Free VLSI Learning for Semiconductor Engineers
A structured, open-access semiconductor curriculum designed to take engineers from digital logic fundamentals to production-grade physical design and timing signoff.
What SimpleSilicon Provides
VLSI Academy
Self-paced learning tracks with embedded university video lectures and progress tracking — from digital logic and Verilog to physical design.
Free Video Course Library
Curated NPTEL university courses and full YouTube playlists covering digital design, verification, DFT, low power, and fabrication.
Career Resources
Semiconductor engineering role profiles and EDA toolchains explained — what each discipline actually does on a tapeout team.
The Motivation
Entering the semiconductor industry has historically presented a steep barrier to entry. Commercial EDA tool suites cost tens of thousands of dollars per license, university VLSI curricula often rely on outdated slides, and private commercial training institutes charge exorbitant fees for basic labs.
With the advent of open-source silicon initiatives — like the SkyWater 130nm PDK, OpenROAD, Yosys, and Magic — anyone with a computer can now learn how chips are synthesized, placed, routed, and physically verified.
SimpleSilicon was created to bridge the gap between academic theory and day-to-day tapeout reality: providing structured curriculums, real EDA log analysis, and rigorous interview questions completely free.
Our Commitments
Semiconductor education should not be locked behind $3,000 corporate bootcamps or artificial paywalls. Everything on SimpleSilicon is completely free and accessible without mandatory login.
We prioritize actual EDA tool commands (TCL, SDC), signoff tolerances, and real manufacturing physics over generic textbook trivia. Everything is designed to reflect what physical design and verification engineers do on the job.
No fake user metrics, no fabricated testimonials, no marketing hype. We let the clarity of our curriculum and the rigor of our engineering explanations speak for itself.
Questions, Suggestions, or Contributions?
SimpleSilicon is continuously updated with structured VLSI learning content. We welcome technical feedback from semiconductor engineers worldwide.