Access to Design Tools and Platforms
The Chip Center offers companies extensive access to design tools and platforms necessary for developing modern semiconductors. The design software licenses brokered by the Center allow companies to use state-of-the-art chip design tools.
We also encourage companies and Chip Center clients to consider using open-source and free tools, as depending on the complexity of the initial task, their offering may be sufficient for the successful completion of design, verification, and testing phases. Here as well, the Chip Center can assist with expert advice and support.
Chip Design Consulting
The Center also supports companies with consulting services related to the use of chip design tools and platforms. Our engineers are available for training, individual consultations, and technical support to ensure a smooth and efficient development process.
Access to Manufacturing Resources
The Chip Center helps companies create connections with pilot lines, manufacturing companies, and other service providers to facilitate access to necessary manufacturing resources and technologies. Our goal is to lower the entry barriers for companies by offering free or discounted access to design tools and mediating access to pilot lines for chip production.
Support in Specialization Fields
The Chip Center provides specialized support and consultancy in three key areas where Estonia is at the forefront:
- hardware security,
- chip/system testing and safety,
- and functional verification.
In hardware security, we offer consulting and support to help companies solve hardware security problems, including hardware Trojans, reverse engineering, circuit (de)obfuscation, intellectual property piracy, chip overproduction, and side-channel attacks.
In chip/system testing and safety, we offer consulting and support in testing, reliability, and safety fields, including test development, design-for-test, reliable and fault-tolerant design, and reliability assessment.
In functional verification, we provide consulting and support on simulation-based verification, semiformal and formal verification, and methodologies.
Our goal is to help companies ensure product quality and reliability, especially in safety-critical applications, and to avoid process delays and financial losses.
Target Groups
- Fabless companies
- Chip design service providers
- Developers of application-specific chips or electronic devices
Education and Training
The Chip Center works closely with universities to develop and offer specialized courses, research topics, and student guidance. Our goal is to offer company-led training for engineers in digital and analog chip design to help them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge.
Additionally, we organize workshops, seminars, and case studies to promote knowledge exchange between engineers, SMEs, and startups. Our training and workshops are aimed at developing practical skills, providing participants with the opportunity to learn and practice through real projects and case studies.
The Chip Center also offers cooperation opportunities with universities to develop and offer new specialized courses, co-supervise student research, and provide industry-related internships. Our goal is to help companies close skills gaps and remain competitive by providing continuous individual learning and knowledge exchange.