WHAT IS VLSI?
VLSI stands for Very-large-scale integration. The whole field is related to chip design or integrated circuit design. When many transistor-based circuits are integrated into a single main circuit, that method is known as VLSI. However, this method is very fundamental in the field of research and development. Not only in that field but today, the VLSI method has been contributing to other gadgets as well like vehicles, mobile phones, cameras, and other electronics.
Today with the development of technology, when there is consistent innovation happening in the IT sector, we need to make integrated circuit designs for our gadgets to provide us more utility, and new devices can be manufactured with new updated features. The main task will be designing robots, and for that, the knowledge of embedded systems is a must. This field is pretty productive and beneficial in today’s era of technology.
HIGHLY SPECIALIZED AND TECHNICAL FIELD
This field is pretty technical and systematic. It is best for people who are electronic engineers or are from a background of the same. Computer science or IT engineers with good knowledge about software programming can try for some specific jobs. As you know that your main task will be designing chips, so VLSI engineers are required to well aware of hardware description languages like VHSIC Hardware Description Language and Verilog.
VHDL – VHSIC Hardware Description Language can model the behavior and structure of a digital system basically for making that robot perform a particular task like understanding an input, designing, data entry, or even data verification. Verilog language is used to model electronic systems be it designing circuits or verifying the circuits. Basically, they describe the propagation time and signal strengths. In this language, the designers could quickly write the descriptions of large circuits very quickly. A Verilog design consists of a hierarchy of modules. They encapsulate and communicate with other modules through a set of declared input and output. Therefore if you like to play around with chips, testing them, debugging them, programing or coding, this field is good for you. So if you want to pursue this field as a career, you can join a course and for that.
You must have good knowledge about coding, adders, subtracters, encoders, decoders, and multipliers. Then you can take this is as a career. However, this is a technical field, and you need to know about designing and programming.
DIVERSE JOB PROFILES
- DESIGN ENGINEER: You might have heard about front-end designers, back-end designers. You are responsible for the implementation of the design.
- VERIFICATION ENGINEER: The main task is to verify the design if it works properly, one more update in this role is that many US companies outsource this job to countries like India.
- CAD ENGINEER: Roles are to manage licenses, integrate EDA tools, and improving the work design.
- APPLICATION ENGINEER: You are an agent between the company and the client so you must possess good technical skills to answer your client’s questions and also good communication skills as you will be interacting with sophisticated executives.
- PROJECT DESIGNER: When a project is designed, the results that are needed to be delivered are decided, so a project designer works with a developer to meet the required expectations.
- TECHNICAL LEAD: A software engineer who works with the development team to create projects and suggest technical changes to be made in the project to achieve the company goals.
DEMAND AND CAREER GROWTH
Earlier the position was that the organizations hired students who completed their master’s degree in electronics engineering or programming. But now they are open for all the people who have good knowledge about software building, hardware, and engineering.
Some students start pursuing their area of interest very early on in life, so they develop their skills very early on in their life. If we talk about the demand in this career, then we need to consider that technological advancements are happening every day, and there is a constant need for innovation if we need to stay ahead of others or relevant at least. Therefore the demand is never less. It is a slow-growth industry where there is no looking back.
If we talk about career growth, then, to begin with, you should be well aware of your strengths and weaknesses so that you can decide which field to enter. Choosing the right specialization, especially when you are about to work in a technical field, is very important. For example, the semiconductor industry is for you if you are a skilled professional and know how to design a high-tech system.
REQUIREMENTS
ACADEMIC
- Electronic or electrical engineering degree.
- Knowledge of designing layouts.
- Good experience in sales and marketing.
NON-ACADEMIC
- PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS: This is the most required skill so that you can fix the errors and problems arising in the system immediately without any delay.
- CREATIVE SKILLS: You need to think out of the box to stand out from the rest, and reduce the area of layout design.
- COORDINATION: You will not be working alone but with a team, so you need to be a comfortable person to talk to and for that people, skills are very important.
PAY PACKAGES
The salaries or pay packages are different in different specializations and also vary from region to region. Also, another factor that comes into play is the experience. The more experienced a person is, he is more likely to earn a bigger pay package.
If we talk in numbers, the average starting salary of a VLSI engineer is around $75000. You can get an idea about the current salary standards from the online job postings on the internet. Again if over time you climb up the ladder, then you might earn more amount of salary. It may even cross $120000 with years.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- Where to start your career as a VLSI engineer?
According to the current market situation, many companies are posting their job vacancies online and recruiting students for work-from-home jobs. LinkedIn is the best platform to search for jobs related to this domain. In addition, you can follow certain people currently in this domain, follow companies’ recruiters, and reach out to them, displaying your skills.
- What skills should be learned before applying for the job?
Building your skills is ok but getting certified or obtaining a master’s degree in a course will open many doors for you. A master’s degree will provide you right training for the job. Apart from your degree or alongside your degree, you can pursue a specialization like a circuit design. This will provide you in-depth knowledge about a particular category.
- Is the US the best country to start a career as a VLSI engineer?
Currently, according to professional demand and pay package criteria, the US is the best country to pursue your career as a VLSI engineer. The rate at which this country is booming in the US is massive, continuing for upcoming years.
- Is a master’s degree necessary, can we learn the skill and apply for the job?
A degree is unnecessary, but it has its own benefits. Your network is increased. You get to sit with brilliant minds. Yes, you can learn a particular skill and apply for the job. But, on the other hand, if you are skilled enough, you might get a job without a degree.
