Overview
Triple Crown helped a silicon engineering team move from a manually configured AWS pilot to a deployed, managed engineering environment designed for 50 engineers, with a defined expansion path to 125.
The Challenge
The client’s silicon engineering team had established a working proof of concept in AWS (Amazon Web Services). A single, manually configured Red Hat Enterprise Linux node provided EDA (electronic design automation) tools and access for the client’s small group of engineers.
The pilot demonstrated that the tools could operate in the cloud. Supporting the client’s larger engineering organization, however, required a repeatable approach of deployment, compute and storage resources, reliable EDA software licensing, and controlled access to sensitive design data.
With plans to grow to 50 engineers, the client needed an infrastructure that could support their demanding semiconductor workload while incorporating future expansion. The deployment also needed to align with their corporate IT processes, security requirements, and export-control considerations.
Project Execution
Assessed the Existing Environment
Triple Crown assessed the client’s pilot environment, documenting installed software, tool versions, mounted file systems, network connectivity, and configuration dependencies.
The assessment established the baseline for the expanded environment and translated the pilot’s manual configuration into actionable implementation requirements.
Built an Integrated AWS Engineering Environment
Triple Crown architected and deployed an environment bringing together compute, storage, job scheduling (CI/CD), software licensing, identity management, continuous integration and delivery, and remote access.
The architecture accounted for the different needs of interactive engineering sessions, batch simulation, and memory-intensive EDA workloads. Compute resources, shared storage, and scheduling were coordinated to support engineering workflows and software-license constraints.
This approach gave the client an infrastructure foundation tailored to semiconductor design.
Implemented Repeatable Deployment and Configuration
Triple Crown implemented an infrastructure-as-code approach using Ansible for system configuration, Packer for standardized machine images, and Terraform for infrastructure deployment.
System configurations and deployment definitions were maintained in version-controlled code, establishing a repeatable process for provisioning machines and managing changes.
The resulting approach reduced dependence on individually configured servers and provided a consistent foundation for updates, recovery, and future expansion.
Established Controlled Access
Triple Crown implemented an access model organized around user categories, projects, and design teams.
The model addressed the real world requirements of integrating Active Directory with Linux systems and provided a structured basis for administering permissions across the engineering environment.
The access and isolation requirements were incorporated into the architecture to support the client’s handling of sensitive engineering information.
Connected Engineering and IT Through Clear Documentation
Triple Crown developed architecture documentation, build procedures, and operating guidance for both semiconductor engineering specialists and corporate IT stakeholders.
The documentation explained the purpose of each infrastructure component, its relationship to the engineering workflow, and the dependencies that needed to be coordinated across teams.
This gave the client a shared technical reference for deployment, administration, troubleshooting, and subsequent changes.
The Results
Triple Crown completed the deployment, moving the client beyond its single-node pilot to a managed AWS environment for semiconductor engineering.
The delivered environment established a repeatable deployment process and brought compute, storage, scheduling, licensing, and access management into a coordinated architecture.
Throughout the engagement, Triple Crown incorporated client feedback and adapted the implementation to evolving requirements. This included revising the scheduler approach, evaluating managed and self-managed deployment options, and aligning storage and permissions with the client’s infrastructure requirements.
The client received both the deployed environment and the technical documentation needed to support its ongoing operation and planned growth.
Designed for 50 Engineers, With a Path to 125
The architecture was sized for an initial team of 50 engineers, with defined capacity-expansion steps to accommodate growth to 125 within the same architectural framework.
Repeatable Infrastructure Deployment
Standardized machine images, configuration management, and infrastructure as code established a consistent method for deploying and maintaining the environment..
Coordinated Engineering and IT Delivery
An integrated implementation plan and supporting documentation connected semiconductor workload requirements with the infrastructure, access, and operational practices needed to support them.
| Built for 50 Engineers. Designed to Grow to 125. | 4-Person Team. Integrated Technical Delivery | Automated Deployment. Simplified Operations. |
| Triple Crown deployed an AWS engineering environment sized for 50 engineers, with defined compute and storage expansion steps to accommodate 125. The architecture provides a clear growth path without requiring a fundamental redesign. | A four-person team combined AWS architecture, Linux/CAD IT, EDA workflow integration, and automation expertise to deliver a coordinated environment spanning compute, storage, scheduling, licensing, and access management. | Triple Crown replaced manual server configuration with standardized machine images and infrastructure as code. The client gained a repeatable process for provisioning, updating, and rebuilding servers, reducing manual effort, maintaining consistent configurations, and simplifying recovery and future expansion. |
Capabilities Demonstrated
This engagement demonstrated Triple Crown’s capabilities in:
- Linux and CAD IT engineering and administration
- AWS architecture and infrastructure deployment
- Infrastructure as code and automated configuration management
- HPC (High-performance computing) architecture, cluster management, scheduling and license-aware resource allocation
- High-performance shared storage and parallel file systems for semiconductor design data and simulation workloads
- Active Directory integration for centralized user authentication and access management across Linux engineering environments.
- EDA tool and flow integration, including environment configuration, license integration, automated job execution, and CI/CD infrastructure for semiconductor engineering workflows
- User access controls and environment isolation to protect sensitive engineering data and intellectual property
- Technical documentation detailing system architecture, access controls, and operating procedures to support IT and security review
Engagement Status: Architecture and planning are complete, final build-out is currently in progress.