Analog Philosophy - interview with Nordic’s principal IC scientist Carsten Wulff

00:00 Intro
00:23 snowy holiday ADCs
01:31 All the details
01:44 Carsten's background
02:27 Why is Carsten an open source silicon enthusiast?
04:10 How do the pro tools compare with the OS tools
06:02 Does Nordic endorse OS?
06:43 What obstacles are there for OS silicon in industry
08:00 What obstacles are there for OS silicon - wider picture
09:56 Is Sky130 good for industry?
12:02 Advice for people getting started in analog
13:45 Analog philosophy
14:49 Digital abstraction
16:31 How to iterate in the analog design cycle
19:20 Analog designers start off with a more defined spec
20:54 Will ML / AI make an impact on analog layout?
22:28 If you don't trust the PDK what can you do?
24:31 State of the Art
25:42 Share some horror stories
29:28 Comfortably numb

[rezapapi]

It's fantastic to see Carsten in this discussion. As a mixed signal Ph.D. student, I can affirm that his work on his YouTube channel is truly exceptional.

[engrvip]

This was a lovely conversation. More power to open source analog.

[fooglestuff]

Loved this interview. Thanks Matt and Carsten. I like the philosophy, the message to have fun with this, and the fact that a serious analog designer's work is now available for all of us to learn from and even try out when Carsten's SAR ADC is fabbed on TT06!

[marcobat]

NIce citation about Comfortably Numb! And appreciate the Ibanex guitar in the background! ;-)

[blackendfreak]

Such a great vid. good to know Carsten Wulff.

[wolpumba]

**Abstract: Transcript of Interview with Carsten, Analog IC Scientist**

**Speakers**

* Interviewer
* Carsten - Principal IC Scientist at Nordic Semiconductor

**Topics**

* Carsten’s background and interest in analog circuit design
* Open-source silicon and its benefits vs. challenges
* Analog design tools evolution
* Obstacles that hinder wider adoption of open-source silicon tools
* Advice on approaching an analog design journey

**Key Takeaways**

* **Open-Source Benefits:** Open-source tools promote innovation, collaboration, and make the field of IC design more accessible.
* **Analog Philosophy:** Analog design requires patience, comfort with uncertainty, and the ability to learn from mistakes.
* **Industry Fit:** Skywater 130nm may be suitable for specific industrial applications like power management or energy harvesting.
* **Learning Analog:** It's a life-long journey that requires persistence and a strong foundation in solid-state physics.
* **Design Iteration:** The analog design cycle requires meticulous iteration of simulations and layouts, sometimes over many cycles.

**Abstract**

This interview explores the perspective of Carsten, an experienced analog IC scientist, on open-source tools and their role in the semiconductor industry. Carsten discusses the benefits of open-source, the philosophical approach to analog design, and advice for those interested in this field. The transcript highlights the growing importance of open-source silicon and the key challenges facing its wider adoption.

i used gemini

[SuperRockfan]

Pink Floyd songs are a must for analog designers, comfortably numb and poles appart are one of the best ;)

[mladenkrsmanovic]

How much does theory about analog circuits and all math related to is important when working with these kind of tools, especialy in future when tools will be AI driven?Sorry for long question.

[mojtabapouralimohammadi]

Wow, you are really great. After months of desperate search for an opportunity to do real ASIC design and have my first tapeout to put my basic knowledge into practice, I finally found you.
I have just applied for the course. What is the chance for me to get accepted?