MosChip Institute of Silicon Systems Physical Design Engineer Trainee Interview Questions, Process, and Tips

Place and route flow is a process in physical design where the placement and routing of logic gates on a chip is determined.

• Place and route flow involves determining the optimal placement of logic gates on a chip to meet timing and area constraints.

• It also includes routing interconnections between the placed logic gates to ensure proper functionality.

• Tools like Cadence Innovus and Synopsys ICC are commonly used for pla...read more

Delay optimisation techniques focus on reducing the time taken for signal propagation, while power optimisation techniques aim to reduce power consumption.

• Delay optimisation techniques include pipeline insertion, clock gating, and buffer insertion.

• Power optimisation techniques include voltage scaling, power gating, and clock gating.

• Both delay and power optimisation techniques involve trade-offs between performance and ...read more

Synthesis flow is the process of converting RTL design into gate-level netlist.

• RTL design is analyzed and optimized for timing, area, and power constraints

• High-level synthesis tools may be used to convert C/C++ code to RTL

• Logic synthesis tools map RTL to gates and optimize for area and timing

• Constraints such as clock tree synthesis and power optimization are applied

• Final gate-level netlist is generated for physical des

Power supply in standard cells refers to the distribution of power to the logic gates within the cell.

• Power supply in standard cells is typically provided through metal layers in the layout.

• Different power domains may be used to supply different parts of the cell.

• Power distribution networks are designed to ensure proper voltage levels and minimize voltage drop.

• Examples of power supply structures in standard cells inclu

I chose the semiconductor field due to its innovative nature, potential for growth, and impact on various industries.

• Fascination with cutting-edge technology and innovation in the field

• Opportunity for continuous learning and growth in a dynamic industry

• Desire to contribute to advancements in electronics and technology

• Impact of semiconductors on various industries such as automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications

I expect a competitive salary based on industry standards and my qualifications.

• Research industry standards for entry-level Physical Design Engineer salaries

• Consider my qualifications, education, and relevant experience

• Factor in cost of living in the area where the job is located

• Be prepared to negotiate based on the company's offer and benefits package

PNR flow is the process of placing and routing components on a chip during physical design.

• PNR stands for Place and Route, which is a crucial step in physical design of integrated circuits.

• During PNR flow, components are placed on the chip according to the floorplan and then connected through routing.

• The process involves optimization of timing, power, and area constraints to meet design specifications.

• Tools like Cadenc...read more