ChipFlow Achieves a key Milestone: Successful tapeout of a RISC-V Test Chip
ChipFlow is proud to announce the successful tapeout of a test chip, using GlobalFoundries 130nm BCD process technology. The test chip was designed for an Automotive OEM whose Advanced Engineering team needed to validate a zonal architecture concept aimed at significantly reducing ECUs in future vehicle platforms. This achievement, completed earlier this year, solidifies ChipFlow's leadership in custom, open-source-based chip design, enhancing its competitive edge and demonstrating the commercial viability of its in-house design platform, largely powered by open-source tools.
In automotive design, a zonal architecture groups different vehicle systems (such as sensors, controls, etc.) into zones, reducing the number of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) needed. Typically, vehicles have multiple ECUs, each managing specific functions (like braking, lighting, or engine control), but with a zonal architecture, fewer ECUs can control more functions through more centralized management in these zones. ChipFlow’s revolutionary software and hardware design capability supported by in-house design Platform has delivered a groundbreaking and tailored innovation capability for their Automotive partner.
ChipFlow's technology platform has accelerated FPGA and ASIC design significantly, delivering a RISC-V test chip in under four months. This streamlined process not only reduced potential time to market but will lead to substantial cost savings. For context, the typical design cycle for such a chip often exceeds this timeframe, highlighting the efficiency and success of ChipFlow's achievements so far.
About ChipFlow
Founded in 2021, ChipFlow is a UK startup developing an open-source semiconductor chip design platform (PaaS). As the world’s first chip design platform that integrates seamlessly with the supply chain, ChipFlow provides OEMs with a one-stop shop for their custom chip design needs. This unique approach is designed for OEMs seeking greater independence and innovation in their products.
How ChipFlow works
ChipFlow's technology provides an in-house platform for low-cost development of custom ASICs front-end (RTL) design. Utilizing open-source EDA tools, ChipFlow manages front-end verification and back-end design through its cloud-based platform. This process is highly automated, ensuring seamless integration with foundries and OSAT interfaces, giving customer visibility without the heavy load of managing this complex supply chain.
key aspects of ChipFlow’s technology:
An agile solution that grows with its customers: ChipFlow’s Innovation has been designed for OEMs with little or no ASIC design experience helping them to start small, but to develop as fast and agile as needed to drive their own competitive HW innovation.
Unique co-development team working together to create a unique partnership: ChipFlow’s team brings together leading EDA, IC Design/Verification and open source hardware people and mixes them with software architecture leaders to enable its customers to benefit from true co-development of software and hardware. At the core, ChipFlow’s in-house design platform brings together leading edge open source HW innovation, including Python based IC design. And finally, through its world leading partners, ChipFlow provides not only solutions for chip design but also for manufacturing & supply chain.
