Dr Abhilasha Gaur
Imagine a world where our smartphones are as thin as a sheet of paper, yet incredibly powerful. Picture self-driving cars that navigate flawlessly through busy city streets, making split-second decisions to ensure safety. Envision smart home devices that anticipate our needs and create a seamless living experience. All these revolutionary technologies are made possible by the brilliance of semiconductor product design.
In the realm of advanced electronics, semiconductor product design stands at the forefront of innovation, powering the modern world with cutting-edge technology. Behind the sleek devices we adore and the sophisticated systems we rely on lies the genius of skilled professionals who bridge the gap between science and creativity. A career in semiconductor product design is not just a job; it is an adventure of transforming ideas into reality, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future. As the electronic sector continues to thrive and evolve, the role of skill development and training gains utmost significance. The Electronic Sector Skill Council (ESSCI) plays a vital role in nurturing talent and fostering expertise in semiconductor product design and related fields. In this article, we will delve into the captivating world of semiconductor product design, explore the opportunities, and challenges it offers, and shed light on the role of the ESSCI in shaping the careers of aspiring professionals. The Rise of the Semiconductor Industry: The semiconductor industry is a driving force behind the digital revolution, and it has evolved into a multi-trillion-dollar global enterprise. Semiconductors are the building blocks of electronic devices, forming the heart of integrated circuits (ICs) that power everything from consumer electronics to industrial machinery and beyond. As per a Deloitte report, the Indian semiconductor market is expected to soar to $55 billion by 2026, and a significant portion, accounting for over 60% of the market, will be propelled by three key industries: smartphones and wearables, automotive components, and computing and data storage. Role of Semiconductor Product Designers: At the heart of the semiconductor industry lies a group of highly skilled professionals known as semiconductor product designers. These visionary individuals hold the key to unlocking the potential of semiconductor devices, pushing the boundaries of what is technologically achievable. They are the architects of electronic dreams, utilising their expertise to design, develop, and optimise intricate semiconductor chips. With an exceptional mix of technical prowess and creative thinking, these professionals bring innovations to life, enabling groundbreaking technologies that reshape industries and enhance our daily lives. Educational Pathways for Aspiring Semiconductor Product Designers: A successful career in semiconductor product design requires a strong educational foundation and a diverse skill set. Most aspiring designers pursue degrees in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or related disciplines. These programs equip students with the fundamental knowledge of electronics, circuit theory, and physics-the building blocks of semiconductor technology. As the field becomes more specialised, advanced degrees or skill training can provide a competitive edge. Additionally, specialised qualification and certifications focused on IC Package, VLSI Design, Package Design further enhance a designer’s expertise. ESSCI, an industry-driven organisation established under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has developed specialised qualifications, focusing on designing software and defining layouts for various types of IC Packages. ESSCI also offers a VLSI Design Engineer qualification, where individuals master the art of designing SOC-module functions using software and design tools based on given specifications. Another significant qualification developed by ESSCI is that of an IC Package Engineer. In this QPs, the engineer is accountable for designing comprehensive packages, ensuring their feasibility and characterisation, and conducting validation. ESSCI offerings extend to include qualifications like Wafer Back Grinding Engineer and Wafer Dicing Engineer. These professionals are skilled in their respective fields, focusing on specific tasks and processes related to wafer manufacturing. To qualify for these qualifications, candidates should possess a B.E./B.Tech degree in Electronics, Material Science, or Computer Science, or hold a 3-year Diploma in Electronics, Semiconductors, or Computer Science after 12th grade, along with one year of relevant experience. ESSCI qualifications cater to a wide range of professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the semiconductor domain. By providing specialised training and relevant experience, ESSCI equips individuals with the expertise needed to thrive in the dynamic and innovative semiconductor industry. These qualifications pave the way for promising careers, offering opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and contribute to the ever-expanding world of electronics and semiconductors.
Skill Set of a Semiconductor Product Designer
Semiconductor product designers possess a unique combination of technical and creative skills, enabling them to navigate the complex landscape of semiconductor design. Some key skills and knowledge areas include: Basic Circuit Design: Proficiency in designing and analysing simple electronic circuits, including both analogue and digital circuits. Knowledge of basic circuit elements, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors; and Knowledge of design tools: Semiconductor product design tools are essential for developing complex integrated circuits and other semiconductor components. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools like Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Design Compiler, and Mentor Graphics ModelSim facilitate circuit design and simulation. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools like Cadence Innovus and Mentor Graphics Calibre aid in physical design and layout. System-Level Design Tools, such as SystemVerilog and MATLAB/Simulink, enable system modeling and validation. These tools empower designers to create high-performance semiconductor components for various electronic devices and technologies; Verification and Testing: Rigorous verification and testing processes ensure that semiconductor designs meet stringent performance, reliability, and power consumption requirements; and Problem-Solving and Innovation: The ability to approach design challenges creatively and find innovative solutions is critical in the fast-paced world of semiconductor product design. Diverse Career Paths in Semiconductor Product Design
A career in semiconductor product design offers a vast array of opportunities for professionals to specialize in various domains and contribute to exciting projects. Some common career paths include:
a. ASIC Design Engineer: Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) are custom-designed ICs tailored to perform specific functions. ASIC designers work on creating these specialised chips for a wide range of applications, such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics. b. Digital IC Design Engineer: These professionals focus on designing digital circuits and logic systems for high-performance computing, data processing, and communication applications. c. Analogue/Mixed-Signal IC Design Engineer: Analog and mixed-signal designers work on circuits that process continuous signals, critical in applications like audio, sensors, and power management. d. Memory Design Engineer: Memory designers create semiconductor products like RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory used in various electronic devices. They integrate multiple components onto a single chip, combining processors, memory, and peripherals into a compact system, often found in smartphones and IoT devices.
Industry Trends and Future Prospects
The semiconductor industry is witnessing several key trends, including miniaturisation and increased integration to meet the demand for smaller, more power-efficient devices. The rollout of 5G networks is driving the need for high-performance chips, while the growth of IoT and AI technologies is fuelling demand for specialised semiconductor products. The automotive sector’s transformation towards EVs and autonomous driving is also boosting the demand for semiconductor components in power electronics and ADAS.
The future of the semiconductor industry looks promising, with ongoing technological advancements leading to faster, more energy-efficient chips. Customised and specialised designs catering to various industries will gain importance. Sustainability will be a key focus, driving eco-friendly manufacturing and responsible waste management. Cybersecurity and data privacy concerns will lead to secure hardware development. Overall, the semiconductor industry will continue to thrive as it plays a vital role in shaping the digital future and meeting global technological needs.
(The writor is
Chief Operating Officer, ESSCI).