For the test run we opted for QFP packaging, 44 pin, no exposed heat pad, here is a small preview :
2) Post simulations yielded
positive results on a 130nm, 300Mhz, Power 0.8W, 6.5x6.5mm design.
The team is working on HDL optimizations to get 16 cores for chip.
Some math, quoted from the tech team
"300M*16=4.8G, 0.8*16=12.8W, Area=130,0000*16=2080,0000, make the utilization ratio to 50%, the chip size will be about 4160,0000um2, about 6.5mm x 6.5mm"
"Power consumption per GHash is 12.8W/4.8G=2.7W/GHash"
"Estimated selling price for chip, 8-9 USD"
What does this mean ? i think it's not hard to get. 130nm process and 5GH speed at slightly higher power consumption, but competitive prices.
At what percentage of the estimated data do you want to test the chip? Remember, BFL missend their power goal with great success and bitfury was a little of the planned data.