Physical Design Interview Questions for VLSI Engineers
The relentless demand for electronic devices in today’s world underscores the critical role of the VLSI industry in shaping modern technology. With its ability to create intricate integrated circuits, the VLSI course has paved the way for smaller, faster, and more efficient devices. For those aspiring to thrive in this dynamic field, a deep understanding […]
How to Become a VLSI Engineer?
There has been an upsurge in the need for qualified VLSI engineers at IC design firms throughout the years. This is owing to significant advancements in AI, EV, and smartphone technologies, all of which rely on intelligent ICs. VLSI physical design refers to chip design and production as a whole. Sub-10 nanometer technology is now […]
What is Latch Up in VLSI and Its Prevention Techniques?
Latch-up in VLSI is a short circuit/low impedance channel generated between the power and ground rails of a MOSFET circuit, resulting in high current leading to IC damage. It is caused by the interaction of parasitic PNP and NPN transistors (BJTs). This results in a structure that resembles a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR). These create […]
How to Meet Coverage Criteria and Coverage Goals
In the world of VLSI design, meeting coverage criteria is of paramount importance to ensure the functionality, reliability, and performance of integrated circuits. Coverage criteria in the context of VLSI design refer to the specific aspects of the design that need to be tested to guarantee the desired quality level. These criteria play a crucial […]
Portable Stimulus Standard (PSS) & its Role in VLSI Design.
In the ever-evolving field of VLSI design, engineers constantly seek ways to improve the efficiency of hardware development processes. One of the most significant innovations in recent years is the concept of “Portable Stimulus.” So, let us explore the concept, providing insight into what engineers’ future might look like in the realm of Portable Stimulus. […]
Gate Level Simulation: An Overview
In the realm of digital electronics and integrated circuits, designs are getting bigger and more complex, especially in 40nm technology nodes and below. This leads to longer run times, increased memory needs, and a higher demand for gate level simulation (GLS), including for things like the design for test (DFT) and power efficiency. Gate-level simulation […]
What is Crosstalk in VLSI and its Impact on 7nm Technology?
As we progress through the lower technology nodes of IC (integrated circuit) design, semiconductor designs get more complex. By scaling the technology node, many parameters, such as the width of metal wires and transistor size, tend to be downscaled. In terms of routing resources, 7nm designs are denser than the preceding nodes. As a result, […]
False Path in VLSI: Simplified Technology
One of the most difficult tasks for RTL designers is Identifying full-timing exceptions upfront. In intricate designs, this becomes an iterative process in which more timing exceptions are detected based on the critical path or failed path analysis using timing data. This method leaves a considerable number of timing pathways that may or may not […]
UPF in VLSI: The Smartest Way Forward!
In today’s technology, reducing power consumption is a crucial part of Integrated Circuit (IC) design. Timing and area were the primary characteristics of concern in prior generations of IC design. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools were created to improve speed while minimizing space. However, as technology advances and the need for more complicated electronic devices grows, power […]
Unleashing Essential Analog Layout Interview Questions
If you are embarking on a career in the semiconductor industry, particularly in analog layout design, you may find yourself facing a series of interviews to gauge your expertise and suitability for the role. Analog layout design is a critical aspect of integrated circuit creation, and preparing for these interviews is vital to your success. […]