Want to learn 20 nm layout techniques!

[Katy]

Layout training. After you get through a basic training course like I went through, it's almost always OnTheJobTraining. I have almost 30 years experience as a layout designer, mostly direct but I have contracted too.

Gone are the days when a company would send you to get training on layout tools; give you time to learn the layout rules for different processes; or just train you on their own procedures. It's the sweatshop mentality nowadays.

So where does one go to upgrade their skills? White papers, if you know how to find them and have time to read them. Pay the Irish guys for their seminars. And..................?

I've always learned on the job.

 

[Ginger Grant]

Katy, as a hiring manager I'm becoming quite exasperated with the layout pool of contractors simply because the OJT costs on my current resource pool.

Here is my perfect candidate in order of priority:
1) Knows all the Cadence (or any layout tool) options available and use them to improve layout efficiency and output.
2) They know verification tools well and know how to manipulate the features to debug errors efficiently.
3) Knows physical layout well! Knows best techniques for performance and does not perform layout practices that are disruptive to design performance goals.
4) Is adaptive to change and can do this quickly! There are just some people who do not deal well with change. They shouldn’t be doing layout.
5) Can adapt to and retain new design rules of a process to efficiently draw error free layouts.
6) Gets along and performs well in a team environment, respectable with other layout designers and engineers on a project.
7) Knows the current process and if not will own the responsibility to learn it as quickly as possible.

So, honestly I’m ok with someone who may not necessarily have experience in the current process but if they have all the previous bullets they should come up to speed fast. If they are weak on items 1 and 2 they will perform poorly even with processes they may be expert in. I’m just saying that layout designers need to own responsibility for their careers and continually study and gain expertise! Then it’s just word of mouth that they will be recommended to other companies. Hiring managers will find such a candidate a lower risk in training on a new process. I need layout designers who understand that output and meeting demanding deadlines is a must but do so without comprimising the performance of the circuit they are translating!

 

[LinkedIn]

Fergal Brosnan • This training can be provided by IC Mask Design. We specialise in VDSM technology nodes both for Layout Design Services and Methodology Based Layout Training. Our VSDL course can be targeted to a particular node, including 20nm. Visit IC Mask Design - IC Layout and Training Programs