VLSI Field RoadMap
🎯 Ultimate Roadmap to Get into the VLSI Industry
🧱 1. Prerequisites (Foundational Knowledge)
These are the must-have basics before you even step into VLSI.
✅ Core Subjects (During B.Tech/M.Tech in ECE or EE)
• Digital Electronics: Boolean algebra, multiplexers, decoders, FSMs, flip-flops
• Analog Electronics: Op-amps, MOSFETs, CMOS inverters
• Microelectronics: Device physics, threshold voltage, current equations
• Basic Semiconductor Physics
• Signals & Systems, Control Systems
• Computer Architecture: Memory hierarchy, pipelining, processor design
• Basic Programming: C, Python (for scripting)
• Mathematics: Linear algebra, probability (useful for ML in VLSI), calculus
✅ Tools & Environment Familiarity
• Linux & Shell scripting: Most EDA tools run on Unix/Linux
• Version Control: Git
2. Common Industry Requisites (Applies Across VLSI Domains)
These are the expectations from every VLSI engineer, regardless of specialization.
⚙️ Design & Verification Knowledge
• Digital Design using HDL: Verilog/VHDL/SystemVerilog
• Simulation & Debugging: Using ModelSim, VCS, or Vivado
• Timing Analysis: Setup/Hold time, slack, STA basics
• CMOS Design Concepts: Power, delay, noise, parasitics
📐 Scripting & Automation
• TCL/Perl/Python: Used to automate flows
• Makefiles & batch scripts
Ashok Tirumalasetty
VLSI Field RoadMap
💾 EDA Tools Exposure
• Synopsys, Cadence, Mentor Graphics (Siemens EDA)
🔁 Soft Skills
• Problem-solving: Critical for debugging complex chip-level issues
• Communication: Especially when cross-collaborating between design,
verification, DFT, and backend teams
🧩 3. Role-Specific Skill Sets
Let’s break down the skills based on job roles.
🧪 A. Front-End Design Engineer (RTL Design)
Focus: Designing the logical behavior of digital circuits.
• Verilog/SystemVerilog
• FSM design
• Linting tools (SpyGlass, etc.)
• Synthesis Concepts
• Low Power Design (UPF/CPF basics)
• Assertions (SVA)
• Clock Domain Crossing (CDC)
Tools: Synopsys Design Compiler, Vivado, Xilinx ISE
✅ B. Verification Engineer
Focus: Validating the functionality of design through simulations.
• SystemVerilog + UVM methodology
• Testbench Architecture
• Code & Functional Coverage
• Random Constraints
• Assertions, Scoreboards, Monitors
• Debugging skills
Ashok Tirumalasetty
VLSI Field RoadMap
Tools: Synopsys VCS, Cadence Incisive/Xrun, QuestaSim
🧱 C. Physical Design Engineer (Back-End)
Focus: Converting RTL to layout (GDSII).
• Floorplanning, Placement, CTS, Routing
• Static Timing Analysis (STA)
• RC Extraction
• IR Drop & EM Analysis
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• Antenna Effect, Crosstalk
Tools: ICC2, Innovus, Primetime, RedHawk
🧪 D. DFT Engineer (Design for Testability)
Focus: Making chip testable post-manufacturing.
• Scan Insertion
• ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation)
• BIST, MBIST
• Boundary Scan / JTAG
• Stuck-at & Transition Faults
Tools: Tetramax, DFT Compiler, FastScan
📊 E. Analog/Mixed-Signal Design Engineer
Focus: Designing analog circuits integrated with digital logic.
• OpAmp Design, PLLs, ADC/DAC
• Noise Analysis
• Matching Techniques
• Layout Considerations (Parasitics, IR drop)
Tools: Cadence Virtuoso, Spectre, HSPICE
Ashok Tirumalasetty
VLSI Field RoadMap
🔍 F. Semiconductor R&D / TCAD / Device Engineer
Focus: Device-level modeling, simulation, and material exploration.
• Semiconductor Physics in-depth
• Device Modeling (BSIM)
• Process Development
• TCAD Tools: Synopsys Sentaurus, Silvaco
📈 4. Visionary Insights for Career Progression
Let’s look at the bigger picture.
🌍 A. Evolving Trends
• AI/ML in VLSI: For optimization, verification, and test
• Chiplets & 3D ICs
• RISC-V Revolution: Open source hardware movement
• Automotive-grade SoCs (ASIL Standards)
• 5G, Edge AI Accelerators, Quantum ICs
🚀 B. Key Certifications / Courses
• NPTEL (IIT-led)
• VLSI System Design Corp
• EDA Tool Training from Cadence, Synopsys partners
• Coursera/Udemy (targeted tool and scripting courses)
💼 C. Build Your Portfolio
• GitHub Projects: RTL design, testbenches, PD flows, automation scripts
• Internships: At core companies (Intel, Qualcomm, Cadence, Synopsys, etc.)
• Blogs / LinkedIn posts: Explain VLSI concepts, participate in discussions
• Online presence: Highlight your resume with relevant projects and keywords
Ashok Tirumalasetty
VLSI Field RoadMap
🎓 D. M.Tech or Direct Job?
• M.Tech (IITs/NITs): If targeting core R&D roles
• Direct Entry via VLSI Startups/Training Programs: If you have strong projects
🛠️ 5. Bonus: Suggested Roadmap Timeline
Phase Duration Goal
Phase 2–3 Master Digital + Analog + HDL (Verilog/SystemVerilog)
1 months
Phase 1–2 Learn role-specific tools + scripting (TCL, Python)
2 months
Phase 2 months Mini projects + GitHub + mock interviews
3
Phase Ongoing Internships, certification, and industry networking
4
📢 Final Advice
• Don’t chase all fields. Choose a lane (RTL, PD, DFT, etc.) and go deep.
• Tools change, fundamentals don’t.
• Network smartly: LinkedIn, conferences, workshops.
• Build credibility online: Explain what you learn. It will set you apart.
• Curiosity > Degree: Companies love engineers who show ownership.
Ashok Tirumalasetty
