The core responsibility of an emulation engineer is to verify and validate complex chip designs before they are manufactured. This involves using specialized hardware platforms, like Synopsys' ZeBu , to create a working prototype of the chip from the RTL code. This "emulated" chip can run at near real-time speeds, allowing engineers to test large and complex workloads, including software, operating systems, and long-running applications, that would be impractical to test with traditional simulation.
Key responsibilities would include :
- Porting and compiling ASIC / IP RTL (written in languages like SystemVerilog or Verilog) onto the Zebu platform.
- Debugging hardware and software issues on the emulation platform.
- Developing and executing full-chip / System-on-a-Chip (SoC) tests.
- Automating emulation workflows and creating tools to support the process.
- Collaborating with various teams, including designers, design verification (DV) engineers, and software engineers, to ensure the design is ready for tape-out.
Required Skills & Qualifications
A typical job description for such a role would require a solid foundation in digital logic and hardware design.
Experience with Emulation : Direct experience with Synopsys' ZeBu is the primary requirement. Other platforms like Cadence Palladium or Mentor Veloce would also be valuable.Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) : Proficiency in Verilog , SystemVerilog , or VHDL is essential for understanding and working with the RTL code.Scripting and Programming : Strong skills in languages like Python , Perl , and TCL are necessary for automation, tool creation, and managing the emulation environment.Verification Methodologies : Knowledge of standard verification flows, including simulation (using tools like VCS), and an understanding of the complete design cycle.Educational Background : A bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is typically required, with a master's degree often preferred.This role is critical for ensuring that hardware designs are functional and bug-free before the expensive and time-consuming manufacturing process begins.