The field of Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) is an essential component of the ever-evolving technology landscape. VLSI is primarily divided into two domains: front end and back end. The back-end domain focuses on the actual manufacturing and integration of the designed semiconductor circuits. In this blog post, we will delve into the various job opportunities available in the VLSI back-end domain, shedding light on the skills required and the companies that offer these roles.
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1) Physical Design Engineer in VLSI Back End:
Physical Design Engineers are responsible for transforming a logical design into a physical representation that can be manufactured. This involves floor planning, placement, routing, power planning, and optimization of the design to meet performance targets and constraints.
Skills Required:
- Proficiency in EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools like Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC, or Mentor Graphics tools.
- Strong understanding of digital design fundamentals and methodologies.
- Knowledge of scripting languages such as Tcl, Perl, or Python for automation.
- Familiarity with timing closure, power optimization, and clock tree synthesis.
Companies Hiring Physical Design Engineers:
- Intel
- NVIDIA
- Qualcomm
- AMD
- Broadcom
Read More: 3 Courses to master Physical design for your next job
2) Synthesis and STA Engineer:
Synthesis and Static Timing Analysis (STA) Engineers focus on converting the RTL (Register-Transfer Level) description of a design into a gate-level netlist and ensuring the design meets timing requirements.
Skills Required:
- Proficiency in synthesis tools like Synopsys Design Compiler or Cadence Genus.
- In-depth understanding of timing analysis, clock domain crossing, and power analysis.
- Knowledge of constraints setup and closure for meeting performance targets.
Companies Hiring Synthesis and STA Engineers:
- Synopsys
- Cadence Design Systems
- Xilinx
- MediaTek
- ARM
3) Physical Verification Engineer:
Physical Verification Engineers ensure that the layout of the integrated circuits adheres to the design rules and specifications, thus verifying the correctness of the physical design.
Skills Required:
- Expertise in DRC (Design Rule Checking) and LVS (Layout vs. Schematic) verification.
- Familiarity with EDA tools like Calibre, IC Validator, or Hercules.
- Understanding of technology-specific design rules and guidelines.
Companies Hiring Physical Verification Engineers:
- TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company)
- GlobalFoundries
- Samsung Semiconductor
- Micron Technology
- Analog Devices
Read More: VLSI verification & Testing: Aren’t they same?
4) Layout Design Engineer:
Layout Design Engineers create the physical layout of the circuit based on the provided schematic, ensuring it meets specifications and performance requirements.
Skills Required:
- Proficiency in layout tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Custom Compiler, or Mentor Graphics Calibre PERC.
- Knowledge of semiconductor device physics and fabrication processes.
- Attention to detail and understanding of routing, shielding, and parasitic extraction.
Companies Hiring Layout Design Engineers:
- Apple
- Qualcomm
- Texas Instruments
- Broadcom
- Marvell Technology
5) Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineer:
Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineers work on the design and optimization of analog and mixed-signal circuits for various applications, such as amplifiers, filters, and data converters.
Skills Required:
- Strong understanding of analog circuit design principles and concepts.
- Proficiency in simulation tools like Cadence Spectre, Synopsys HSPICE, or Mentor Graphics Eldo.
- Knowledge of layout requirements for analog circuits and mixed-signal integration.
Companies Hiring Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Engineers:
- Analog Devices
- Maxim Integrated
- STMicroelectronics
- Cirrus Logic
- ON Semiconductor
Read more: A Day in the Life of a Mixed Signal Design Engineer
In conclusion, the VLSI back-end domain offers a multitude of job opportunities, each demanding a unique set of skills and expertise. As technology continues to advance, the demand for professionals in this field is expected to grow, making it an exciting and promising career path for those passionate about integrated circuit design and implementation. Stay updated with the latest advancements, continuously enhance your skills, and seize the abundant opportunities that the VLSI back-end domain has to offer.
