lambdapdk

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

Lambdapdk provides pre-configured, open-source Process Design Kits (PDKs) for chip design across multiple technology nodes, integrating standard cell libraries, I/O libraries, and memory compilers with SiliconCompiler and Lambdalib.

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

pip install lambdapdk

uv add lambdapdk

poetry add lambdapdk

Installing lambdapdk

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.

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()

Requires Python 3.10 or later. Depends on siliconcompiler and lambdalib runtime packages.

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

Evidence: lambdapdk-0.2.17-py3-none-any.whl

Tags

More Scientific/Engineering packages