• 24 November 2024
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VSD-Hardware Design Program

Welcome to the fascinating universe of Hardware Design, where the pulse of every IC design cycle beats. Imagine transforming a bare RTL netlist into a masterpiece of engineering, the final tape-out. Each stage in the PnR process is a new chapter filled with unique challenges and revelations.

Overview

Do you find yourself asking, “What are these obstacles?” “How does this intricate process work?” “Could I actually create my own chip?” If these questions ignite your curiosity and you’re passionate about delving into the ASIC design flow, your adventure starts here!

We’re excited to introduce a game-changer: the Google-Sky Water collaboration has unveiled the first open source, manufacturable 130nm process design kit (pdk). This innovation transcends the boundaries of academic research and small-scale projects, propelling the open-source EDA world into a new dimension. Coupled with the inception of Openlane flow, a fully automated RTL2GDSII process, we’re closer than ever to realizing the dream of “an IC for everyone.”

Get ready for the ultimate program on SoC design planning using the revolutionary Google-SkyWater 130nm process node within the OpenLANE flow. This program is your gateway to:

  • Crafting and characterizing your own standard cell.
  • Gaining practical experience in the Physical Design domain.
  • Generating a complete GDSII from an RTL netlist.
  • Diving into and enriching the open-source EDA landscape.

Seize this unparalleled opportunity to transform your passion into expertise!

4 compelling reasons to join this program

  • Unprecedented Flexibility in Learning:

The program’s use of the VSD-IAT cloud platform enables unparalleled flexibility. Participants can access the course material and complete labs at any time within the specified program period. This feature caters to the diverse schedules of participants globally, making it ideal for anyone regardless of their time zone or daily commitments.

  • Comprehensive Support System

The round-the-clock availability of instructors and Teaching Assistants on Slack sets this program apart. Such constant support ensures that participants can receive immediate help, clarifications, or guidance, significantly enhancing the learning experience and reducing the likelihood of prolonged obstacles in their study.

  • Lifetime Access to Key Resources

Post-program, participants gain lifetime access to all lab files, a unique offering that allows for continued practice and mastery of skills long after the program has concluded. This ongoing access to resources is a significant advantage for long-term learning and skill retention.

  • Tailored to a Wide Range of Learners

The program is designed to be inclusive and beneficial for a broad audience – from second-year engineering students to seasoned professionals looking to share their expertise. This inclusive approach, combined with starting from the basics before advancing to more complex topics, ensures that the program is both accessible and challenging for participants at different levels of their educational or professional journey.

Open-Source Tools

Here’s a sneak peek at the powerful open-source tools you’ll be mastering, each a key player in the transformative journey of IC design:

  • Yosys – The Synthesis Powerhouse: Unleash your design’s potential with Yosys, a tool that transforms high-level, abstract descriptions into a detailed hardware blueprint. It’s where your ideas begin to take shape.
  • OpenLANE – The RTL2GDS Conductor: Journey through the RTL2GDS process with OpenLANE, your guide to turning raw RTL designs into GDSII files. It’s the path to turning concepts into reality.
  • NGSpice – The Characterization Maestro: Delve into the heart of characterization with NGSpice. Here, you’ll see how theoretical designs behave in the real world, an essential step for any aspiring IC designer.
  • Magic – The Layout and Floorplanning Wizard: Enter the realm of Magic for layout and Floorplanning. It’s where your designs gain structure and form, a crucial stage in bringing your chip to life.
  • OpenSTA – The Guardian of Timing Analysis: With OpenSTA, embark on a journey through the crucial stages of pre-layout and post-layout static timing analysis. Ensure your designs not only function but excel in timing precision.

Foundation of Innovation: Our Reference Design Base

(But you are free to choose a simpler design)

  • RISC-V based PicoRV32 SoC : At the core of our program is the PicoRV32, a RISC-V based SoC. It’s the canvas for your creativity, offering a real-world application of the skills and tools you’ll acquire.

Join us as we explore these incredible tools, each a gateway to mastering the art of IC design. This program isn’t just about learning; it’s about transforming knowledge into power, ideas into reality.

VSD Hardware Design Program Content

Week 1

Setting Up Environment and Introduction to RISC-V

Objective:

Get familiar with the environment, tools, and basic RISC-V workflow.

