# IRC Log Summary - December 16, 2012

* Discussion of CAD software compatibility issues between Linux and Windows, with mentions of BRL-CAD as an open-source alternative to SolidWorks that offers STEP/IGES compatibility and similar functionality.

* kanzure shared information about Shang, a high-level synthesis framework implemented as an LLVM backend that converts C specifications to Verilog RTL hardware descriptions, working at the LLVM machine code layer.

* A historical rocket engine (XLR-99 liquid propellant engine from 1959-1970) was mentioned as being available at auction, featuring 57,000 pounds of thrust, using liquid oxygen and anhydrous ammonia propellants.

* Reference to Migen, a Python-based tool that can convert Python subset code to FHDL (and then to Verilog or other hardware description languages).

* Brief mention of Medusa, a non-open source CAD software that runs on Linux with free licenses available.