BUET team designs 32-bit processor using open-source tech

Researchers at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have successfully designed a 32-bit computer processor entirely with open-source technologies. This achievement marks a significant step in developing indigenous semiconductor capabilities.

The processor utilizes the RISC-V instruction set architecture, an open-source standard gaining global traction as an alternative to proprietary chip designs. This open nature allows for free use and modification, fostering innovation among universities, startups, and companies.

Developed by undergraduate students Md. Khalid Hossain and Sheikh Tariful Islam under Professor A. B. M. Harun-Ur-Rashid, the System on Chip (SoC) was designed, verified, and prepared for manufacturing using only free and open-source Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software. This contrasts with expensive commercial tools that often limit access for academic institutions.

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The whole process took about a year to complete with around 4 months to complete the fabrication.

The fabrication of the chip was generously provided free of charge by IHP - Leibniz Institute for High Performance Microelectronics, a German government research institute, supporting the project's open-source hardware goal. The fabricated chip has now arrived at BUET, cleared through customs.

Professor Harun stated the entire process took about a year, with fabrication alone requiring four months. The processor will now undergo approximately three months of testing with technical support from iTest Bangladesh Limited and iTEST, Inc. in California. Md. Khalid Hossain expressed inspiration from an air conditioner and hopes to eventually integrate the processor into Bangladeshi-made consumer electronics, though this remains a long-term objective.

The project also benefited from research fellowships and technical support from Neural Semiconductor Limited (NSL), a Bangladesh-based semiconductor company. This development occurs as global investment in semiconductor research surges due to high demand for chips in various modern technologies.

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We were inspired to make this chip from an air conditioner. We hope to integrate the processor into consumer electronic products manufactured by Bangladeshi companies. That remains a long-term objective, with testing and further development still ahead. Testing will take around 3 months before application.