Chips is a Python library for designing hardware devices that provides a high-level device modelling language. Native simulations integrate with Python so you can use Python extension modules such as Scipy, Numpy, Matplotlib, and PIL to provide a rich verification environment. Device models can be automatically translated into synthesizable VHDL, and highly optimized soft-processors are generated for an efficient implementation. A plugin mechanism is provided so that additional code generators can be added. C++ and Graphviz plugins are provided. Existing VHDL IP can be imported, and seamless co-simulation of C++ and VHDL outputs is is supported.