Analog Design Engineer - SERDES

Apple, Inc.; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking an IC Designer to develop high-performance AMS circuits for SerDes PHY, evaluating topologies and driving layout-level implementations. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure IP meets quality standards and timelines.

The role involves collaboration with architecture, packaging, board design, DFT/ESD teams, and SOC groups to deliver robust, low-power designs and to pioneer next-generation timing and calibration techniques.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of analog mixed-signal design with high-speed serial links.
• Solid experience designing analog blocks: Bandgap, biasing, LDOs, amplifiers, comparators, switched-cap circuits, ADCs, DACs, oscillators, filters.
• Knowledge of mismatch mitigation, linearity, stability, low-noise techniques.
• Familiar with digitally assisted analog design concepts and background calibrations.
• Experience with high-speed digital blocks and serializers/deserializers.
• Knowledge of 20+ Gbps NRZ/PAM Tx/Rx techniques (CTLE, DFE, de-emphasis).
• Familiar with CDR architectures and lab equipment/testing.
• AMS IC development from def. to production including layout supervision and bench evaluation.
• Experience with timing closure tools (e.g., Primetime, Nanotime).
• Experience in lab testing of high-speed SerDes I/O and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop high-performance AMS circuits for SerDes PHY with attention to PPA.
• Collaborate with architecture, packaging, board design, DFT, ESD teams to define specs.
• Drive transistor-level implementation and behavioral modelling; guide layout view and mask design.
• Work with SOC teams to deliver IP views meeting quality standards.
• Communicate progress and discuss new ideas in a cross-functional team setting.

Skills

Analog mixed-signal design

High-speed SerDes

CMOS/FinFET design

Lab testing and measurement

SystemVerilog/VerilogAMS

Python/Matlab

Digital design concepts

Tx/Rx equalization (CTLE/DFE)

CDR architectures

Scripting/Automation

Education

PhD/Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Selection changes the language of the page/content

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people’s lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking IC Designer. As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the rare and rewarding opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers every single day.

Description

In this role, you will work on the development of high-performance and high-speed AMS circuits used in SerDes PHY, including evaluation of different circuit topologies for specific product requirements (e.g., Rx, CDR, Tx, bias generator, high-speed clock generation and low-jitter distribution, phase interpolator, DLL, VCO) with best in class power, performance, and area (PPA).You will work with cross-functional teams (e.g., architecture, SIPI, packaging, board design, DFT, ESD) to create block-level specifications and execute on transistor-level implementation and behavioral modelling. You will drive mask design to implement layout view of designs. You will closely work with SOC teams to deliver IP views and make sure they meet the quality standards. While developing these sophisticated IPs, on regular basis you will interact with your peers/management to communicate progress and discuss new ideas making it a lively and interactive work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• The ideal candidate should have deep understanding of analog mixed-signal design with experience in high-speed serial links.
• Solid understanding and experience of designing analog mixed signal circuit blocks including Bandgap, biasing circuits, LDO regulators, amplifiers, comparators, switched-cap circuits, ADCs, DACs, Oscillators, Filters
• Solid understanding of analog mixed-signal concepts like mismatch mitigation, linearity, stability, low-power and low-noise techniques
• Good grasp and understanding of digitally assisted analog design concepts (e.g. background calibrations, LMS-based adaptive loops)
• Experience with high-speed digital circuits (e.g., serializer, deserializer, counters, dividers, etc.) with solid understanding of digital design concepts
• Knowledge of Tx/Rx equalization techniques and circuits (e.g. CTLE, DFE, de-emphasis) for 20+ Gbps NRZ and PAM applications
• Knowledge of CDR architectures and implementations
• Knowledge of lab equipments and testing
• Experience in Analog Mixed Signal circuit modelling and performance evaluation (e.g. SystemVerilog, Matlab, Python, VerilogAMS)
• Hands-on experience in advanced CMOS technologies, design with FinFet technology
• Hands-on experience with AMS IC development from definition to high-volume production including layout supervision, bench evaluation, correlation, and characterization
• Experience in the following areas is a plus
• Concepts of timing closure and related industry tools (e.g., Nanotime, Primetime)
• Experience in lab testing of high-speed serial I/O, debug and data analysis techniques
• Knowledge of common high-speed SerDes protocols (e.g., PCIe, USB, DP, MPHY)
• Skills in scripting and automation to enhance efficiency are highly desirable

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD/master’s degree in Electric Engineering or relevant experience
• Apple is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We also take affirmative action to offer employment and advancement opportunities to all applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants.

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple’s workplace