Rishi K Pillai

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬! The semiconductor industry in India is experiencing an unprecedented hiring boom — gradually chipping away at IT placements and opening exciting opportunities for engineers across domains. 🔹 End-to-end hiring: RTL/SoC design, verification, embedded systems, manufacturing (process, packaging, yield). 🔹 Freshers’ salaries: ₹6–12 LPA (vs. ₹3–4 LPA in IT). 🔹 Aggressive campus recruitment from tier-2 & tier-3 colleges, not just IITs. 🔹 Internships: ₹40k–50k/month stipends to build hands-on chip design skills. 🔹 Hiring scale: ~12,000 freshers annually (up from 8,000 last year). 🔹 Career growth: Roles extend up to ₹20–120 LPA for architects & leaders. Fuelled by global supply chain shifts, EVs, telecom, defence, and government initiatives (DLI, PLI, ECMS), this hiring surge is reshaping student aspirations, especially in ECE and core engineering branches. With India projected to hit $103B semiconductor market by 2030, this is the right time for students and professionals to align their skills with VLSI, Embedded Systems, AI/ML hardware, and semiconductor manufacturing. The future is semiconductor — and India is powering ahead as a global hub! https://lnkd.in/gKtU5Gn2 #Semiconductor #VLSI #ChipDesign #EmbeddedSystems #Electronics #SoC #SemiconductorIndia #SemiconductorJobs #SemiconductorTalent #HiringTrends #Careers #ECE #Engineering #SemiconductorEcosystem #MakeInIndia #Innovation #ElectronicsManufacturing #FutureOfWork #AI #ML #Hardware #Manufacturing #IndiaSemiconductorMission

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DDR5 DRAM MODULE TECHNOLOGY DDR5 DRAM technology, the fifth generation of Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, offers significant performance improvements over DDR4 with higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and enhanced data integrity, including on-die error correction code (ECC). Key Features and Advantages: 1. Increased Bandwidth: DDR5 delivers up to twice the bandwidth compared to DDR4, enabling faster data transfer rates and improved system performance. 2. Lower Power Consumption: DDR5 operates at a lower voltage (1.1V) and incorporates on-module power management integrated circuits (PMICs) for better energy efficiency. 3. Enhanced Data Integrity: DDR5 features on-die ECC, which detects and corrects errors before they reach the CPU, leading to more robust and reliable memory performance. 4. Dual 32-bit Subchannels: DDR5 utilizes two independent 32-bit subchannels on a single module, allowing for increased data transfer efficiency and improved scaling performance. 5. Increased Banks and Burst Length: DDR5 doubles the number of banks (16 to 32) and the minimum burst length (8 to 16), further enhancing data bus efficiency and reducing the number of reads/writes to access the same cache data line. 6. Scalable Memory: DDR5 is designed to support higher capacities and speeds, making it suitable for demanding applications like gaming, content creation, and data centers. 7. Improved Performance: DDR5 offers a significant performance boost for CPUs and platforms that require more cores and memory bandwidth. 8. On-die ECC: All DDR5 chips have on-die error-correction code, that detects and corrects errors before sending data to the CPU, to improve reliability and allow denser RAM chips which lowers per-chip defect rate. 9. Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC): Regulates the power required by the various components of the memory module. 

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🚀 ChipIN Centre is now empowering ~350 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 across India 🇮🇳 (𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 280 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 70 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵-𝘶𝘱𝘴) with access to cutting-edge EDA tools, Compute Hw, Emulator & FPGA, Fab VCA, Trainings and R&D funding. 💡Driving innovation and capability in semiconductor design in collaboration with - Synopsys Inc | Cadence | Siemens | Keysight Technologies | Ansys | Silvaco Inc | Xilinx | IBM | Renesas Electronics | imec | #SCLMohali 👉 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 280+ 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐂2𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 🌐 https://lnkd.in/d4jcb7e2 👉 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 70+ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭-𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐋𝐈 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞 🌐 https://lnkd.in/d928jFbF Read for available support for National chip design infrastructure at https://lnkd.in/dUPA4r4f #ChipsforViksitBharat #DigitalIndia #IndiaTechade #C2SProgramme #DLIScheme Ashwini Vaishnaw | S Krishnan | Abhishek Singh | ashok chandak | Sanjeev Keskar

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Back to the Basics During my personal interaction with a few of my juniors in the VLSI field, I have found that many of them are excellent engineers doing a lot of wonderful things in their respective domains be it place and route, timing closure or reliability. But one thing I have unfortunately found lacking is many of them are not very clear on the basics from how things work like it does to how something is done the way it’s there. As engineering is a scientific field and to question is the very foundation of science, it’s very important to have some good ideas about the physics and the foundational rules that govern VLSI. Though I don’t claim to be a professor or even someone close to that, based on my years of experience, I will try to shed some lights on few basics which are truly important in this field. I may not be able to share as frequently as I would like to so please bear with me in case you see infrequent postings. And remember learning never stops. #basics #vlsi #learning

