Thank you, at leas one of "these people" got it. Interesting project, but again - it is still far performance-wise. We really appreciate work of developers of the Free Software toolchain, but we work in a slightly different area as we need much larger devices. Yes, we use proprietary tools (with some limitations described in the original post). These tools are physically isolated from my workstation - they are held a "jail" - a separate Linux box controlled from the IDE on a Free Software -only workstation. Icarus/GtkWave are launched locally, but ISE/Vivado(tcl console)/Quartus - over ssh+rsync.
nickpsecurity|10 years ago
Doing analog design at a deep submicron node is very hard and expensive. Unlikely to be open-sourced. That's why I encouraged you to find academics developing digital cell libraries or open-source FPGA's to tell them what you need. They might develop it for you as part of their academic work.
"These tools are physically isolated from my workstation - they are held a "jail" - a separate Linux box controlled from the IDE on a Free Software -only workstation. Icarus/GtkWave are launched locally, but ISE/Vivado(tcl console)/Quartus - over ssh+rsync."
Good that you're making an attempt. Must remember threat model, though: hackers hitting box from firmware to OS to software to audio/wireless devices onboard; subversion of EDA tooling lets them active trap door with simple command or hide exploit in an update; physical theft of the box. You need mitigation for each of them.
A separate box is always best. Use write-only media for backups of source and for updates to EDA software if possible. The box distributes its software either via a data diode for one-way transmission or a CD burner. Full-disk encryption to mitigate theft optionally with tamper-resistant marking on PC and inspections for keyloggers/implants. That you use OSS simulation after proprietary tooling is smart and my exact recommendation. ;)
Btw, check out Qflow as there's not enough projects testing it and providing Cliff feedback:
http://opencircuitdesign.com/qflow/