This page is for EDA tools and IP needed for the implementation of OpenSPARC RTL.

Designing and developing a chip can be done in many different ways ("methodologies"). There are many ways to be successful and many methodologies that will work equally well, however, most will require significant automation. EDA (short for Electronic Design Automation) or CAD (Computer Aided Design) has evolved considerably in the last 15+ years to the point that they are indispensable in any chip design methodology.

This page will evolve over time and captures several web resources and useful information for beginners to very advanced users of EDA tools and methodologies. The EDA industry offers IP, design services, FPGA, links to fabrication facilities and a myriad of other resources essential for the design and implementation of OpenSPARC RTL.

If You Are New to EDA

• Many, if not all, EDA companies are members of an EDA industry-wide consortium with extensive resources for new and experienced EDA users. You can start here: www.edac.org
• Several engineering organizations have formed over time focused on various aspects of chip design, a list of some can be found here: www.edac.org/industry_organizations.jsp
• OpenSPARC RTL is to be released in verilog. For details on this industry standard you can start at www.accellera.org or www.verilog.com
• Si2 (www.si2.org) is an organization that drives database standards amongst several physical EDA tools used for physical implementation by creating and distributing a common database called OpenAccess. Other standards are being initiated here on libraries, etc. Also see www.openedatools.org for open source EDA tools.
• There are some IP standardization efforts like SPIRIT (www.spiritconsortium.com)
• Industry standard verilog IP is also available from several "IP Exchanges" and can be searched, easily on the web.
• Public domain Verilog tools, including Emacs Verilog-Mode AUTOs used in the OpenSPARC Verilog, a fast free simulator, and waveform viewer are available from www.veripool.com.
• www.eda.org has several free tools, free IP, open source tools, and list of conferences. Here's another place for open source hardware cores www.opencores.org
• Sun's research lab has some openly available physical implementation tools & environment (www.staticfreesoft.com)
• EE Times has a great list of open source EDA links. (http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/resources/opensourcelinks.html)
  
• Universities around the globe have many EDA programs. Many of these tools are available from the Electrical Engineering departments.
• The annual Design Automation Conference (www.dac.com) hosts many companies, universities and organizations.

Contributions

• Electric (www.staticfreesoft.com) floorplan of OpenSPARC T1