[Breaking Taps] introduced the microprocessor it produced using wafer.space. Designed with Spade, the chip features a transport-triggered architecture that uses two data buses; since it includes memory and peripherals, it can also be considered a system-on-chip.
While the process between design and manufacturing is shown in detail in the video, the chip is physically large because of the older fabrication technology. Unlike Tiny Tapeout, the entire chip was manufactured as a single circuit and demonstrated by running simple programs. wafer.space’s service is aimed at users who want to produce their own integrated circuit and have a few dollars to spend on it.
Why it matters
This work makes custom microprocessor development accessible as a testing ground for individual designers and small teams, rather than an activity that can only be carried out by institutions with substantial resources. Addressing the design together with memory and peripherals points to a more comprehensive system development approach than designing only a processor core. Manufacturing the chip as a single circuit allows different components of the design to be tested within the same physical structure, while the large size caused by the older fabrication technology poses a limitation for practical use. The ability to run simple programs provides functional validation; however, it remains unclear to what extent this approach can meet the demands of more complex applications and different design requirements.