Roadmap To Get Into VLSI!!
Roadmap To Get Into VLSI!!
Thank you for choosing this guide to help you navigate your journey into the VLSI (Very
Large Scale Integration) industry. The semiconductor domain is rapidly evolving, and with
the right guidance, dedication, and skills, you can build a successful career in this field.
This roadmap is designed to give you a clear and structured path to learning VLSI
concepts, exploring specializations, gaining hands-on experience, and ultimately landing a
job or internship in the industry.
About Me
I am a VLSI professional and mentor passionate about guiding aspiring engineers and
professionals in their journey into the semiconductor industry. With expertise in ASIC
Design, FPGA, Verification, and Physical Design, I have helped numerous individuals
gain the necessary knowledge and skills to secure jobs in top VLSI companies.
I believe that learning should be engaging and practical, which is why this guide includes
flowcharts, tables, and structured content to make your learning experience smooth
and effective.
If you ever need guidance, mentorship, job opportunities, or internship assistance, feel
free to reach out to me:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn DM: Send me a message anytime.
1. Introduction to VLSI
Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) refers to the process of designing, fabricating, and
integrating millions to billions of transistors into a single semiconductor chip. This
technology powers modern computing devices, smartphones, automotive systems, and
more.
Digital Electronics
Analog Circuits
CMOS Technology
Semiconductor Physics
Computer Architecture
Backend Design deals with physical design, timing analysis, and fabrication.
Verilog is the most widely used HDL in the industry. Below is a simple Verilog module for a
2-input AND gate:
class Testbench;
bit clk;
task generate_clock();
forever #5 clk = ~clk;
endtask
endclass
Type Description
Functional Verification Ensures circuit behavior matches specifications
Formal Verification Uses mathematical techniques to verify design
correctness
Static Timing Analysis (STA) Ensures there are no timing violations
Power Analysis Ensures the design meets power constraints
Step Description
Synthesis Convert RTL to gate-level netlist
Floorplanning Define chip layout
Placement Place standard cells on the layout
Routing Connect signals between cells
Signoff Final design verification
Category Tools
HDL Simulation ModelSim, QuestaSim
Synthesis Synopsys Design Compiler, Cadence Genus
Formal Verification JasperGold, VC Formal
Functional Verification UVM, SystemVerilog
Category Tools
Place & Route Cadence Innovus, Synopsys ICC2
Timing Analysis PrimeTime, Tempus
Layout Verification Calibre DRC, LVS
Task Tool
RTL Simulation Icarus Verilog
Synthesis VIVADO
Physical Design OpenLane, Magic
VLSI-Projects
├── 8-bit_ALU
│ ├── alu.v
│ ├── testbench.v
│ ├── README.md
├── RISC-V_Core
│ ├── riscv.v
│ ├── testbench.v
│ ├── README.md
Write about concepts like FPGA design, verification techniques, ASIC flows
Platform Usage
LinkedIn Follow companies, apply for jobs, connect with hiring
managers
Company Websites Apply directly (Scaledge,Intel, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, etc.)
Job Portals Linkedin, Naukri, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster
VLSI Forums SiCommunity, Design & Reuse, EDAboard
University Placements Utilize campus hiring and internships
Showcase project impact – Instead of “Designed an ALU”, write “Designed an ALU that
reduced power by 15%”
Avoid unnecessary personal details – No need to mention age, marital status, etc.
Verilog & SystemVerilog: Samir Palnitkar’s Verilog HDL book, UVM tutorials
If you are targeting high-paying R&D roles at Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, or Cadence
University Country
Stanford University USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA
(MIT)
University of California, Berkeley USA
ETH Zurich Switzerland
TU Munich Germany
If you do not want to pursue a full-time M.Tech/MS, online certifications can help you
enhance your skills.
Certification Platform
VLSI Design & Verification Udemy, Coursera
ASIC Physical Design Udemy, VLSI Academy
FPGA Development Xilinx Online Courses
7.3 Career Growth in VLSI
Once you enter the VLSI industry, there are multiple career paths you can take.
Note: Salaries vary depending on company reputation, job role, and location.
Company Location
Intel India Bangalore, Hyderabad
Qualcomm Bangalore, Hyderabad,
Chennai
NVIDIA Bangalore, Pune
Texas Bangalore
Instruments
Wipro VLSI Bangalore, Noida
HCL Technologies Chennai, Noida
Company Career Pages – Apply directly on Intel, Qualcomm, and NVIDIA websites
LinkedIn & Naukri – Follow companies and apply through job portals
Challenges: Lack of industry experience and hands-on exposure to tools like Cadence
& Synopsys.
Strategy:
Strategy:
Network & apply smartly: Use LinkedIn, referrals, and job portals
Stay updated: Follow new VLSI trends like AI hardware, RISC-V, and 3D ICs