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Breaking into the chip design field from a background in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design is definitely possible, but it may require some additional education, training, and skill development. Here are some steps you can take to transition from PCB design to chip design:
1. Acquire Relevant Education: Chip design typically requires a strong foundation in electronics and digital design. Consider pursuing additional coursework or a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field with a focus on VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) or microelectronics.
Get the VLSI fundamentals : HERE
2. Learn VLSI Design Tools: Familiarize yourself with industry-standard VLSI design tools, such as Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics. These tools are commonly used in chip design, and having proficiency in them will be valuable.There are many free or open-source tools available, such as Vivado (Installation), Electric VLSI Design System, Icarus-Verilog (Installation), Magic, NGSPICE (Installation) and OpenTimer (Installtion).
3. Join VLSI Design Courses or Training: Look for online or in-person courses that specifically cover VLSI design concepts, RTL (Register Transfer Level) coding using hardware description languages (HDLs) like Verilog or VHDL, and other relevant topics.
You can start with Verilog : HERE
Learn Linux basics : HERE
TCL : HERE
PERL : HERE
BASH : HERE
4. Work on Personal Projects: Create your own VLSI design projects to showcase your skills and understanding of chip design principles. Building a portfolio of projects can be beneficial when applying for chip design roles.
5. Networking: Attend VLSI conferences, workshops, and industry events to network with professionals in the chip design field. Networking can lead to job opportunities and provide valuable insights. Join this community (Telegram Group) : https://t.me/vlsichaps
6. Apply for Internships or Entry-Level Positions: Seek internships or entry-level positions in semiconductor companies or chip design firms. Many companies offer internship programs that can be a pathway to a full-time position. DIY method : https://youtu.be/GFAZWfzN0yI
7. Continuous Learning: Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and advancements in chip design. The field is continuously evolving, and staying current with the latest technologies and methodologies is essential.
Watch this for furthur guide : HERE
As for the expected salary, it's challenging to provide an exact figure as it can vary based on factors such as the specific role, company, location, and individual skills and experience. Generally, entry-level chip design engineers can expect competitive salaries, often higher than entry-level PCB design roles due to the specialized nature of chip design.
Datailed CTC for freshers : HERE
Detailed CTC for experieneced : HERE
Salaries can also vary significantly depending on the region or country where you work. It's best to research industry salary reports, job postings, and reach out to professionals in the chip design field to get a better idea of the earning potential in your specific location and circumstances.
Overall, breaking into the chip design field from PCB design requires dedication, continuous learning, and networking. Gaining relevant education and hands-on experience in VLSI design will be critical to making a successful transition.
