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{{Infobox company
{{advert|date=September 2014}}
| name = Open-Silicon
⚫
{{Infobox company
| name = Open-Silicon
| type =
| type = |
| foundation = 2003
| location = [[Milpitas, California]], [[United States|USA]]
| foundation = 2003
| location = [[Milpitas, California]], [[United States|USA]]
| industry = [[Semiconductors]], [[Electronics]]
⚫
| products = [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASICs]], [[system-on-a-chip]], [[integrated circuit]]s
| industry = [[semiconductors]], [[electronics]]
| revenue =
⚫
| products = [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASICs]], [[System-on-a-chip]], [[Integrated circuit]]s
| revenue = |
| net_income =
| net_income = |
| num_employees = 400 as of 2013
| num_employees = 400 as of 2013
| homepage =
| homepage = [http://www.open-silicon.com/ www.open-silicon.com]
| founders = Dr. Naveed Sherwani, Dr. Satya Gupta, Scott Houghton
}}
}}
'''Open-Silicon''' is a semiconductor [[solution]]s company founded in 2003 to provide traditional [[Application-specific integrated circuit|ASIC]] design, derivative and platform [[System on a chip|SoC]]s, and production handoffs where Open-Silicon provides manufacturing operations.
'''Open-Silicon''' is a semiconductor company founded in 2003.

Open-Silicon was acquired by '''OpenFive''' in September, 2021.


==Corporate history==
==Corporate history==
Open-Silicon was founded in 2003. The idea was to select best-in-class technology from the open market and apply it through an engineering process focused on three goals: low cost, high schedule predictability, and high reliability. Initial funding was provided by [[Sequoia Capital]], [[Norwest Venture Partners]], and InterWest Partners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/initial-funding/|title=
Open-Silicon was founded in 2003 by Naveed Sherwani, Satya Gupta and Scott Houghton. Initial funding was provided by [[Sequoia Capital]], [[Norwest Venture Partners]], and [[InterWest Partners]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/initial-funding/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130194605/http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/initial-funding/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2013|title=Open-Silicon Inc. Secures $19.5 Million in Funding|date=March 29, 2004}}</ref> In December 2007 [[Unicorn Investment Bank]] acquired 75% of Open-Silicon for $190M, with the rest of the company employee-owned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205201890&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_newsRSS|title=Bahrain Bank Buys Stake in Open-Silicon|date=December 24, 2007}}</ref>
Open-Silicon Inc. Secures $19.5 Million in Funding|date=March 29, 2004}}</ref> Additional funding from those partners, and new partners Artis Capital and Bridgescale Partners, brought the total venture funding in four rounds of financing to almost $46M. In December 2007 Unicorn Investment Bank acquired 75% of Open-Silicon for $190M, with the rest of the company employee-owned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=205201890&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_newsRSS|title=Bahrain Bank Buys Stake in Open-Silicon|date=December 24, 2007}}</ref>


In May 2007, Open-Silicon acquired Zenasis Technologies, a maker of processor optimization EDA software.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edn.com/article/459760-Open_Silicon_acquires_Zenasis_hybrid_optimization_technology.php|title=Open-Silicon Acquires Zenasis Hybrid Optimization Technology|date=May 7, 2007}}{{Dead link|date=December 2017}}</ref> This technology has become the core of Open-Silicon's MAX Technologies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/max-intro/|title=Open-Silicon Introduces MAX Technologies|date=November 11, 2008}}</ref> This technology has also been expanded by Open-Silicon to focus on low power design and process variability management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edn.com/blog/Practical_Chip_Design/37523-When_an_ASIC_vendor_partners_with_an_EDA_vendor_a_new_model.php|title=When an ASIC Vendor Partners with an EDA Vendor: A New Model|date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>
In May 2007, Open-Silicon acquired Zenasis Technologies, a maker of processor optimization [[Electronic design automation|EDA software]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edn.com/article/459760-Open_Silicon_acquires_Zenasis_hybrid_optimization_technology.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730005431/http://www.edn.com/article/459760-Open_Silicon_acquires_Zenasis_hybrid_optimization_technology.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=Open-Silicon Acquires Zenasis Hybrid Optimization Technology|date=May 7, 2007}}</ref> This technology has also been expanded by Open-Silicon to focus on low power design and process variability management.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edn.com/blog/Practical_Chip_Design/37523-When_an_ASIC_vendor_partners_with_an_EDA_vendor_a_new_model.php|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731043046/http://www.edn.com/blog/Practical_Chip_Design/37523-When_an_ASIC_vendor_partners_with_an_EDA_vendor_a_new_model.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 31, 2012|title=When an ASIC Vendor Partners with an EDA Vendor: A New Model|date=November 12, 2008}}</ref>


