Emulation Engineer (Zebu)

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.