Efabless Launches chipIgnite: Affordable SoC Prototyping at $9,750 with SkyWater’s Open-Source 130 nm CMOS

Efabless has introduced chipIgnite, a new program that brings affordable, open‑source system‑on‑chip (SoC) prototyping to designers and entrepreneurs.

Leveraging SkyWater Technology’s 130 nm CMOS open‑source platform, chipIgnite offers a ready‑made carrier chip, an automated open‑source design flow, a reference‑design template, and a bundled development board with firmware. Every submission receives a guaranteed reservation slot and a 10 mm² project area within the SKY130 process.

SkyWater’s automotive‑grade mixed‑signal process delivers robust digital and analog performance, embedded non‑volatile memory, and is well‑suited for IoT and edge‑computing applications. The program supplies 100 QFN or 300 WCSP parts per project, five evaluation boards, and a launch‑ready PCB layout, all for a starting price of $9,750.

Designers can build on a community of over 1,500 members, access free open‑source EDA tools, and even integrate proprietary toolchains when needed. Slack, GitHub, and other collaboration channels provide real‑time support and shared knowledge.

The first batch of chipIgnite shipments targets university courses and early‑stage product pilots. The inaugural run, aimed at digital and mixed‑signal design labs, set a tape‑out deadline of June 18 2021 and promised parts and assembled boards by early October. Stanford’s EE272B course, for senior undergraduates and graduates, is the pilot partner.

Industry allies QuickLogic and the CHIPS Alliance have joined the effort. “chipIgnite gives innovators a fast, cost‑effective path to custom devices,” says Brian Faith, CEO of QuickLogic. “It’s a game‑changer for the open‑source hardware ecosystem.” Rob Mains, GM of the CHIPS Alliance, adds, “The platform lowers entry barriers and accelerates the exploration of new concepts.”

Find out more about the chipIgnite program here.

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