Tasks:

  1. Create a GitHub repository for storing all assignments and snapshots.
  2. Install the RISC-V toolchain using the VDI shared on WhatsApp.
  3. Follow the C-based Lab and RISC-V Lab videos. Replicate the steps on your machine.
  4. Upload snapshots of:
    • Compiled C code.
    • RISC-V Objdump output.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with snapshots and documentation.

Week 2

SPIKE Simulation and Optimization Levels

Objective:

Understand the impact of optimization flags in RISC-V.

Tasks:

  1. Perform SPIKE simulation with -O1 and -Ofast flags.
  2. Upload the following to the GitHub repo:
    • Compiled C code.
    • RISC-V Objdump outputs for both flags.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with simulation results and detailed observations.

Week 3

RISC-V Instruction Identification

Objective:

Decode and analyze RISC-V instructions.

Tasks:

  1. Identify instruction types (R, I, S, B, U, J) for given instructions.
  2. Write the exact 32-bit instruction code for each in the specified format.
  3. Upload all patterns to the GitHub repo.

Deliverable:

Documented 32-bit instruction patterns.

Week 4

Functional Simulation with Verilog

Objective:

Gain experience in Verilog functional simulation.

Tasks:

  1. Use the provided RISC-V core Verilog netlist and testbench.
  2. Run functional simulation and capture waveforms.
  3. Upload waveform snapshots and code to GitHub.

Deliverable:

  • GitHub repo with waveforms and simulation files.

Week 5

Building a 5-Stage Pipeline Processor

Objective:

Implement a pipelined RISC-V processor.

Tasks:

  1. Refer to detailed lab lectures on VSDIAT.
  2. Build a 5-stage pipelined processor.
  3. Append your initials to the clock signal name.
  4. Upload simulation files and waveform snapshots.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with design files, documentation, and waveforms.

Week 6

BabySoC Integration and Functional Verification

Objective:

Integrate rvmyth with BabySoC and verify outputs.

Tasks:

  1. Install required tools (Icarus Verilog, GTKWave, Yosys, OpenSTA).
  2. Download BabySoC files and edit the top-level Verilog to integrate rvmyth.
  3. Simulate and capture waveforms for PLL, DAC, and 10-bit outputs.
  4. Ensure username and date are visible in the snapshots.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with integrated design and waveform outputs.

Week 7

RISC-V Synthesis and Functional Comparison

Objective:

Perform synthesis and compare functional and synthesized outputs.

Tasks:

  1. Synthesize the RISC-V design.
  2. Compare functional and synthesized waveforms for the first 20 cycles.
  3. Capture and upload snapshots showing standard cells in GTKWave.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with comparisons and synthesis snapshots.

Week 8

Timing Analysis and STA

Objective:

Perform Static Timing Analysis (STA) on RISC-V design.

Tasks:

  1. Set clock period, setup/hold uncertainties, and clock/data transitions.
  2. Run STA using OpenSTA for all timing corners.
  3. Upload snapshots of:
    • SDC file.
    • Setup and hold timing reports.
    • WNS/WHS table and graph.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with detailed STA analysis and graphs.

Week 9

Advanced Physical Design Using OpenLane

Objective:

Understand advanced physical design workflows.

Tasks:

  1. Complete the “Advanced Physical Design using OpenLane” workshop.
  2. Document all labs and workflows, including:
    • Routed database.
    • Quality of Results (QoR).
    • Heatmap analysis.
  3. Upload detailed documentation to the GitHub repo.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with detailed OpenLane design analysis and documentation.

Week 10

SoC Design Implementation Using OpenROAD

Objective:

Perform SoC design implementation using OpenROAD.

Tasks:

  1. Install OpenROAD flow scripts on your local machine.
  2. Study and document:
    • Basic OpenROAD flow setup.
    • Macro flow setup.
  3. Include Routed Database, QoR analysis, and Heatmap visualization for BabySoC.
  4. Ensure detailed documentation is included in the GitHub repo.

Deliverable:

GitHub repo with SoC implementation project files and analysis.

Final Submission

Ensure the GitHub repository is complete with:

  • Organized folders for each week’s tasks.
  • Detailed README files for every task.
  • Clear documentation and snapshots.
  • All waveforms and comparison graphs.

