For many years, monolithic chips defined semiconductor innovation. New microprocessors defined new markets, as did new graphics processors, and cell-phone chips. Getting to the next node was the goal, and when the foundry shipped a working part victory was declared. As we know, this is changing. Semiconductor innovation is… Read More
Artificial Intelligence
Efabless Celebrates AI Design Challenge Winners!
The first AI Generated Open-Source Silicon Design Challenge invited participants to use generative AI to design an open-source silicon chip and tape it out in just three weeks. The contestants were required to create Verilog code from natural language prompts, and then implemented their designs using the chipIgnite platform… Read More
Tensilica Processor Cores Enable Sensor Fusion For Robust Perception
While sensor-based control and activation systems have been around for several decades, the development and integration of sensors into control systems have significantly evolved over time. Early sensor-based control systems utilized basic sensing elements like switches, potentiometers and pressure sensors and were … Read More
Real-Time AI-driven Image Signal Processing with Reduced Memory Footprint and Processing Latency
In our day to day lives, we all benefit from image signal processing (ISP), whether everyone realizes it or not. ISP is the technique of processing image data captured by an imaging device. It involves a series of algorithms that transform raw image data into a usable image by correcting for distortions, removing noise, adjusting… Read More
Deep Learning for Fault Localization. Innovation in Verification
A new look at fault localization and repair in debug using learning based on deep semantic features. Paul Cunningham (Senior VP/GM, Verification at Cadence), Raúl Camposano (Silicon Catalyst, entrepreneur, former Synopsys CTO and now Silvaco CTO) and I continue our series on research ideas. As always, feedback welcome.
The
… Read MoreA Negative Problem for Large Language Models
I recently read a thought-provoking article in Quanta titled Chatbots Don’t Know What Stuff Isn’t. The point of the article is that while large language models (LLMs) such as GPT, Bard and their brethren are impressively capable, they stumble on negation. An example offered in the article suggests that while a prompt, “Is it true… Read More
Why Generative AI for Chip Design is a Game Changer
AI-generated chip design is progressing at an incredible pace!
Earlier this week, I wrote about the Efabless AI Generated Open–Source Silicon Design Challenge. If you haven’t done so already, take a closer look at the challenge and see first-hand what this is all about. In talking to Mike Wishart and Mohamed Kassem, co-founders… Read More
An SDK for an Advanced AI Engine
I have observed before that the success of an AI engine at the edge rests heavily on the software interface to drive that technology. Networks trained in the cloud need considerable massaging to optimize for smaller and more specialized edge devices. Moreover, an AI task at the edge depends on a standalone pipeline demanding a mix… Read More
Opinions on Generative AI at CadenceLIVE
According to some AI dreamers, we’re almost there. We’ll no longer need hardware or software design experts—just someone to input basic requirements from which fully realized system technologies will drop out the other end. Expert opinions in the industry are enthusiastic but less hyperbolic. Bob O’Donnell, president, founder… Read More
Join the AI Generated Open-Source Silicon Design Challenge!
As we all know design starts are the life blood of the semiconductor industry, both big and small. Enabling those design starts is what the semiconductor ecosystem is all about and Efabless has a very unique value proposition in this regard.
Efabless is a free cloud-based chip design platform, growing community of 9000+ chip designers,… Read More


From the Selfie to Samantha: The Next Trillion-Dollar Behavior