Future of Digital VLSI Design: Opportunities and Challenges
Table of Contents
- jaro education
- 24, July 2024
- 5:00 pm
What is VLSI Design?
VLSI design is a complex process that includes the development of integrated circuits with thousands of transistors on a single chip. To work in this field, you need knowledge of electronics engineering and computer science, as you need to design high-performing and reliable circuits that have low power consumption and are small in size without compromising performance.
It is interesting to know that the design of a VLSI chip includes different stages — specification, architecture, logic design, verification, physical design and fabrication.
Now, here, in this blog, you will learn about the opportunities and challenges of VLSI design.
*geeksforgeeks.org
Current Scenario of VLSI Industry
Here is an overview of the current scenario of the VLSI industry:
VLSI Design with AI and ML
With the advancement of AI and ML, VLSI design engineers are finding new opportunities and challenges to build integrated circuits. The ML algorithms analyse huge datasets and identify the patterns and trends that help optimise chip architectures. As a result, the design process accelerates the feasibility and performance of the integrated circuits. Moreover, expert AI systems can streamline the design verification and validation processes, which reduces time to market and human intervention. Thus, VLSI engineers should be updated with the latest AI and ML trends to get more opportunities.
5G Technology and Beyond
With the rapid advancement of telecommunication, 5G technology has become a game changer in the field of Digital VLSI design. Now, 5G is creating limitless opportunities in the VLSI design industry. Now, the VLSI engineers are getting trained in designing the microchips to empower the 5 G-enabled systems like smartphones, IoT gadgets and network infrastructure. Furthermore, the engineers are not only depending on 5G, they are now working on 6G which promises more innovation and job opportunities in VLSI design. They are already implementing 6G technology to foster VLSI design with high-speed communication.
IoT and Edge Computing
The convergence of IoT (Internet of Things) and edge computing is revolutionising the industry of VLSI design. IoT is an approach of interconnecting different devices and sensors to generate a huge volume of data. In contrast, edge computing is a decentralised approach that helps in data processing. Both these technologies help to construct power-efficient chips that easily operate data processing, improve real-time decision-making, and reduce latency.
Quantum Computing
Quantum computing utilises the aspects of multidisciplinary fields like maths, physics, and computer science and ultimately uses quantum mechanics to solve complex challenges faster than traditional computers. Thus, now, the VLSI design engineers are employing quantum computing to resolve the complex problems that were previously unsettled. In this way, they have unlocked new opportunities for designing more specialised and sophisticated chips.Â
Cybersecurity
To protect the hardware from potential cyberattacks, secured chips must be developed. For instance, IoT devices need secure firmware updates, hardware-based attestation, and secure booting. Hackers can inject malicious elements into AI-based systems that can be infected to access sensitive information. For these reasons, the VLSI engineers specialise in hardware security to protect the chips from potential attacks.
VLSI Technology and Its Applications
The technology of VLSI started in the late 1950s during the advancement of integrated circuits (ICs). Then by the 1980s, the ICs evolved from small-scale integrations to very large-scale integration (VLSI). VLSI enabled multiple transistors within a single chip that introduced compound ‘systems-on-chips’ (SoCs). Also, the transformations in design methodologies and lithography have set a revolution across industries.Â
Now, VLSI engineers face several challenges, but this technology has a huge impact on different sectors. Also, advanced technologies like AI, quantum computing, IoT and more are replenished by the VLSI.
*circuitstoday.com
Now, let’s learn about different applications of VLSI design –Â
- Consumer electronics: VLSI technology has reshaped the industry of consumer electronics by developing smartphones, smartwatches, tablets and gaming consoles. These devices come with advanced features, functionalities, energy efficiency and high-speed processing. Thus, they provide a positive user experience and improve productivity.Â
- Automotive industry: VLSI refines the functionalities and safety of the vehicles. For instance, VLSI integrated functionalities are autonomous driving, real-time vehicle designs, and object/signal/lane detection in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Engine Control Units (ECUs), and infotainment systems. These functionalities improve overall safety, navigation and driving experience. Also, VLSI is one of the major components of electric vehicles.
- Healthcare and biotechnology: It enables sophisticated diagnostics and faster treatments with portable medical gadgets. For example, VLSI accelerates and refines monitoring of the health parameters in image-generating gadgets like CT scanners and MRIs.Â
- Telecommunications: With the blessings of VLSI, the telecommunication industry has improved its developments of 5G wireless communication, advanced mobile devices and high-speed network infrastructure. Also, the VLSI-enabled chips are integrated into routers, network switches, modems and base stations to support fast and convenient data transmission.  Â
- Computing capabilities: VLSI plays a significant role in the microprocessors of our desktops, laptops and data centres, which utilise cloud computing. The improvement of chip architectures makes processors like CPUs and GPUs faster, more efficient and more productive.
Prospective Career Opportunities in VLSI Designing Industry
Here are some career opportunities in the VLSI design industry that you can explore –
SoC Verification Engineer
The SoC verification engineers verify the functionalities of the VLSI design. They have to verify the designs using high-level verification languages (HLVL), such as UVM and SystemVerilog. So, they need a strong knowledge of designing protocols, Logic Design, scripting language and SV/UVM programming. Moreover, the SoC verification engineers collaborate and coordinate with the RTL verification engineers to verify and report the bugs in the designs.
