selected work · 4 builds · all open source

Things I've built

Hardware and systems projects, from CPU design to VLSI layout — one of them on its way back from the foundry. Everything here started as a blank schematic.

[ SystemVerilog · SIMT · CGRA · Cadence · TSMC 180nm ]

MiniDICE

A GPGPU-style architecture that keeps the familiar SIMT programming model but replaces the traditional SIMD backend with a 4×4 coarse-grained reconfigurable array. The design supports up to 16 threads, mapping computation spatially across 16 processing elements — preserving the programmability of GPU-like execution while giving it a dataflow-oriented backend.

  • Values move directly through the CGRA fabric instead of repeatedly travelling through a large centralized register file
  • Investigates how general-purpose parallel workloads map onto a more energy-conscious compute fabric
  • Taken from RTL to GDS through a complete ASIC flow in Cadence — synthesis, physical design, timing analysis, signoff, and physical verification
  • Final GDS submitted for fabrication in TSMC 180nm; silicon comes back in fall 2026
github.com/aadithyamanoj/Mini_Dice RTL only

[ SystemVerilog · Computer Architecture · ModelSim · ARM ]

ARM-Based 5-Stage Pipeline CPU

Designed and implemented a pipelined processor supporting the ARM instruction set. The CPU features a complete 5-stage pipeline with data forwarding, achieving improved performance through accelerated branching techniques.

  • Full 5-stage pipeline with forwarding and accelerated branching
  • Comprehensive testing with ARM benchmarks and ModelSim
github.com/SZ330/ARM-Based-5-Stage-Pipeline-CPU

[ VLSI Design · Cadence Virtuoso · HSPICE · 45nm ]

16×13 Register File

Custom VLSI layout of a register file featuring a 4-to-16 wordline decoder, 16×13 DFF storage array, and 16:1 multiplexer network. Designed in 45nm technology with careful attention to power, performance, and area.

  • Full-custom layout in 45nm CMOS technology
  • Complete power, performance, and area testing with HSPICE
  • DRC and LVS verified design
github.com/SZ330/Register-File-Layout

[ SystemVerilog · FPGA · Hardware Design · ModelSim ]

Snakes and Apples

The classic Snake game implemented entirely in hardware on an FPGA board — custom logic for game state management, collision detection, and real-time rendering on a 16×16 LED matrix with PS/2 keyboard input. No software involved.

  • Hardware game logic with dynamic snake growth and collision detection
  • 16×16 LED matrix display controller
  • PS/2 keyboard interface for player input
github.com/SZ330/Snakes-and-Apples

more on the breadboard — check back soon