Analog Chip Design on Tiny Tapeout

In this workshop, we will explore the tools and skills required to integrate a fully custom design into one of the analog slots on Tiny Tapeout.

On Tiny Tapeout, analog slots allocate two tiles, each with a digital interface on top and access to analog pins at the bottom. We will learn how to interface these connections and examine limitations such as bandwidth and the number of available pins.

Real-world problem

We will adopt a practical approach by addressing a real-world problem that can be solved/prototyped on a Tiny Tapeout. Participants will learn how to effectively combine analog circuits and digital logic within the same design.

The digital logic will be written in Verilog and validated using a Cocotb testbench. The functionally validated Verilog design will then be processed through OpenROAD for netlist generation, mapping to standard cells, and placement and routing into a digital layout that fits within the top portion of the analog tile and interfaces with the digital IOs provided by the Tiny Tapeout infrastructure.

The analog circuit consists of a simple sense amplifier, a voltage divider, and a basic SAR ADC.

When integrated, these components form a simple PSU voltage and current monitoring system that can be configured and monitored via an I2C interface.

All blocks have already been designed and verified at the block level. In this workshop, we will focus specifically on the process of assembling these blocks, validating the integrated system, and preparing the final design for submission to Tiny Tapeout. 

About the host:

The workshop will be hosted by Jørgen Kragh Jakobsen, a key figure in the open-source chip design ecosystem for the past four years.

In 2020, Jørgen left the successful Merus Audio design team, which redefined integrated Class D amplifiers and was acquired by Infineon in 2017. Their chips have sold in millions.

Before that, he worked on chips for Bluetooth RF frontends and pioneered wireless system circuits for hearing aids at Oticon for several years.

For the past four years, Jørgen has been working at IC Works, solving chip-related problems for customers and collaborating with universities and industry to rebuild Denmark's footprint in this global sector.