Analog layout design is at the back end of the IC design process and is a type of analog IC design position. The final production of each chip is inseparable from the contribution of the IC layout designer, so the IC analog layout engineer is very important in the development of the chip industry.
Analog Layout Engineer Introduction
Analog layout design engineers are professional layout designers who are mainly responsible for layout design and verification of the back-end of integrated circuits through EDA design tools, and finally generate GDSII data for IC manufacturing. The Chinese name is layout design engineer, we also call it layout.
The main job content is responsible for layout planning. Specifically, a certain amount of practical experience in full-custom module layout design is required, and they can independently carry out layout planning, design or verification, etc., and undertake the work of block level layout design, improvement and maintenance.
Job salary and development direction
If the chip industry wants to develop rapidly, talents are indispensable. Now China advocates the replacement of domestic chips, and the policy has begun to vigorously support them, so the wages of talents in the industry are getting higher and higher.
Salary level
IC analog layout design is a position with relatively low entry barriers in the IC industry. Most other positions require graduates from majors, or a master’s degree or above. Undergraduates in IC analog layout design are also very easy to get started. For students with poor foundations, this It's a very good opportunity to get started.
Generally speaking, salary is closely related to the company, education background, major, and working years. The simulation layout generally has 10-15W of work experience for 1 year, 20-30W for 3 years of work experience, 30-50W of work experience for 5 years, and 70W+ of work experience for more than 10 years. To become a senior layout, you can horizontally broaden your knowledge in simulation verification/design and chip manufacturing and packaging, and gain an in-depth understanding of process, semiconductor physics, and design. When the layout level reaches a certain level, an annual salary of one million is not a dream.
Is the analog layout really that much better?
Many people are very excited when they see the salaries in the IC industry, but due to the limitations of majors and academic qualifications, they have never dared to try it. However, they heard that the threshold for analog layout is relatively low, so they are eager to try.
To be honest, students with poor foundation can learn, but liberal arts students suggest that you should be cautious. Unless really interested enough to overcome any difficulties.
This is not to say that there is disciplinary discrimination, but that we need to objectively understand the threshold of the IC industry, which itself is relatively high. But compared to other positions, the simulation layout is really the most friendly position.
Compared with other positions who are familiar with digital electronics and analog electronics, the requirements for professional knowledge in the layout post are not too high. It is enough to get a general understanding and master it slowly.
Analog layout engineers need to master:
● Familiar with Linux/Unix systems, familiar with Cadence, Caliber, Synopsys and other mainstream layout design tools;
● Solid theoretical basis of integrated circuit technology and layout design; ●
Clear knowledge of parasitic parameters, noise, device matching, etc. Familiar with CMOS process;
● Familiar with ESD protection circuit, the principle and mechanism of LATCHUP, and the corresponding layout prevention countermeasures;
● Familiar with layout design methods and techniques of analog/digital-analog hybrid circuits;
There are many skills that need to be mastered in simulating the layout, friends who want to change careers must master the basic skills.
Books that IC Analog Layout Engineers Need to Read
1. "The Art of Analog Circuit Layout"
From a practical and authoritative point of view, this book comprehensively discusses various issues involved in the layout design of analog integrated circuits and the latest research results. The book introduces the physics and process of semiconductor devices, failure mechanism, etc.; the dual focus discusses the design and matching of passive devices, as well as some specialized areas, including device integration, guard rings, pad fabrication, single-layer Connection, ESD structure, etc.; finally, the layout and wiring knowledge of chip layout is introduced.
2. Fundamentals of Integrated Circuit Layout: A Practical Guide
This book begins with the introduction of basic semiconductor theory, and then expounds the development of basic devices in modern semiconductor technology, providing readers with the methods and techniques of IC layout design.
The content of this book focuses on the basic knowledge of layout design. For new practitioners, this is a good start; for experienced designers, it can be used as an aftertaste and reflection on design experience.
3. "Integrated Circuit Layout Design Course"
This book systematically describes the principles, editing and verification methods of IC layout design using Cadence software. At the same time, the appendix introduces several layout design rules, verification files, and common commands for writing verification files. It can be used as a textbook for layout design training, and can also be used as a reference for in-service personnel. It is recommended for interested students to read.
IC analog layout design learning video
In general, IC analog layout design is still worth switching to. After all, compared with other positions, the threshold is lower, and it is suitable for most people to learn, even if the foundation is poor.
Especially for those who want to enter the IC industry, but stop because of their academic qualifications and ability, you can consider choosing analog IC layout design, which is your best choice for entering the IC industry.
If you want to know more about the entry threshold, entry requirements, content to learn, employment salary, etc. of the simulation territory, you can click below to learn more.
Let’s put a mouth here: Getting started with analog layout