Friday 21 March 2025
The latest innovation in chip design is a game-changer for students and professionals alike. A team of researchers has created an open-source platform that allows users to design, implement, and verify their own custom chips, without needing extensive knowledge of complex electronics.
The platform, called Croc, uses the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA), which is widely used in commercial products. This means that users can create chips with a range of applications, from simple peripherals to complex systems-on-chip. The best part? It’s all done using open-source tools and a streamlined design flow, making it accessible to anyone with a basic understanding of electronics.
One of the key advantages of Croc is its simplicity. Unlike other chip design platforms that require users to navigate complex toolchains and proprietary software, Croc uses a straightforward, parameterized design approach. This makes it easy for students or professionals without extensive experience in chip design to get started.
But what about the complexity of designing a custom chip? Don’t worry – Croc has got you covered. The platform includes a range of pre-designed peripherals, such as UARTs and GPIOs, which can be easily integrated into users’ designs. This means that even beginners can create functional chips with relative ease.
The team behind Croc has also developed a range of educational materials to help users learn the ins and outs of chip design. These resources include lecture notes, exercises, and even a starter kit for students to get hands-on experience. With Croc, anyone can become proficient in chip design – regardless of their background or level of expertise.
To demonstrate the feasibility of Croc, two bachelor’s degree students successfully designed, implemented, and verified a custom chip called MLEM (Microcontroller-based Low-Energy Microprocessor). This chip includes features such as a UART peripheral and a NeoPixel controller, and was taped out on IHP’s 130nm open PDK. The success of MLEM shows that even beginners can create functional chips using Croc.
The potential applications of Croc are vast. With the ability to design custom chips, users can create innovative products for industries such as healthcare, finance, or transportation. Additionally, the platform could help address the global shortage of skilled chip designers by providing an accessible entry point into the field.
In short, Croc is a revolutionary tool that makes chip design more accessible and easier than ever before.
Cite this article: “Revolutionizing Chip Design with Open-Source Platform Croc”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Chip Design, Open-Source, Risc-V, Instruction Set Architecture, Custom Chips, Electronics, Chip Design Platform, Parameterized Design, Peripherals, Uarts
