Silicon Compilers
SiliconCompiler, operated by Zero ASIC Corporation, is an open source Python framework that automates the compilation of RTL (Verilog) designs into silicon. It serves hardware engineers, open source hardware developers, and commercial chip design teams via a pip-installable, product-led, freemium-to-enterprise model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- Headquarters—
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Silicon Compilers does
SiliconCompiler, operated by Zero ASIC Corporation (a Massachusetts-incorporated corporation), is an open source Python framework that automates the translation of hardware source code (RTL in Verilog, with SDC timing constraints) into silicon. The product is described by the company as "make for silicon," exposing a Python object-oriented API through which developers create a Design object, attach source files, enable filesets, load a pre-defined target (e.g., skywater130_demo for the SkyWater 130nm PDK), and invoke a distributed execution engine to compile the design. A built-in remote execution flag enables cloud-based compilation, and project.summary() and project.show() provide immediate visual feedback on outcomes. The core framework is distributed via the Python Package Index (pip install siliconcompiler), making it a self-serve, product-led tool aimed at hardware engineers, open source hardware developers, and commercial chip design teams.
The company operates on a freemium-to-enterprise monetization model. The open source core is free; paid subscriptions (billed monthly or annually in advance) unlock private repositories, higher capacity, and additional features. A usage-based compute stream bills for remote execution consumption in excess of plan allowances, charged monthly in arrears. For higher-volume users, SiliconCompiler offers enterprise invoiced accounts with 30-day payment terms in U.S. Dollars. Distribution is entirely self-serve through pip and the siliconcompiler.com website, with marketing conducted through GitHub, GitHub Discussions, documentation, and a community Gallery of examples rather than paid advertising. No funding rounds, leadership team, named customers, partnerships, or revenue figures are disclosed in the available source material.
Silicon Compilers firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Silicon Compilers
- Legal name
- Zero ASIC Corporation
- Website
- https://siliconcompiler.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- SiliconCompiler, operated by Zero ASIC Corporation, is an open source Python framework that automates the compilation of RTL (Verilog) designs into silicon. It serves hardware engineers, open source hardware developers, and commercial chip design teams via a pip-installable, product-led, freemium-to-enterprise model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Silicon Compilers industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Software
- NAICS
- Semiconductor Machinery Manufacturing (333242)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Foundry Platform & Design Enablement Services (PDK/DFM/Process Qualification) (HDAHACAJ)
Keywords
Silicon Compilers business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Paid Accounts (Subscription): SiliconCompiler offers both free and paid account tiers. Paid accounts provide access to private repositories, additional features, and capacity. Accounts are billed monthly or annually in advance. Paid accounts also enable higher usage limits and bandwidth. The company manages payment processing through third-party payment processors (credit card, PayPal).
- Usage-based Services: Some service features are billed based on actual usage (e.g., compute cycles for remote execution). A limited quantity of usage-based features may be included in paid plans; usage beyond included quantities is charged based on actual consumption in the preceding month.
- Free / Open Source Tier: The core SiliconCompiler framework is open source and freely available via pip. Free accounts provide basic access with limited features and capacity. This supports broad adoption and community growth while converting power users to paid tiers.
- Invoiced / Enterprise Accounts: For enterprise or high-volume users, SiliconCompiler offers invoicing with payment terms of 30 days upfront in U.S. Dollars. This suggests custom/negotiated contracts for large enterprise deployments.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Others | Free tier with basic features and limited capacity |
| Subscription | Monthly | Paid subscription tier with private repositories, higher capacity, and usage allowances |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Usage-based compute services (e.g., remote execution) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Enterprise invoiced accounts with custom negotiated terms |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Silicon Compilers product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SiliconCompiler is an open source framework that automates the translation from hardware source code to silicon, functioning as a "make for silicon" build system. It exposes a Python object-oriented API and uses a distributed execution model so hardware engineers can run chip design flows from source to GDS. The framework is distributed via pip with free and paid account tiers, and offers remote execution to offload compute-intensive EDA workloads.
Product overview
SiliconCompiler is a single unified open source product — an open source framework that automates the translation from source code to silicon. Users interact with it through a Python object-oriented API, providing RTL source files (Verilog) and timing constraints (SDC format) to compile designs into silicon. The framework supports distributed systems execution and remote execution capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SiliconCompiler Open Source Framework An open source Python-based framework that automates the translation from hardware source code to silicon, providing a distributed build system ("make for silicon") for chip designers and hardware engineers.
