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Practical AI-Based Analog/Digital Circuit Design Automation - Industry-Level LDO/AXI-Lite IP Design and Verification

This is a practical course on 'AI-based Circuit Design/Verification Automation' as required by professionals at Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. Master the skills for LDO IP design and verification automation based on TSMC 180nm PDK, AI-based AXI-Lite RTL implementation, and Python/TCL/Batch script regression automation.

(5.0) 4 reviews

56 learners

Level Intermediate

Course period Unlimited

Python
Python
system-verilog
system-verilog
uvm
uvm
batch-script
batch-script
rtl
rtl
Python
Python
system-verilog
system-verilog
uvm
uvm
batch-script
batch-script
rtl
rtl

Reviews from Early Learners

Reviews from Early Learners

5.0

5.0

2023111762

30% enrolled

I became interested in digital design/verification automation and ended up taking this course by Coach Sam while looking for related classes. I haven't finished all the lectures yet because I've been focusing primarily on the digital sections first, but it has been incredibly helpful. The course explains in detail how to design and verify using AI, and what kind of prompts to input to obtain code that can actually be used in practice. Since the lectures cover how to utilize AI not only for digital but also for analog and hardware-related fields, I highly recommend this course even to those who haven't decided on a specific career path yet.

5.0

최기범

30% enrolled

It covers HW, analog, and digital content, allowing for a truly diverse learning experience. Since it includes various hands-on exercises, it's great to be able to follow along with parts that were difficult to understand just by watching the videos.

5.0

sunny75

100% enrolled

===== 26/02/08/Sun 14:17 ===== I learned a lot from this lecture as well. Test/analysis automation has given me a lot to think about. Although I don't work in the semiconductor industry, listening to Coach Sam's lecture helped me understand a great deal. Thank you very much for creating such a great lecture.

What you will gain after the course

  • TSMC 180nm PDK-based LDO IP Design and Verification Automation System - Methods for Unattended Overnight Execution of Hundreds of Test Cases via Python/Batch Scripts and Automated PSRR/Dropout/Transient Sign-off Report Generation

  • Capabilities in Automated AXI-Lite SoC Protocol RTL Generation and UVM/SVA Verification using ChatGPT – Converting FSM Specs to SystemVerilog via AI Prompt Engineering and Automating Protocol Violation Detection

  • Ability to build an integrated Regression Test automation infrastructure using Python/TCL/DO scripts - A workflow that enables one-click execution from Synthesis to STA and Power Analysis, reducing a 3-day task to 30 seconds.

  • Automated verification system for 62,500 PVT Corner combinations and Statistical Yield prediction - TT/FF/SS/FS/SF Corners + 1,000 Monte Carlo simulations, 6-Sigma design strategy, and Cpk analysis capabilities

  • Samsung Electronics/SK Hynix Target GitHub Portfolio + Winning Resume + Interview Answer Completion - Practical Answer Set for Setup/Hold Time, Timing Closure, and Coverage-driven Verification


In the AI era, how can circuit design engineers survive?


Circuit design job seekers and junior engineers with less than 5 years of experience, please pay attention!

(👇 Watch the video below)

What are AI utilization capabilities and automation in circuit design?

💡Looking at recent Samsung Electronics and SK hynix job postings...

Circuit design automation capabilities required by Samsung Electronics DS Division and SK Hynix

Design automation, Python, Perl, C++, Shell, TCL, SVA, PVT, Corner, regression, UVM…
The terms are flashy, but in reality, you feel more like “I haven't done all of that... it's more like I've done a bit of a mix of them.”


At 'university/lab'

I have done quite a bit of SPICE, Verilog, and FPGA practice, but I have almost no experience in
directly designing conditions using AI, running them automatically, and collecting results with code to make judgments.


Once you join a company

  • You will mainly be assigned tasks on top of the netlists, scripts, and flows created by seniors, such as
    "Add one more corner here and run it,"
    or "Change only the seed and run it again."

  • Then, at some point,
    you start to wonder, “Am I a circuit designer, or just a monkey running simulations?”

🔥We will settle AI-based circuit design and verification automation all at once.

AI-based RTL Design

If you use AI-generated RTL code as-is, your synthesis will be a total disaster! Learn how to identify and fix fatal pitfalls in AI-generated code that occur in real-world scenarios, such as timing violations, protocol conflicts, and latch generation. AI is merely a tool; the final judgment is the responsibility of the engineer.

AI-based RTL Design

LDO Design and Verification Automation

Will you manually verify all 62,500 PVT corners after designing your LDO? Build an unmanned overnight regression test system using Python/Batch scripts to automate everything from line regulation to Monte Carlo statistical analysis. Let the scripts handle the verification while you sleep, and simply check the Pass/Fail report in the morning!

LDO Design and Verification Automation

SoC Protocol Design and
System-Verilog,
SVA, UVM Verification Automation

If a single AXI-Lite Handshake timing is off, the entire SoC goes dead! Automatically detect Protocol Violations with SystemVerilog Assertion (SVA), and run hundreds of test cases unattended overnight with a UVM-based verification environment. From design to verification and waveform checking in just 20 seconds with a single execution of a TCL/DO Script!