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EMIR Checks in VLSI : As process nodes scale to 7nm, 5nm, and beyond, power delivery challenges become critical. EMIR (Electro-Migration & IR drop) analysis isn’t just a signoff formality—it’s the difference between reliable silicon and expensive respins. 🔹 IR Drop Static IR drop: Caused by average current → impacts DC voltage levels, reducing noise margin. Dynamic IR drop: Caused by instantaneous switching activity → leads to timing failures & setup/hold violations. 🔹 Electro-Migration (EM) High current density displaces metal atoms. Leads to void formation (open circuits) or hillocks (shorts). Reliability degradation follows Black’s Equation → failure rate ~ J^n * exp(-Ea/kT), where J is current density. 🔹 Why EMIR Checks Matter ✅ Ensure power integrity across standard cells & macros ✅ Capture voltage droop under realistic switching scenarios ✅ Validate reliability margins of interconnects & vias ✅ Provide lifetime projections for SoCs under actual workloads 🔹 Best Practices Use vector-based dynamic analysis for realistic IR stress conditions. Perform early in-design EMIR closure (not just signoff). Apply localized decap insertion & grid reinforcement where droop hotspots appear. Correlate RTL activity → gate-level simulation → signoff IR analysis for accuracy. With billion-transistor SoCs, EMIR is no longer just a backend task—it’s a design co-pilot. #VLSI #SoC #Semiconductors #ChipDesign #Reliability #EMIR

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Direct Memory Access (DMA) is a critical feature in VLSI design that enhances data transfer efficiency between memory and I/O devices without burdening the CPU. ### What is DMA? DMA allows peripherals to access the main memory independently of the CPU, enabling faster data transfer rates and freeing up CPU resources for other tasks. This is particularly useful in applications requiring high-speed data transfer, such as video processing, audio streaming, and network communications. ### Key Features of DMA: 1. **Efficiency**: Reduces CPU involvement in data transfers, allowing it to perform other computations. 2. **Speed**: Enables higher data transfer rates compared to programmed I/O methods. 3. **Multitasking**: Facilitates concurrent operations, improving overall system performance. ### DMA Operations: Steps of DMA Transfers The DMA operation typically involves several key steps, which can be summarized as follows: 1. **Initialization**: - The CPU configures the DMA controller by setting parameters such as source address, destination address, and the number of bytes to transfer. - The DMA controller is also enabled to begin the transfer process. 2. **Requesting Transfer**: - The peripheral device that needs to transfer data sends a request to the DMA controller (often referred to as a "DMA request"). - Upon receiving the request, the DMA controller checks if the bus is available for data transfer. 3. **Bus Arbitration**: - If multiple devices request access to the bus, the DMA controller arbitrates to determine which device gets access first. - Once granted access, the DMA controller gains control of the system bus. 4. **Data Transfer**: - The DMA controller initiates the data transfer from the source (e.g., peripheral) to the destination (e.g., memory). - The transfer occurs without CPU intervention, allowing the CPU to execute other tasks simultaneously. 5. **Transfer Completion**: - After the specified amount of data has been transferred, the DMA controller sends an interrupt signal to the CPU to indicate that the transfer is complete. - The CPU can then check the status of the transfer and proceed with any required follow-up actions. 6. **Deactivation**: - The DMA controller releases the bus, allowing other devices or the CPU to use it for their operations. - The controller can be reconfigured for subsequent transfers as needed. ### Example Use Case Consider a scenario where a video camera captures frames and needs to transfer them to memory for processing. Using DMA, the following occurs: - The CPU initializes the DMA controller with the frame buffer's starting address and size. - The camera sends a DMA request to transfer the frame data. - The DMA controller gains control of the bus and transfers the frame data directly into memory. - Upon completion, the DMA controller interrupts the CPU, signaling that the frame is ready for processing. #dma #dmacontroller #bus #arbitration #vlsi

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🚀 Why Choosing VLSI as a Career in India (2025) Is a Brilliant Move With India rapidly emerging as a semiconductor powerhouse, VLSI (Very-Large-Scale Integration) is no longer just a niche—it’s the future. Here’s why this is one of the smartest career bets right now: 🔑 1. Massive Government Push ✅ ₹76,000 Cr India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is fueling chip design & manufacturing ✅ “Make in India” & “Digital India” boosting demand for semiconductor talent ✅ New fabs (Micron, Tata in Gujarat) creating thousands of jobs 📈 2. Explosive Demand for Chips ✅ India is a top consumer of electronics: smartphones, EVs, IoT, 5G ✅ AI chips, edge devices, and automotive electronics are expanding VLSI’s scope 🧠 3. Surging Job Opportunities ✅ Fabless companies, design service firms, and MNC R&D centers (Qualcomm, Nvidia, Intel, AMD, Apple) are hiring ✅ Government-backed startups and access to EDA tools growing rapidly 💰 4. High Salaries & Career Growth ✅ VLSI engineers command top-tier pay due to niche skill demand ✅ Specializations like RTL Design, Verification, Physical Design, DFT, Analog Layout offer excellent upward mobility 🎓 5. Strong Training & Education Ecosystem ✅ IITs, IISc, IIITs & private universities offer focused MTech/PhD programs ✅ CDAC, SCL, ISRO, & private firms actively engage in internships & research ✅ Online platforms like NPTEL, ChipEdge, and IIT-M’s eMasters make upskilling easier than ever 🌍 6. Global Career Mobility ✅ VLSI skills are globally transferable ✅ Indian talent is in high demand in USA, Europe, Taiwan, South Korea, etc. ✅ Pro Tip for Aspiring VLSI Engineers: 📚 Build strong fundamentals: Digital Design, Verilog/SystemVerilog 🛠️ Get hands-on with tools like Cadence, Synopsys 🎯 Choose a specialization early (RTL, PD, Analog, Verification, DFT) 👨💼 Take up real-time projects or internships during BTech/MTech 2025 is not just the right time—it’s a historic opportunity to be part of India’s semiconductor revolution. #VLSIIndia #SemiconductorsIndia #ChipDesignIndia #MakeInIndia #IndiaSemiconductorMission #FablessIndia #HiringInIndia

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