lumiculelight does the math

Foundry

Problem: Design capacity is the constraint

Five toolchains stand between designers and your PDK, and every new designer costs your AEs a month of hand-holding.

pdk-ladderRUNG 1PDK releasedlayer map · tech filesRUNG 2Examples runa reference that simulatesRUNG 3Rules as codechecks a tool executesRUNG 4Designers tape outno app engineer neededSUPPORT, PER CUSTOMERThe last rung is where a PDK becomes a process designers can actually use — and where the app-engineering load sits today.
Between a released PDK and a designer who tapes out sit three rungs — and the support load for the last one lands on your team today.