Front end RTL Design Engineer
RTL design engineers create VLSI designs using Verilog. They must have a strong concept of digital VLSI design and read and comprehend design specifications. Also, they need to translate the design specifications into the Verilog code with the help of RTL design and coding guidelines. For these, they need a complete understanding of ASIC/SoC design flow and they must be able to debug the codes.
Application Engineer
Application engineers help customers to understand a product’s functionalities and features after they have purchased it. Significantly, they help before selling the products when the customers ask questions about the use/application of the products. Thus, an application engineer requires strong communication, representation and customer management skills. Also, they need a good understanding of VLSI technology and expertise in customer analysis.
CAD Engineer
IC designs include different steps and tools. Every step requires an iterative design process and multiple input files. The VLSI industry requires CAD engineers to handle these procedures and input files. They automate the repetitive steps of the design workflow and need expertise in scripting, QA and EDA tools.
Corporate Application Engineer (CAE)
The CAEs master the microchip products to assist the clients and the production team with their applications. They also guide the users in choosing the right products based on their requirements. The CAEs also write user guides and knowledge-based articles and conduct training sessions and webinars/seminars. Apart from these, they work with the sales and marketing team.Â
Key Aspects to Know About a Career in VLSI Industry
Here are some aspects of a career in the VLSI Industry that you should know about –
Skills to Succeed in the VLSI Field
- First of all, you need a clear understanding of the basics of Boolean algebra, digital logic design, and sequential and combinational circuits. Also, a strong knowledge of basic digital concepts is required to analyse the anomalies in logical behaviours and waveforms and fix other issues.
- To design complex digital circuits, VLSI professionals require proficiency in RTL (Register Transfer Level) coding using hardware descriptive languages like VHDL or Verilog.Â
- A clear understanding of analog/mixed-signal design will help you succeed in a VLSI career. It requires knowledge of both digital and analog design principles, mixed-signal interactions, signal integrity and noise. Also, you need expertise in different specialised tools, verification methodologies for mixed-signal design and layout tools.Â
- Knowledge of low-power design techniques, such as clock gating, power gating and voltage scaling, will help you in VLSI design.
- If you adapt the skills of ASIC and FPGA design flow then you can understand the sequence of steps involved in designing the digital circuits.
- Proficiency in verification methodologies is required to ensure the reliability, functionalities, and accuracy of digital designs. The verification methodologies include functional and formal verification, simulation and assertion-oriented verification.Â
- Moreover, you must learn timing analysis and closure techniques, physical design concepts, automation, scripting, debugging and problem-solving skills.
Which Types of Companies Should You Prefer to Get a VLSI Design Job?
The list includes the following:
- IP companies like HDL ensign House, Cadence, etc.
- Product companies like Qualcomm, Intel, etc.
- EDA companies like Semiconductor Complex Ltd., eInfochips Ltd., etc.
- Service companies such as FrenusTech, ASIC North, etc.
- Foundries such as UMC, TSMC, etc.
Future Scope for VLSI Careers
The future of VLSI technology includes multiple opportunities and challenges. This technology enables new applications like quantum computing and brain-machine interfaces. Also, there are opportunities for developing new innovative products and applications. Side by side there are challenges like the increment of complex electronics systems and energy efficient systems.Â
However, this technology is evolving with the advancement of manufacturing techniques, strategies, semiconductor materials and high-performing electronics systems. Thus, the industry creates many career opportunities, including jobs and research, for the bright future of VLSI professionals.
What are the Expected Challenges in the VLSI Field?
Here are some of the challenges that you can expect to face in VLSI design –
- Electronic circuits are becoming more complex with the ever-increasing demand for battery-powered and portable devices. The number of transistors in the chips has increased, and this has extended the power consumption within the circuits. Thus, power consumption becomes a huge concern for VLSI professionals. So, it’s better to overcome this problem by using power gating.Â
- Physical design creates challenges as it requires balancing between the circuit’s area and performance. This design includes routing and placements of elements on a chip with factors like area, performance and power. Thus, the designers need to use sophisticated tools and algorithms to overcome this challenge.
- Timing closure becomes another challenge in VLSI design. It’s the process that ensures all the paths of the circuits fulfil the essential timing constraints. So, it’s necessary to establish synchronisation between the different elements of the circuits to ensure seamless operation and avoid time delays. However, synchronisation becomes challenging in the case of complex circuits. Thus, the designers should utilise techniques like clock tree synthesis, pipelining and retiming to overcome these challenges.
Final Thoughts
VLSI designing is a challenging field that requires a clear understanding of electronic circuit design. Also, you require expertise in different areas like physical designing and layout, power consumption, timing closure and more. But it’s a promising industry that creates lots of career opportunities every year.
You have the opportunity to enrol in the exclusive Certificate Programme in Digital VLSI Design Programme by CEP, IIT Delhi. This programme will provide you with the chance to explore and pursue high-demand roles within the highly sought-after VLSI industry.
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This blog on VLSI Design provides an insightful overview of the field, highlighting its growing importance in modern technology. The explanation of the various stages in the design process is clear and informative, making it a great resource for anyone interested in VLSI. A well-structured and engaging read.