Staff Physical Design Engineer Interview Questions

5 staff physical design engineer interview questions shared by candidates

1. what is the max freq of a given circuit.(setup and hold analysis related) 2. one question was related to stuck at fault. we need to find out the input test pattern in order to detect the stuck at fault of given circuit. 3. IN1?A:IN2?B:IN3?C:1'b0 How many 2:1 mux are required to implement this? 4 one question was related to FIFO Depth calculation. 5. In a given circuit to meet timing how many no of re timing flops need to be inserted?(you should be clear with setup analysis) 6. Questions were related to transistor sizing and cache memory hit and miss ratio. 7. One puzzle was also asked of Annual function and van related(don't remember exactly. :p)
Jan 16, 2021

1. what is the max freq of a given circuit.(setup and hold analysis related) 2. one question was related to stuck at fault. we need to find out the input test pattern in order to detect the stuck at fault of given circuit. 3. IN1?A:IN2?B:IN3?C:1'b0 How many 2:1 mux are required to implement this? 4 one question was related to FIFO Depth calculation. 5. In a given circuit to meet timing how many no of re timing flops need to be inserted?(you should be clear with setup analysis) 6. Questions were related to transistor sizing and cache memory hit and miss ratio. 7. One puzzle was also asked of Annual function and van related(don't remember exactly. :p)

Process and Improvements - Examples of how you've improved processes - Thoughts on how current core processes could be enhanced - Creative and critical thinking abilities Physical Design, Power and Timing - Power optimization strategies - Timing challenges in high-frequency designs - Understanding RTL vs. PD in cores and SoC PD Flow and Fundamentals - Synthesis Design Compiler - Backend flow: DRC, LVS - Verilog (read and edit) - Primetime, STA (Static Timing Analysis) - High-speed designs (3GHz+) Structured Problem Solving - Real-world examples of problem-solving from past experience - On-the-spot problem-solving scenarios - Demonstrating adaptability and logical thinking Also topics about CTS including ICG cloning
May 21, 2025

Process and Improvements - Examples of how you've improved processes - Thoughts on how current core processes could be enhanced - Creative and critical thinking abilities Physical Design, Power and Timing - Power optimization strategies - Timing challenges in high-frequency designs - Understanding RTL vs. PD in cores and SoC PD Flow and Fundamentals - Synthesis Design Compiler - Backend flow: DRC, LVS - Verilog (read and edit) - Primetime, STA (Static Timing Analysis) - High-speed designs (3GHz+) Structured Problem Solving - Real-world examples of problem-solving from past experience - On-the-spot problem-solving scenarios - Demonstrating adaptability and logical thinking Also topics about CTS including ICG cloning

Not so difficult question that I remember. There were many technical question regarding static timing analysis - setup and hold, power planning, place and route issues for different tools and technologies.
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Senior Staff Physical Design Engineer

Interviewed at Samsung Semiconductor Inc (US)

3.9
Jun 12, 2014

Not so difficult question that I remember. There were many technical question regarding static timing analysis - setup and hold, power planning, place and route issues for different tools and technologies.

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