Hi

The semiconductor industry doesn’t run on simulations. It runs on silicon. If you’re serious about VLSI, your education must start where the industry starts: RTL design and synthesis with production-grade Process Design Kits (PDKs). Anything less is academic theory—not engineering.

Imagine building a processor core that doesn’t just pass simulation tests but runs on actual silicon. That transformation—from abstract RTL to physical gates—demands synthesis with real PDKs. This is where voltages, timing margins, and process variations collide with your design. Without this crucible, you’re architecting in a vacuum.

1. Why real PDKs aren’t optional

"Simulations lie. Silicon doesn’t."
Industry runs on RTL-to-GDSII flows with production PDKs (TSMC/Samsung). Without this, you’re designing in a vacuum.

2. Why universities fail here

PDKs/tools are locked behind $500k licenses + fragmented setups. Graduates know theory—not how to fix setup violations in Innovus.

3. How VSD cracks it

Pre-loaded: Commercial tools + PDKs (Skywater 130nm) in one click.
Taught by: Senior engineers who hire for these skills daily.
Outcome: Synthesize your RISC-V core → tapeout-ready GDSII.

4. The talent gap won’t wait

Companies need candidates who understand:

• Timing closure with real process corners
• PPA tradeoffs post-synthesis

Only 2 cohorts left this quarter.
Delay = Your peers ship silicon while you simulate.

→ Enroll before seats fab out: VSD: RTL design and Synthesis with Sky130 PDKs