About the Module

The electronics and semiconductor module assesses the suitability of the candidate for the system on chip (SOC), embedded systems, Very Large Scale Integration. This test together with that of programming assesses suitability of the candidate for electronic design automation (EDA) companies. The test has the following sections:

1. Analog Electronics:


1. Basic Components, their operations and Circuit Analysis
2. Active Components, Large, Small Signal and Circuit Analysis
3. Frequency domain and time domain analysis of systems, Feedback and Stability
4. Operational amplifiers based circuits and analysis
5. Miscellaneous: Basic concepts of Sample-Hold circuits, ADC/DAC


2. Digital Electronics:


1. Boolean Algebra, Minimization of Boolean Functions
2. Implementation and Analysis of logic gates
3. Sequential blocks - flip-flops and latches
4. Digital Circuits and Blocks
5. State Machines and design of Complex sequential circuits

Relevance to the industry:

The fundamental knowledge of digital and analog circuits, SOC, embedded systems & VLSI is a pre-requisite for almost every profile in the semiconductor industry.  However, knowledge of C/C++ programming, RTOS programming and program modelling is essential for the profiles like embedded hardware engineer, firmware developer and electronic design automation (EDA).

Companies like Intel, Texas Instruments, Motorola have been involved in the manufacturing of digital chips and devices (digital devices use and create voltages or currents at discrete level) while Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), Sigma Tel are few of the analog device manufacturing companies.

Understanding the concepts & working of a microcontroller with a basic knowledge of computer architecture, digital electronic design, software engineering, data communication, control engineering, analog electronic design and IC design is a must for every profile in this semiconductor sector.

Tips to improve:

• Focus on the basics:Strong fundamentals and basics are very important to excel in the semiconductor sector. One should be clear with simple concepts such as difference between a latch and a flip-flop to complex concepts like fabrication. Knowledge of one of the hardware description languages such as VHDL or Verilog is also useful.

• Be good in analog/digital designing: Focus on electronic circuit designing and analysis using EDA tools. There are a number of free tools available for circuit simulation online.

• Industry demands engineers who can learn and deliver quickly: Like any other industry, the semiconductor industry is fast paced and highly competitive. As a result, companies in the semiconductor sector are under constant pressure to manufacture smaller, faster and cheaper microprocessors, ICs and other electronic devices. Students who join the industry should be prepared for the grind!

• Stay updated to latest technology: The semiconductor industry is known for its cutting-edge technology. What came across as a state-of-the-art few months ago, is often replaced by a much more efficient and cost effective technology. Hence one should stay abreast to all the latest developments by reading journals and news related to the industry.