- SiliconCompiler Paid Account A paid account tier of the SiliconCompiler framework targeted at commercial users who need additional features and support beyond the free open source offering.
- SiliconCompiler Remote Execution Service A cloud-based remote execution service that runs compute-intensive EDA compilation flows on distributed infrastructure, enabling users to offload and parallelize silicon compilation workloads.
Companies that use Silicon Compilers
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Silicon Compilers technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Silicon Compilers partnerships and signals
Strategic signalRecent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Silicon Compilers competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cadence Design Systems: Cadence is one of the three dominant EDA vendors, providing a full suite of chip design and verification tools. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as the gold-standard commercial EDA platform that the open source framework aims to disrupt.
- Synopsys: Synopsys is the largest EDA vendor, offering synthesis, place-and-route, simulation, and IP. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as the incumbent against which open source EDA tools must compete for adoption.
- Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics): Siemens EDA is a major incumbent EDA vendor offering comprehensive chip design tools including synthesis, place-and-route, and verification. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as a broad EDA platform serving semiconductor design teams, though much larger and proprietary.
Direct peers
- Zero ASIC: Zero ASIC is the parent legal entity operating SiliconCompiler. Comparable as the same corporate entity commercializing open source semiconductor design tools and chiplet/ASIC platforms.
- YosysHQ: YosysHQ is the commercial entity behind the open source Yosys synthesis tool. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as an open source EDA tooling provider offering programmable, scriptable chip design flows.
- OpenROAD: OpenROAD is an open source EDA platform for chip design with a focus on physical implementation. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as a competing open source EDA flow targeting similar hardware engineer users.
Emerging players
- Efabless: Efabless offers open source chip design platforms and shuttle tape-out services. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as an enabler of accessible, low-cost chip design for open source hardware developers and researchers.
- Acton Designs (ChipFlow): ChipFlow is a startup offering cloud-based ASIC design platforms. Comparable to SiliconCompiler as an emerging player offering accessible, cloud-friendly chip design tools for hardware developers.
Others
- SkyWater Technology: SkyWater provides the 130nm open source PDK that SiliconCompiler supports as a pre-defined target. Comparable as a key infrastructure provider in the open source silicon ecosystem.
- Google (OpenROAD partnership): Google is a significant contributor to open source EDA initiatives including OpenROAD and SkyWater PDK. Comparable as an ecosystem participant driving open source chip design tooling that SiliconCompiler integrates with.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Silicon Compilers social profiles
Digital presenceSilicon Compilers financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Silicon Compilers leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Silicon Compilers funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Silicon Compilers M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Silicon Compilers
What does Silicon Compilers do?
SiliconCompiler is an open source framework that automates the translation from hardware source code to silicon, functioning as a "make for silicon" build system. It exposes a Python object-oriented API and uses a distributed execution model so hardware engineers can run chip design flows from source to GDS. The framework is distributed via pip with free and paid account tiers, and offers remote execution to offload compute-intensive EDA workloads.
Is Silicon Compilers a public or private company?
Silicon Compilers is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Silicon Compilers founded?
Silicon Compilers was founded in -1.
How does Silicon Compilers make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Paid Accounts (Subscription) is the primary driver. The others are usage-based Services, free / Open Source Tier and invoiced / Enterprise Accounts.
Who are Silicon Compilers's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cadence Design Systems, Synopsys and Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics). Direct peers are Zero ASIC, YosysHQ and OpenROAD. Emerging players are Efabless and Acton Designs (ChipFlow). Others are SkyWater Technology and Google (OpenROAD partnership).
Does Silicon Compilers have an API?
Yes. SiliconCompiler provides a Python object-oriented API for automating the translation from source code to silicon. The Terms of Service state that abuse or excessively frequent requests via the API may result in temporary or permanent suspension, and subscription-based access is available for users requiring high-throughput access. API tokens may not be shared to exceed rate limitations.
What industry is Silicon Compilers in?
Silicon Compilers's product category is Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHACAJ, Foundry Platform & Design Enablement Services (PDK/DFM/Process Qualification). Its NAICS code is 333242 and its SIC code is 7373.