Journal of Research in VLSI Design Tools and Technology ISSN: 3139-2016 (Online)

Authors: Sujata Bhattacharya, Sreya Roy

Abstract: The rapid advancement of semiconductor technology has led to an increasing demand for efficient and cost-effective VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration)
design tools. Traditionally, commercial tools have dominated the VLSI design industry, but open-source VLSI design tools are emerging as a viable alternative, offering a range of benefits such as cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and community-driven development. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative study of open-source VLSI design tools, evaluating their features, performance, and applications in various domains. The study highlights popular open-source tools such as OpenROAD, QFlow, and
Magic, examining their functionalities, advantages, and limitations in comparison to commercial counterparts. Key applications in academia, research, startups, and emerging industries such as IoT, wearable technology, and space exploration are explored. The paper also addresses challenges such as limited support for analog/mixed-signal design and tool integration, and provides insights into the future prospects of open-source tools, including their potential for integration with machine learning and AI-
driven design automation. The findings emphasize the growing importance of open-source VLSI tools in democratizing semiconductor design and fostering
innovation in a wide range of applications, while outlining the steps necessary to overcome current limitations and enhance their overall effectiveness in the coming years.

Keywords: Open-Source VLSI Design Tools VLSI Design Automation Semiconductor Design Open ROAD Q Flow Magic VLSI Performance Comparison Analog/Mixed-Signal Design Cloud-Based VLSI Tools Machine Learning in VLSI Design Democratization of Semiconductor Design EDA
(Electronic Design Automation).