Curriculum

Program Week-wise Content Breakdown:

  • Week 1 : Foundations of VLSI Design
  • Introduction to Verilog RTL Design and Synthesis.
  • Timing Libraries (QTMs/ETMs), Hierarchical vs Flat Synthesis, Efficient Flop Coding Styles.
  • Combinational and Sequential Optimizations.
  • Week 2 : Synthesis and Optimization
  • Gate-Level Synthesis (GLS), Blocking vs Non-Blocking, Synthesis-Simulation Mismatch.
  • Optimization in Synthesis.
  • Week 3 : Simulation and Constraints
  • Pre-Synthesis and Post-Synthesis Functionality Simulation with PPA Calculation.
  • Basic SDC (Synopsys Design Constraints) Constraints.
  • Advanced SDC Constraints.
  • Week 4 : Advanced Design and Analysis
  • Constraint Development for Design.
  • Introduction to Static Timing Analysis (STA) and the Importance of MOSFETs in STA/EDA.
  • Week 5 : In-Depth CMOS Analysis
  • Basics of NMOS Drain Current (Id) vs Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds).
  • Velocity Saturation and Basics of CMOS Inverter Voltage Transfer Characteristic (VTC).
  • CMOS Switching Threshold and Dynamic Simulations.
  • CMOS Noise Margin Robustness Evaluation.
  • CMOS Power Supply and Device Variation Robustness Evaluation.
  • Week 6 : Post-Synthesis Evaluation
  • Post Synthesis STA Checks for Design on Different Process Corners (ss, ff, tt).
  • Week 7 : EDA, PDK, and Floorplanning
  • Inception of EDA and PDK.
  • Understanding the Importance of Good Floorplan vs Bad Floorplan and Introduction to Library Cells.
  • Design and Characterization of a Library Cell Using a Layout Tool and Spice Simulator.
  • Pre-Layout Timing Analysis and Importance of Good Clock Tree.
  • Final Steps for RTL2GDS.
  • Week 8 : Finalizing the Design
  • Full RTL2GDS for Design.
  • Post Placement Pre CTS (Clock Tree Synthesis) STA Checks for Design on Different Corners and Comparison with Post-Synthesis.
  • Week 9 : Comprehensive STA Checks
  • Post CTS Pre-Layout STA Checks for Design on Different Corners and Comparison with Pre-CTS.
  • Week 10 : Final Evaluations
  • Post Layout STA Checks for Design on Different Corners and Comparison with Pre-Layout.

Join us for this transformative journey and turn your fascination into tangible skills in the ever-evolving world of IC design!

Delivery Mode

We’ve tailored every aspect of the program to ensure an effective and enjoyable learning journey:

Labs at Your Convenience

Practical Get hands-on experience with our easy-to-access labs, available through a virtual box image. We’ll provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you set up and make the most of these labs, starting one day before the program kicks off.

Insightful Lectures on an Innovative Platform

Discover the intricacies of Physical Design with our comprehensive lectures, hosted on the VSD-IAT LMS platform. This intuitive platform not only gives you access to all necessary course materials but also allows you to explore the content at a pace that suits you.

Round-the-Clock Q&A Support

Have questions or need clarifications? Our team of instructors and Teaching Assistants (TAs) are available 24/7 on Slack during the 5-day program. We’re here to assist you whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth learning experience.

Daily Check-in Calls for Direct Interaction

Join us for a daily one-hour call, a perfect opportunity to address any immediate concerns, discuss challenges, and get direct guidance from our instructors and TAs. These calls are designed to keep you connected and supported throughout your learning journey.

Instructor Profile

Meet Your Guides to the World of VLSI Design

FAQ

What’s the cost to register?

We’ve set a special discounted fee of $450 ($999). Our aim is to make Open-source EDA tools and PDKs accessible for various purposes such as college projects, PhD research, semester lectures, and keeping up with industry trends.

Can I participate according to my schedule?

Absolutely! The program is hosted on the VSD-IAT cloud platform, offering flexibility to log in at your convenience. The platform is accessible 24 hours a day during the ten weeks duration of the program.

I’m a second-year engineering student. Is this program suitable for me?

Definitely! We welcome learners of all ages and backgrounds. Our previous RISC-V program included students as young as those in 8th grade. This program, while advanced in title, starts with the basics to ensure a solid foundational understanding.

Can experienced system designers join to refresh their knowledge?

This program is primarily designed for newcomers to the field of VLSI. However, experienced professionals interested in sharing their expertise with students are more than welcome to join.

Will I have access to the program content after it ends?

Yes, you will receive lifetime access to all lab files. However, access to the videos and the VSD-IAT platform will end with the program.

Do I need to install any software for the labs?

No, all labs will be conducted on the VSD-IAT cloud platform using a Linux Terminal with all necessary tools pre-installed. Post-program, we will provide scripts for you to install these tools on your own computer for further practice and revision.

