Chip lifecycle / Work products / Boot code

Boot code

The first code the chip runs after reset, usually held in on-chip ROM. It sets up clocks and memory and loads the next stage of software.

Source Work product in the SoC and full-chip lifecycle

Why it exists and what it decides

It is the code that runs first after reset, so the chip can start at all; once in ROM it cannot be changed without a new mask. A boot defect missed in development and pre-silicon testing can make first silicon unusable or force costly workarounds for the life of the part.

Decisions it informs

Whether the boot code is mature enough to be committed to on-chip ROM at physical sign-off
Which boot sources, recovery paths and secure boot options the chip supports
Whether any boot behaviour must be patchable from external memory after tape-out

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