Using the Tiny User Project tool, people can quickly submit a Tiny Tapeout design to the MPW lottery. The low barrier to entry makes this a great tool to try variations on a design, test faster I/O speeds on an MPW tapeout, or simply compare tapeout processes using a different submission venue.

@Proppy developed the an easy-to-use tool as an extension to the Tiny Tapeout flow.

Proppy’s template repository uses GitHub actions to add a design to the Efabless Caravel User Project. The actions automatically perform the steps requried to harden the design, generate the necessary GDS files, and even generate a convenient GDS viewer. Additionally, the actions output useful reports on cell resource utilization, manufacturability errors, and the precheck results.

The GitHub template contains clear instructions for submitting a Tiny Tapeout design, but as long as you follow the info.yaml semantics, you can submit anything. It supports both Wokwi graphical designs as well as HDL designs.

To see an example submission, take a look at Thorsten Knoll’s (ThorKn on GitHub) MPW8 design. Using Tiny User Project, Thorsten created a clock that is output to a monitor over VGA.

The info.yaml configures the GitHub action, which then produces this summary.

For an example on using the tool to submit to the recent GF180 shuttle, take a look at this video.

• ASIC
• MPW
• Tiny Tapeout
• course