How are the labs distributed for this program?

Labs will be shared via a virtual box image. You’ll receive detailed instructions on accessing and using this image a day before the program starts.

What platform is used for the lectures?

Lectures will be delivered through the VSD-IAT LMS platform. This platform allows you to access course materials and interact with the content at your own pace.

Is there support available during the program?

Yes, our instructors and Teaching Assistants are available 24/7 on Slack throughout the 10 week program to answer questions, provide clarifications, and help.

Is there a specific time for addressing urgent issues?

Indeed, there’s a daily one-hour sync-up call during the program. This is a valuable time for discussing any immediate issues, challenges, and for receiving direct guidance from instructors and TAs.

Is the program flexible for asynchronous participation?

Yes, the program is hosted on a cloud-based platform, allowing you to access materials and complete tasks at your convenience, ensuring flexibility in your learning schedule.

Terms & Conditions

If you are not available to attend the program, Raise refund request before the last day of registration date in Indian Standard Time zone for the training/workshop/design program.

Last date to raise refund request– (2 Nov 2024 11:59 PM IST)

All refunds will be processed within 10 working days after the refund request is approved by VSD.

Please read Terms and Condition Policy : https://www.vlsisystemdesign.com/terms-and-conditions/

About VSD

VSD, standing as a trailblazing Semiconductor EdTech company and a community-based Technology Aggregator, is revolutionizing the landscape of VLSI Design. With the belief that “Creativity is just connecting things”, VSD has mastered the art of linking the right resources with the community. This unique approach has sparked a significant transformation in the VLSI Design process.

Over the past decade, VSD has made remarkable strides in the open-source semiconductor domain. Our journey includes the development of comprehensive training content, empowering students to design silicon-grade IP/SoC. Notably, we’ve successfully guided these projects through the tapeout cycle via the Google open shuttle program. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to hands-on, practical education.

At VSD, our role extends beyond traditional education. While we didn’t invent EDA tools or design flows, we’ve made them accessible to a wider community. Our mentorship has been instrumental in the development of over 50+ Analog/Digital IPs and solutions. Impressively, 20+ of these have successfully transitioned from concept to Silicon – a clear indicator of our effective approach and the high quality of work produced under our guidance.

We pride ourselves on fostering a community-based revolution in the Semiconductor Industry. By democratizing access to advanced tools and knowledge, VSD is not just educating individuals; we are building a community of innovators poised to lead the next wave of advancements in the semiconductor sector. With VSD, the future of VLSI Design is not just being written; it’s being rewritten by a passionate and empowered community.

Program Date

36,580
450
  • 24 Nov 2024 - 3 Feb 2025
Days
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Media Coverage

VSD Team interview taken by DD News at SEMICON India 2024

RISC-V Roadshow on SHAKTI Ideology

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VSDSquadron was launched by Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras

Innovation & Education Unite

VSD Launches VSDSquadron In Collaboration With IIT Madras & DIR-V

Unleashing VLSI

Job Roles, Convergence With Embedded Systems, and Startups

Semicon India Future Skills by IESA

VSD showcased at Semicon India 2023

Puthiya Thalaimurai

VSDSquadron Educational board on Tamil News channel

NIT Jamshedpur

5 Day Workshop on VLSI Design Flow using RISCV and EDA Tools

Sahyadri College

Karnataka VLSI roadshow at Sahyadri College, Mangalore

Our Statistics

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Online Beginner Course

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RTL GDSII VSD-IAT Workshop

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VSD Community Based Silicon Tape Out

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Analog & Mixed Signal IPs

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VSDOpen Online Conference

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Unique Global students

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VSD Hackathon Participants

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VSDSquadron Educational and Dev Kit

VSD - Supporters

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Registration for Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop

Welcome to Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop

The “Ethical RISC-V IoT Workshop” at IIIT Bangalore, organized in collaboration with VSD, is a structured, educational competition aimed at exploring real-world challenges in IoT and embedded systems. Participants progress through three stages: building an application, injecting and managing faults, and enhancing application security. The event spans from May 9 to June 15, 2024, culminating in a showcase of top innovations and an award ceremony. This hands-on hackathon emphasizes learning, testing, and securing applications in a collaborative and competitive environment.

