Capabilities
We take on four kinds of work, for clients in Nigeria and abroad. Every project starts with a scoping call and a fixed quote.
Services
Mixed-signal IC design
We design analog and mixed-signal blocks on open process design kits, from specification to post-layout simulation, and review designs before tape-out.
- Mixed-signal block designA block from specification to post-layout simulation on an open PDK.
- Tape-out readiness reviewAn independent check before submission: DRC and LVS status, extraction, corner and Monte Carlo coverage, power and pin integration, and the precheck rules.
Digital design and verification
We write and verify RTL in Verilog and SystemVerilog, and take small digital designs through an open-source RTL-to-GDSII flow.
- Digital verification sprintTestbenches for an RTL block in cocotb or SystemVerilog, with coverage and a regression that runs in continuous integration.
- Tape-out support for small designsHardening a design for a multi-project wafer run: synthesis, place and route, DRC and LVS fixes, and passing precheck.
Embedded systems
We build embedded prototypes and firmware, and find out why boards and firmware misbehave, for startups, businesses and researchers.
- Embedded prototype sprintFrom idea to a working prototype: microcontroller choice, firmware, wiring or a PCB, and testing.
- Firmware and board debuggingWe find out why a board or its firmware isn’t working.
Simulation and modelling
We build engineering models that answer a design question before you build: control systems, signal chains and physical behaviour.
- Simulation and modelling studyA model that answers your design question, checked against hand calculations or known cases.
Prices
Typical length and cost, so you know the scale before you book a call.
These aren’t quotes. Your fixed price comes in writing after the scoping call. Parts, PCB fabrication and shuttle fees are billed at cost.
| Project | Typical length | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed-signal block designMixed-signal IC design | 6 to 12 weeks | $3,000 to $12,000 |
| Tape-out readiness reviewMixed-signal IC design | 1 to 2 weeks | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Digital verification sprintDigital design and verification | 2 to 5 weeks | $600 to $3,000 |
| Tape-out support for small designsDigital design and verification | 2 to 4 weeks | $800 to $3,000 |
| Embedded prototype sprintEmbedded systems | 3 to 8 weeks | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Firmware and board debuggingEmbedded systems | 1 to 2 weeks | $300 to $1,200 |
| Simulation and modelling studySimulation and modelling | 1 to 4 weeks | $500 to $3,000 |
Every project starts with a scoping call
A 30-minute video call with the engineer who leads the work. We go through what you’re building, where it’s stuck and what you need at the end.
The call costs $50, which comes off the project price if you go ahead. Afterwards you get a written scope and a fixed price.
Workshops and mentoring
Hands-on workshops in open-source chip design and embedded systems for universities, student chapters and engineering teams.
Mentoring helps you learn to do the work yourself. We don’t complete graded assignments, projects or theses on a student’s behalf.
A full training programme in chip design and hardware engineering is coming soon. See what’s planned.
Prices and terms
- Every project gets a fixed-price quote after the scoping call, with the scope in writing. Quotes are valid for 14 days.
- Prices are in US dollars. Clients in Nigeria are quoted in naira.
- New clients pay 50% before work starts and 50% on delivery. Longer projects are split into milestones.
- You own the deliverables once they’re paid in full. We keep our general tools and know-how.
- Larger projects can bring in engineers from our network for parts of the work. They sign the same NDA and IP terms, and Kelvin reviews everything before it reaches you.
- NDAs are welcome. Please don’t send confidential files before one is signed.
Work we don’t take on
- Graded student work done on a student’s behalf.
- Weapons or military systems.
- Medical or safety-critical products that need certification we can’t provide.
- Export-controlled technology, unless it has been reviewed and cleared first.
Start with a scoping call
Tell us what you’re building and where it’s stuck.
A 30-minute video call with the engineer who leads the work. It costs $50, which comes off the project price if you go ahead. Afterwards you get a written scope and a fixed price. Or email hello@syprion.com.