brown open silicon
designing open chips, together.
the process of specifying, modeling, and creating the architecture and physical layout of an integrated circuit (ic) using open-source tools.
our mission
open source tools
leveraging cutting-edge open-source tools for chip design, making vlsi accessible to all students.
hands-on learning
from tapeout design to reproducible vlsi workflows, we provide practical experience in chip design.
community driven
connecting students with industry leaders and researchers to build the future of silicon design.
curriculum & education
from fundamental physics to complete system architecture, this curriculum guides you through the layers of chip design education at brown.
physical level
electromagnetism
foundation in electromagnetic theory
device level
circuits & signals
basic circuit analysis and signal processing
circuit level
linear systems
linear system analysis and design
analog electronics
analog circuit design fundamentals
logic level
digital electronics
digital logic and circuit design
system level
embedded systems
microcontroller programming and hardware integration
low power vlsi
includes tapeout project - design to fabrication
mixed-signal
analog and digital circuit integration
architecture level
computer architecture
cpu design and computer organization
key highlights
ready to start your journey?
join bos to get guidance on course selection and hands-on project experience in chip design.
get started