⚫
In 2009 Open-Silicon acquired design services firm Silicon Logic Engineering (SLE). This acquisition has enhanced the company's derivative [[IC design]] capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eetimes.com/open-silicon-acquires-design-services-firm/|title=Open-Silicon Acquires Design Services Firm|date=January 12, 2010}}</ref> In 2010 the company opened new facilities in [[Research Triangle Park]], [[North Carolina]], and [[Pune]], India, to provide additional support for derivative IC design.
In 2008 and 2009, Open-Silicon received the "Most Respected Private Semiconductor Company" Award from the [[Global Semiconductor Alliance]] (GSA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsaglobal.org/news/article.asp?article=2008/1215|title=Global Semiconductor Alliance Announces its 2008 Award Recipients|date=December 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gsaglobal.org/news/article.asp?article=2009/1214|title=Global Semiconductor Alliance Announces its 2009 Award Recipients|date=December 14, 2009}}</ref>


In 2012, Open-Silicon acquired and grew substantial design operations in [[Pakistan]] and [[Taiwan]].
⚫
In 2009 Open-Silicon acquired design services firm Silicon Logic Engineering (SLE). This acquisition has enhanced the company's derivative IC design capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4087030/Open-Silicon-acquires-design-services-firm|title=Open-Silicon Acquires Design Services Firm|date=January 12, 2010}}</ref> In 2010 the company opened new facilities in [[Research Triangle Park]], North Carolina, and [[Pune]], India, to provide additional support for derivative IC design.


In 2012, Open-Silicon acquired and grew substantial design operations in Pakistan and Taiwan.
On August 17, 2020, SiFive acquires Open-Silicon and names it OpenFive, an independent business unit of SiFive.


On Sept. 1, 2022, Canadian semiconductor licensing company Alphawave acquires SiFive’s OpenFive business unit for $210 million.
==Locations==
Open-Silicon has the following principal locations:
* [[Milpitas, CA]]
* [[North Andover, MA]]
* [[Bangalore, India]]
* [[Yokohama, Japan]]
* [[Kaohsiung, Taiwan]]
* [[Hsinchu, Taiwan]]
* [[Pune, India]]

==Industry impact==
Open-Silicon has been instrumental in establishing a new semiconductor segment known as the Fabless ASIC market. Core to the company is the OpenMODEL, which allows customers to view and make decisions about their ASIC supply chain. In the five years from 2003–2008, Open-Silicon completed more than 100 designs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/100th-tapeout/|title=Open-Silicon, Inc. Announces 100th Design Tapeout|date=September 10, 2008}}</ref>

With its front-end design capabilities growing,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/expands_presence_in_india/|title=Open-Silicon Expands Presence in India With New SoC and Systems Solution Center|date=November 1, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon-expands-asic-architecture-and-rtl-design-team-to-support-derivative-soc-solutions/|title=Open-Silicon Expands ASIC Architecture and RTL Design Team to Support Derivative SoC Solutions|date=October 27, 2010}}</ref> Open-Silicon now provides derivative design solutions for the new design-lite industry segment. In 2011, Open-Silicon announced a relationship with Micron to develop derivative IC products for the Micron Hybrid Memory Cube technology<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon-and-micron-align-to-deliver-next-generation-memory-technology|title=Open-Silicon and Micron Align to Deliver Next-Generation Memory Technology|date=June 7, 2011}}</ref> and later became a founding member of the Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridmemorycube.org/about.html|title=Hybrid Memory Cube Consortium Participants}}</ref>


==Products and services==
==Products and services==
Open-Silicon's business model is called the OpenMODEL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4080892/Open-Silicon-thriving-and-hiring-in-downturn|title=Open Silicon thriving and hiring in downturn|date=January 12, 2009}}</ref> The OpenMODEL gives customers the option of selecting their IP from the open market, with Open-Silicon qualifying and supporting that IP. In addition to IP, Open-Silicon has relationships with multiple foundries and test and packaging suppliers to maximize customer flexibility.
Open-Silicon's business model is called the OpenMODEL.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eetimes.com/open-silicon-thriving-and-hiring-in-downturn/|title=Open Silicon thriving and hiring in downturn|date=January 12, 2009}}</ref>

As part of the OpenMODEL, Open-Silicon offers a variety of IC design and manufacturing services, including product definition, design engineering, wafer fabrication, packaging and assembly, and test engineering. The company offers ASIC products at 180&nbsp;nm, 130&nbsp;nm, 90&nbsp;nm, 65&nbsp;nm and 45/40&nbsp;nm 28&nbsp;nm CMOS process nodes from multiple silicon foundries<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/ip-technology/partner-ip/|title=Open-Silicon Partners}}</ref> including [[TSMC]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800375200_480100_NT_3e80aa08.HTM|title=Open-Silicon joins TSMC's Design Center Alliance|date=August 26, 2005}}</ref> [[GlobalFoundries]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon-collaborates-with-globalfoundries-on-28nm-low-power-solutions/|title=Open-Silicon and GLOBALFOUDRIES Tapeout 28nm}}</ref> [[Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation|SMIC]], and [[Fujitsu]]. IP partners include almost all major open market sources. Open-Silicon was the first adopter of Synopsys's IP OEM Partner Program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://synopsys.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=629|title=Synopsys Unveils IP OEM Partner Program with Arrow Electronics, Global Unichip and Open-Silicon|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref>

