Reais-Parsi talks about:

00:45? FPGA design is for a course
01:50? difference between other open FPGA fabrics
02:50? FPGAs as accelerators
04:27? their FPGA structure
06:30? how did they target ASIC?
09:27? GDS view of the FPGA structure
11:40? custom cells for FPGAs
14:40? making lab notes
16:00? how does actually taping something out change the feeling of the work?
17:10? how will this shuttle program changes things going forwards?
22:40? future of ASIC with more open tooling and access
24:30? toolchain for their FPGA: yosys & nextpnr

Their group's application is here:
https://github.com/ucb-cs250/caravel_...

For anyone curious about how the tiny, powerful chips that run our world are actually created, Zero to ASIC Course offers a clear and engaging path through the complex landscape. Hosted by Matt Venn, this podcast demystifies the journey of designing Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), breaking down the barriers between abstract concepts and physical silicon. Each episode serves as an informal lesson, weaving together foundational physics, current industry news, and practical engineering insights. You'll hear conversations with practitioners and pioneers who are actively shaping open-source silicon, making a field often shrouded in proprietary secrecy feel accessible and collaborative. This isn't just theoretical; it's about the tools, the challenges, and the community effort to bring custom chip design to more people. By listening to this podcast, you gain a nuanced understanding of semiconductor development, from initial design to final fabrication. The discussions naturally explore the intersection of education, technology, and open-source philosophy, providing context for both newcomers and seasoned engineers looking to stay current. Matt guides the exploration with a focus on real-world application, ensuring that every interview and news segment builds towards a comprehensive, practical knowledge base. Tune in to connect the dots between software, hardware, and the innovative future of computing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 43

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