Rules :
  1. Only for Indian Student whose college is registered under VTU
  2. Only team of 2 members can Register
  3. Use only VSDSquadron Mini resources for product development
Awards :
  1. Prize money for final 10 Team
  2. 3 Winner team’s Product will be evaluated for Incubation
  3. 7 consolation prizes
  4. Completion Certificate to final round qualifier
  5. Chance to build a Proud Secured RISC-V Platform for India

Date for Registration : 9th May - 22nd May, 2024
Hackathon Inauguration : 23rd May 2024

VSDSquadron (Educational Board)

VSDSquadron, a cutting-edge development board based on the RISC-V architecture that is fully open-source. This board presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals to learn about RISC-V and VLSI chip design utilizing only open-source tools, starting from the RTL and extending all the way to the GDSII. The possibilities for learning and advancement with this technology are limitless.

Furthermore, the RISC-V chips on these boards should be open for VLSI chip design learning, allowing you to explore PNR, standard cells, and layout design. And guess what? vsdsquadron is the perfect solution for all your needs! With its comprehensive documentation and scalable labs, thousands of students can learn and grow together.

VSD HDP (Hardware Design Program) Duration-10 Week

With VSD Hardware Design Program (VSD-HDP),  you have the opportunity to push the boundaries of what exist in open source and establish the new benchmark for tomorrow.

It will leverage your degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering to work with

  • Programmable logic
  • Analog/ digital IP
  • RISC-V
  • Architecture & microprocessors
  • ASICs and SoCs on high-density digital or RF circuit cards
  • Gain hands-on knowledge during design validation and system integration.

Sounds exciting to just get started with expert mentors, doesn’t it? But we are looking for the next generation of learners, inventors, rebels, risk takers, and pioneers.

“Spend your summer working in the future !!”

Outcomes of VSD Online Research IP Design Internship Program

  1. Job opportunities in Semiconductor Industry
  2. Research work can be submitted to VLSI International journals
  3. Participate in Semiconductor International Conference with Internship Research Work
  4. Paper Publications in IEEE Conference and SIG groups
  5. Tape out opportunity and IP Royalty
  6. Interact with world class Semiconductor designer and researchers
  7. Academic professions where more research projects are encouraged.
  8. All the above research and publication work will help colleges and institutes to improve accreditation levels.

Know More Information

VSD – Intelligent Assessment Technology (VSD-IAT)

VSD – Intelligent Assessment Technology (VSD-IAT) is expertly built training platform and is suited for designer requirements. Semiconductor companies understand the value of training automation and Engineer performance enhancement, and do not need to be convinced of the impact of a virtual platform for learning. VSD trainings are quick, relevant, and easy to access from any device at any time zone.

VSD Intern Webinars

VSD Interns made it happen !!

VSD is working towards creating innovative talent pool who are ready to develop design and products for the new tech world. VSD believes in “Learning by doing principle” , and always prepare the student to apply the knowledge learned in the workshops, webinars and courses. We always push our students to work on new designs, test it and work continuously till it becomes the best performing design. Any student who enrolls to VSD community starts working with small design and grows with us and develops a tapeout level design with complete honesty and dedication towards the Work !!

Check out VSD Interns Achievement!

VSDOpen Online Conference

Welcome to the World’s only online conference in Semiconductor Industry VSDOpen Conference. With enormous support and global presence of audience from different segments of industrial lobby and academia made a highly successful event. Evolution is change in the genetic makeup of a population over time, online conference is one kind evaluation everyone adapt soon. 

  • VSDOpen 2022 is an online conference to share open-source research with the community and promote  hardware design mostly done by the student community.
  • VSDOpen 2022 is based on the theme “How to lower the cost to learn, build, and tapeout chips ?”  , which will provide a platform to community to build stronger designs and strengthen the future of Chip design.
  • VSDOpen is envisioned to create a community based revolution in semiconductor hardware technology.
  • The open source attitude is required to bring out the talent and innovation from the community who are in remote part of world and have least access to the technologies.  And now Google support will help to bring the vision to execution by VSD team. 

VSD Online Course by Kunal Ghosh

VSD offers online course in complete spectrum of vlsi backend flow from RTL design, synthesis and Verification, SoC planning and design, Sign-off analysis, IP Design, CAD/EDA automation and basic UNIX/IT, Introduction to latest technology – RISC-V, Machine intelligence in EDA/CAD, VLSI Interview FAQ’s.

Current Reach – As of 2021, VSD and its partners have released 41 online VLSI courses and was successfully able to teach  ~35900 Unique students around 151 countries in 47 different languages, through its unique info-graphical and technology mediated learning methods.

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