Introduction to Chip Design with Open-Source EDA Tools
Learn chip design hands-on with free tools like Magic, KiCAD, OpenROAD & NGSPICE. Master digital logic, layout, and simulation. Build real chips and gain skills for careers in hardware design all in one practical, beginner-friendly course.
Overview
This course includes:
- 1 hour 30 minutes of on-demand video
- Certificate of completion
- Direct access/chat with the instructor
- 100% self-paced online
Chips power the technology we rely on daily, from smartphones to self-driving cars. This course is your gateway to the fascinating world of chip design, using cutting-edge, free, open-source tools that make this complex process accessible to everyone. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, a curious hobbyist, or someone exploring a career in hardware design, this course offers a hands-on, practical learning experience with tools like Magic, KiCAD, and OpenROAD.
Through clear, step-by-step demonstrations, you’ll learn how to design chip layouts, simulate their functionality using NGSPICE, and validate them for real-world applications. Along the way, you’ll dive into essential concepts such as digital logic, layout creation, and simulation, all while solving practical design challenges.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the skills and confidence to navigate the chip design process independently. You’ll not only understand the theory but also apply it to create functional, basic chips using industry-standard workflows. This course isn’t just about learning—it’s about building practical, actionable skills that open doors in today’s fast-evolving tech landscape.
Skills You Will Gain
Learning Outcomes (At The End Of This Program, You Will Be Able To...)
- Develop basic chip layouts using open-source EDA tools.
- Analyze and evaluate the chip design workflow and apply design principles.
- Design, simulate, and validate a functional logic circuit.
- Apply open-source EDA tools to solve practical design challenges.
Prerequisites
To get the most out of this course, learners should have a basic understanding of electronic circuits, including how components like resistors, capacitors, and transistors function within a circuit. Familiarity with digital logic such as logic gates, binary arithmetic, and simple combinational and sequential circuits is also essential, as these concepts form the foundation of chip architecture. Most importantly, an interest in chip design and curiosity about how modern hardware is created will drive deeper engagement and make the hands-on learning experience both rewarding and impactful.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for a wide range of learners passionate about hardware and electronics. It’s ideal for "electrical engineering students" looking to apply their academic knowledge to real-world chip design, and for ''aspiring chip designers" eager to explore the end-to-end process using practical tools. "Open-source developers" interested in contributing to hardware projects will gain valuable insights into open EDA workflows, while "junior hardware engineers" can strengthen their foundational skills and build confidence through hands-on experience with industry-relevant tools and techniques.
