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We are developing a new analog EDA tool, the analog designer's toolbox (ADT) (https://adt.master-micro.com), and a common question from investors is: How many analog IC designers are there in the world?
My personal estimate was around 100k. I came across this post which gives an estimate between 15k and 60k.
Any better estimate from the experts here, preferably supported with some data?
Interesting question. I'm sure we can all estimate but getting a hard number will be difficult. Maybe looking at Analog tool licenses? Start with Cadence virtuoso. One thing I can tell you is the the number of analog designers has risen dramatically since the mobile revolution. Smartphones have pushed analog into the mainstream SoC designs on the newer processes. All analog hands are on deck, absolutely.
Interesting question. I'm sure we can all estimate but getting a hard number will be difficult. Maybe looking at Analog tool licenses? Start with Cadence virtuoso. One thing I can tell you is the the number of analog designers has risen dramatically since the mobile revolution. Smartphones have pushed analog into the mainstream SoC designs on the newer processes. All analog hands are on deck, absolutely.
Virtuoso licenses... I believe even fully compliant licensees do hot seat workstations with it, or quietly tweak the license server. At least in China, most smaller companies wouldn't be able to afford it at all.
I did a search on LinkedIn for Analog Design and it came up with 338,000. If you search Semiconductor Analog Design it is 68,000. A search for Cadence Virtuoso comes up with 65,000. Not sure if that get's you where you need to be but I can make some calls and get vendor specific numbers next week.
Thanks Daniel! Much appreciated! This shows that the 15k estimate is very pessimistic. The actual number will be something around 100k, I guess.
BTW, it will be great if you have a look at our new tool: the analog designer's toolbox (ADT) (https://adt.master-micro.com). Anyone can get a free license. I would love to hear your feedback!
Thanks Daniel! Much appreciated! This shows that the 15k estimate is very pessimistic. The actual number will be something around 100k, I guess.
BTW, it will be great if you have a look at our new tool: the analog designer's toolbox (ADT) (https://adt.master-micro.com). Anyone can get a free license. I would love to hear your feedback!
So, this question is making me curious to ask another question. What is the job in the semiconductor industry which has the least count in the world?
(I mean which has high demand)
So, this question is making me curious to ask another question. What is the job in the semiconductor industry which has the least count in the world?
(I mean which has high demand)
All of the above but I believe digital is the largest segment in regards to chip design manpower. The other one is physical verification (DRC and such). Systems verification is out of my scope as it is above the chip.
Thanks Rajanator! If you mean 20k ADE licenses, then the number of designers is actually much larger because a single license is usually shared by several designers. It indeed shows the actual number may be around 100k.