MPW RFQ Without GDS: What to Submit First
Start an MPW RFQ with outline requirements only: node, process family, die area, quantity and timeline. No GDS or design IP at intake.
- →What to include in the first message
- →What not to send at intake
- →Why outline-only intake is the right first step
- →FAQ
- →Start an MPW RFQ
Quick answer: Yes, an MPW RFQ can start without GDS. The first brief should include only non-confidential outline requirements: node range, process family, estimated die area, sample quantity and schedule.
Many design teams delay MPW conversations because they think finalized layout data is required before any pricing or feasibility discussion. For a screened RFQ, the correct first step is not design handoff. It is a safe, outline-only intake that protects the design and answers whether the case is worth routing.
What to include in the first message
- Target node or acceptable node range, such as 0.35um, 180nm, 130nm, 90nm, 65nm, 55nm or 40nm.
- Process family, such as analog, mixed-signal, RF CMOS, high-voltage, BCD, eNVM or sensor interface.
- Estimated die area, whether the size is flexible, and approximate sample quantity.
- Target shuttle window, prototype deadline, packaging assumptions and wafer probe needs.
- Company, country and end-use context for manual compliance screening.
What not to send at intake
- Do not send GDS, netlist, RTL, schematics, mask data or confidential drawings before NDA and partner confirmation.
- Do not assume availability, schedule or pricing until a qualified partner confirms the case.
- Do not treat an outline feasibility response as a binding fabrication or production commitment.
Why outline-only intake is the right first step
A clear no-GDS intake boundary reduces unnecessary IP exposure and keeps compliance, process-fit screening, and partner routing ahead of any design-detail exchange. It also lets the team discuss feasibility, cost drivers, schedule assumptions, and the NDA/PDK path before a confidential layout package is involved.
FAQ
Can I request MPW pricing before GDS is ready?
Yes. MST can screen outline requirements and coordinate an indicative quote path before GDS is ready, but final feasibility, price and schedule depend on partner confirmation after the proper NDA and PDK path.
What information is enough for a first MPW RFQ?
The first MPW RFQ should include node range, process family, die area estimate, sample quantity, packaging or test expectations, timeline, company country and end-use context. It should not include confidential design files.
Does MST accept design IP at intake?
No. MST does not accept GDS, netlist, RTL, schematics or confidential design IP at intake. Design details are exchanged only later under the right agreement path with a qualified partner.
Start an MPW RFQ
Start with node range, process family, estimated die area, target quantity, packaging or test assumptions, and timeline. Do not upload GDS, netlist, RTL, schematics or confidential design files at intake.
Submit an MPW RFQ or return to the MST mature-node MPW coordination hub.
Ready to scope your run?
Send node, process family, die area, volume and timeline - no design IP. We screen it, route to a qualified partner, and return an indicative quote.