---
id: lambdapdk
version: "0.2.17"
license: Apache-2.0
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: active
---

# lambdapdk — Library of open source Process Design Kits

License: permissive · Maintenance: active · Downloads: 1.6M/mo

## 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 above — 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

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

- License: Apache-2.0 (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: active
- Downloads: 1.6M/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

process design kit pdk chip design, open source pdk standard cells, silicon compiler integration, asap7 sky130 freepdk45, verilog hardware abstraction library, memory compiler sram, technology node libraries, chip-design, pdk, silicon-compiler

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