The Spark Gap - Episode 29
Dr. Fouad Kiamilev from the University of Delaware explains the design of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), detailing a high-power display projector chip with 250,000 I/Os and liquid nitrogen cooling. He describes the iterative development process, from a 64x64 test chip to a 512x512 production module costing $250,000, and the use of Cadence tools for full-custom layout. Kiamilev also discusses the importance of physical health, fitness, and work-life balance in sustaining long-term engineering productivity and avoiding burnout.