BLUF: Chip design determines the function and value of a semiconductor device.
The chip design process consists of defining the product requirements then creating the desired chip’s physical layout with the needed block-level architecture, circuitry, and packaging designs. All of which are needed for chips to receive, transmit, process, and store digital data.
Design specification: define the chip’s function, specifications, and requirements
Architectural design: map the needed components and identify how they should interact
Logic design: determine how the chip processes information
Circuit design: Convert the logic design into a set of transistor or gate designs.
Physical design: Create the floorplan for the new chip
Packaging design: Design for advanced packaging specifications if needed.
Verification: Validate the designed chip’s expected performance via emulator
Photomask preparation: of photomasks are needed to pattern wafers.
