lambdapdk
Library of open source Process Design Kits
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you are designing chips with SiliconCompiler and need open-source PDKs. The package is actively maintained, has no known vulnerabilities, and provides a unified interface across multiple technology nodes. Be aware that Nangate45 (45nm) restricts non-commercial use; other PDKs are fully open. Requires Python 3.10+.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Requires Python 3.10 or later.
- Depends on siliconcompiler and lambdalib runtime packages.
- Low install friction with a pure Python wheel.
License · maintenance · safety
Apache-2.0 (permissive) — Licensed under Apache 2.0 (permissive), allowing commercial and private use. Individual PDKs carry additional licenses: ASAP7 uses BSD 3-Clause, Nangate45 restricts to non-commercial use, while Sky130, GF180, and IHP130 are Apache 2.0.
last release 2026-07-10 (35 days) · last repo commit 2026-08-14 · 126 stars
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 1,607,679 downloads/mo, #3,725 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
pip install lambdapdk
from siliconcompiler import ASIC, Design
from siliconcompiler.targets import skywater130_demo
design = Design("mydesign")
design.set_topmodule("mydesign", fileset="rtl")
design.add_file("mydesign.v", fileset="rtl")
project = ASIC(design)
skywater130_demo(project)
project.run()- Whether Nangate45's non-commercial restriction applies when used through lambdapdk in a commercial context
- Specific version compatibility with siliconcompiler and lambdalib runtime dependencies
- Whether all supported technology nodes (2nm, 7nm, 45nm, 130nm, 180nm) are production-ready or research-grade
What it is and what it does
Lambdapdk is a collection of open-source Process Design Kits that eliminate the complexity of PDK setup and integration for chip design. It provides pre-configured standard cell libraries, I/O libraries, and memory compilers across multiple technology nodes—from 2nm (GT2N) down to 180nm (GF180)—all unified under a single API and integrated directly into the SiliconCompiler build system and Lambdalib hardware abstraction layer.
The package solves the problem of PDK fragmentation and portability: instead of managing scattered, inconsistent PDK sources or dealing with restrictive commercial licenses, designers get ready-to-use kits with full Verilog models and design-flow integration. Each PDK includes threshold-voltage variants (RVT, LVT, SLVT, etc.), memory macros (SRAM, dual-port, true dual-port configurations), and standard cell categories (AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR, MUX, flip-flops, latches, and more). The unified interface enables design portability across technology nodes, making it practical for research, education, and open-source chip projects.
Use it for
- Design and tape-out a chip using open-source PDKs like Sky130 or GF180 without commercial licensing overhead
- Prototype a design across multiple technology nodes (7nm, 45nm, 130nm) using the same Verilog interface via Lambdalib
- Integrate standard cells and memory macros into a SiliconCompiler build flow for automated place-and-route
- Develop chiplet designs using the Interposer PDK with multi-layer bump cells for chiplet integration
- Teach chip design in an academic setting with open-source, license-free PDKs and full cell library documentation
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you are designing chips with SiliconCompiler and need open-source PDKs.
The package is actively maintained, has no known vulnerabilities, and provides a unified interface across multiple technology nodes. Be aware that Nangate45 (45nm) restricts non-commercial use; other PDKs are fully open. Requires Python 3.10+.
Install
lambdapdk on PyPI
Before you install
Low install friction with a pure Python wheel. Active maintenance with a release 35 days ago and ongoing commits; last commit 2026-08-14. Requires Python 3.10 or later.
Requires Python 3.10 or later. Depends on siliconcompiler and lambdalib runtime packages.
License in practice
Licensed under Apache 2.0 (permissive), allowing commercial and private use. Individual PDKs carry additional licenses: ASAP7 uses BSD 3-Clause, Nangate45 restricts to non-commercial use, while Sky130, GF180, and IHP130 are Apache 2.0.
Quickstart
pip install lambdapdk
from siliconcompiler import ASIC, Design
from siliconcompiler.targets import skywater130_demo
design = Design("mydesign")
design.set_topmodule("mydesign", fileset="rtl")
design.add_file("mydesign.v", fileset="rtl")
project = ASIC(design)
skywater130_demo(project)
project.run()Verify before relying
- Whether Nangate45's non-commercial restriction applies when used through lambdapdk in a commercial context
- Specific version compatibility with siliconcompiler and lambdalib runtime dependencies
- Whether all supported technology nodes (2nm, 7nm, 45nm, 130nm, 180nm) are production-ready or research-grade
Package facts
| License | Apache-2.0 permissive |
| Python support | Supports the current Python release >=3.10 |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | 2 packagessiliconcompilerlambdalib |
| Maintenance | Actively maintained 35 days since the last release |
| Last repo commit | |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 1,607,679 / month, #3,725 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
Evidence: lambdapdk-0.2.17-py3-none-any.whl
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See also lambdalib · siliconcompiler · gdsfactory · gdsfactoryplus · peakrdl-regblock · kfactory · peakrdl · dvsim · systemrdl-compiler · peakrdl-cli