==High-Speed Processor Design==
Open-Silicon uses the CoreMAX tool, initially acquired from Zenasis Technologies but since expanded, for high-speed processor design. Open-Silicon and partners were able to demonstrate 65&nbsp;nm processor performance of 1.1&nbsp;GHz worst case,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/high_performance_processor/|title=Open-Silicon, MIPS Technologies, and Virage Logic Achieve High Performance ASIC Processor Design|date=October 27, 2009}}</ref> and 40&nbsp;nm processor performance of over 2.4&nbsp;GHz typical case.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon,-mips-technologies,-and-dolphin-technology-achieve-asic-cpu-performance-of-over-24ghz-in-tsmc-40nm/|title=Open-Silicon, MIPS Technologies, and Dolphin Technology Achieve ASIC CPU Performance of Over 2.4GHz in TSMC 40nm|date=September 21, 2010}}</ref>

Open-Silicon created a Center of Excellence for ARM Technology in 2011 to combine all of the various physical design processor hardening and system design efforts into a single organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon-launches-arm%C2%AE-center-of-excellence|title=Open-Silicon Launches ARM® Center of Excellence|date=October 24, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, Open-Silicon further expanded the Center to include architectural analysis and modeling, pre-silicon prototyping, embedded software, co-silicon system design and test, and post-silicon validation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open-silicon.com/company/news-events/press-releases/open-silicon-expands-semiconductor-design-solutions|title=Open-Silicon Expands Semiconductor Design Solutions|date=April 26, 2012}}</ref> Utilizing both Cadence and Synopsys place and route tools for processor optimization, in 2012 Open-Silicon was able to achieve 2.2&nbsp;GHz in 28&nbsp;nm with an ARM® dual-core Cortex™-A9 <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cadence.com/cadence/newsroom/press_releases/pages/pr.aspx?xml=110612_arm|title=Cadence Encounter Technologies Enable Open-Silicon to Reach 2.2 GHz Performance on 28nm ARM Dual-Core Cortex-A9 Processor|date=November 6, 2012}}</ref> and 1.3&nbsp;GHz for a low-power 40&nbsp;nm quad-core implementation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.synopsys.com/index.php?s=43&item=1070|title=Open-Silicon Uses Synopsys IC Compiler to Achieve 1.3GHz Frequency on Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore Processor|date=October 2, 2012}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 55: Line 36:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.open-silicon.com/ Open-Silicon Homepage]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090317072532/http://www.open-silicon.com/ Open-Silicon Home page]
*[http://www.sifive.com/ SiFive Home page]
*[http://www.awaveip.com/ Alphawave IP Home page]


[[Category:Companies established in 2003]]
[[Category:Electronics companies established in 2003]]
[[Category:Fabless semiconductor companies]]
[[Category:Fabless semiconductor companies]]
[[Category:Semiconductor companies of the United States]]
[[Category:2003 establishments in California]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2003]]
[[Category:2020 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions]]

Latest revision as of 03:31, 27 October 2024

Open-Silicon
IndustrySemiconductors, Electronics
Founded2003
FoundersDr. Naveed Sherwani, Dr. Satya Gupta, Scott Houghton
HeadquartersMilpitas, California, USA
ProductsASICs, system-on-a-chip, integrated circuits
Number of employees
400 as of 2013

Open-Silicon is a semiconductor company founded in 2003.

Open-Silicon was acquired by OpenFive in September, 2021.

Corporate history

[edit]

Open-Silicon was founded in 2003 by Naveed Sherwani, Satya Gupta and Scott Houghton. Initial funding was provided by Sequoia Capital, Norwest Venture Partners, and InterWest Partners.[1] In December 2007 Unicorn Investment Bank acquired 75% of Open-Silicon for $190M, with the rest of the company employee-owned.[2]

In May 2007, Open-Silicon acquired Zenasis Technologies, a maker of processor optimization EDA software.[3] This technology has also been expanded by Open-Silicon to focus on low power design and process variability management.[4]

In 2009 Open-Silicon acquired design services firm Silicon Logic Engineering (SLE). This acquisition has enhanced the company's derivative IC design capabilities.[5] In 2010 the company opened new facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and Pune, India, to provide additional support for derivative IC design.

In 2012, Open-Silicon acquired and grew substantial design operations in Pakistan and Taiwan.

On August 17, 2020, SiFive acquires Open-Silicon and names it OpenFive, an independent business unit of SiFive.

On Sept. 1, 2022, Canadian semiconductor licensing company Alphawave acquires SiFive’s OpenFive business unit for $210 million.

Products and services

[edit]

Open-Silicon's business model is called the OpenMODEL.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Open-Silicon Inc. Secures $19.5 Million in Funding". March 29, 2004. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013.
  2. ^ "Bahrain Bank Buys Stake in Open-Silicon". December 24, 2007.
  3. ^ "Open-Silicon Acquires Zenasis Hybrid Optimization Technology". May 7, 2007. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012.
  4. ^ "When an ASIC Vendor Partners with an EDA Vendor: A New Model". November 12, 2008. Archived from the original on July 31, 2012.
  5. ^ "Open-Silicon Acquires Design Services Firm". January 12, 2010.
  6. ^ "Open Silicon thriving and hiring in downturn". January 12, 2009.
[edit]
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