SoC Protocol Design and System-Verilog, SVA, UVM Verification Automation

AI-based HW Design

Are you still spending an hour drawing a single Symbol or Footprint? Automatically generate custom footprints based on datasheets with Claude AI and automate routing with the FreeRouting engine. Engineers should focus only on circuit design and review—leave the repetitive tasks to AI and automation tools!

AI-based HW Design

Self-study notes included

There were things we couldn't include even in a 20-hour lecture! We have packed the self-study notes with in-depth content that couldn't be fully covered in the course, such as practical know-how from field engineers, debugging case studies, PDK modeling details, and script optimization tips. Open them whenever you are reviewing the lecture or whenever you get stuck!

Self-study notes including real-world industry cases are provided separately for each chapter!


📚 AI-based Circuit Design/Verification Automation Curriculum

AI-based Semiconductor Circuit Design/Verification Automation Flow

Section 1

Introduction to AI-Based Semiconductor Circuit Design/Verification Automation Practice

This section introduces the impact and necessity of AI and automation in circuit design roles. It covers in-depth topics such as reducing silicon re-spin costs, strategies for shortening Time-to-Market, the difficulties of PVT variation verification, and strategies for utilizing AI.


Establishing an analog circuit design tool environment based on TSMC 180nm PDK

Section 2

Analog Circuit Design Tool Environment Setup and Practice

We will set up an analog circuit design tool environment based on the TSMC 180nm PDK and practice core analog circuit analysis, including single-stage amp design. You will learn how to set up a professional design environment.


Digital Circuit Design Tool Environment Setup and Practice

Section 3

Digital Circuit Design Tool Environment Setup and Practice

We will set up and practice using the EDA tool environment for overall digital circuit design, including Verilog HDL coding, logic synthesis, timing analysis, and power analysis. You will experience the entire process from RTL to Netlist in a one-stop workflow.


PCB HW Design Tool Environment Setup and Schematic Practice

Section 4

PCB HW Design Tool Environment Setup and Schematic Practice

We will set up the PCB circuit design tool environment for embedded board design and practice creating component libraries, designing power trees, and designing debugging interfaces.


LDO Design Master Class

Section 5

LDO Design Master Class

We will focus on learning the core design techniques of LDO Regulators and the know-how for ensuring stability. You will practice improving phase margin and spec-driven design to strengthen your capabilities in designing IPs for DC-DC ripple rejection.


LDO Analog IP Design and Automated Measurement Verification System Construction

Section 6

LDO Analog IP Design and Automated Measurement Verification System Construction

We will build an automated measurement and verification system for Spec Sign-off after LDO IP design. We will implement a measurement automation and regression testing system for hundreds of conditions using LTspice, Python, and Batch Script.


Process Corner & Monte Carlo Statistical Analysis Automation

Section 7

Process Corner & Monte Carlo Statistical Analysis Automation

Predict Statistical Yield and secure Design Margin through PVT Corner and Monte Carlo simulations. Practice AI-based automated verification report generation and automated re-verification linked with Post-Layout Parasitic RC Extraction.


AMBA Protocol Master Class

Section 8

AMBA Protocol Master Class

You will gain a complete understanding of the AMBA Protocol (APB, AHB, AXI), which is the core of SoC communication, and conduct AXI Protocol practice for High-Speed Premium SoC design.


AI-Based RTL Auto-Generation - AXI-Lite SoC Design Practice

Section 9

AI-Based RTL Auto-Generation - AXI-Lite SoC Design Practice

We will use AI Prompt Engineering to automatically convert FSM specs into SystemVerilog RTL and analyze the AXI-Lite 5-Channel Architecture. The practice covers everything from Intel Quartus Synthesis to SVA-based Protocol Violation detection.


TCL/DO Script-based SoC Regression Test Automation

Section 10

SoC Regression Test Automation based on TCL/DO Scripts

Automate regression testing, including Quartus project building, compilation, waveform logging, and coverage collection, using TCL scripts and ModelSim DO files. Establish an infrastructure for the unattended verification of hundreds of test cases through batch scripts.


Timing·Power Sign-off Integrated Analysis Automation

Section 11

Timing·Power Sign-off Integrated Analysis Automation

Automate Timing and Power Sign-off through SDC creation, Static Timing Analysis (STA), and Dynamic/Static Power analysis. Learn how to generate integrated QoR reports using Python scripts.


Completing the 4-Layer PCB

Section 12

Completing the 4-Layer PCB

We will conduct hands-on practice covering 4-Layer PCB Stackup design, Schematic to PCB Migration, Component Placement, and Ethernet PHY and MCU Block Layout. We will also cover Gerber file extraction for PCB manufacturing.


PCB Hardware Design Automation Full-Stack

Section 13

PCB Hardware Design Automation Full-Stack

We will practice the entire PCB design automation process, focusing on the design of an LM555 Timer Astable Multivibrator, including Schematic creation, AI-based Custom Symbol/Footprint generation, FreeRouting auto-routing, DRC Check, and Gerber file Export.


Completing Circuit Design Employment Strategies and Advancing AI Workflows

Section 14

Completing Circuit Design Employment Strategies and Advancing AI Workflows

You will learn how to analyze job-specific competencies and write winning resumes and GitHub portfolios. Along with practical interview preparation, the course covers AI workflow advancement strategies, including LLM fine-tuning and RAG-based design automation.


We can solve the concerns of people like this!

📌

Job seekers with a bachelor's degree in circuit design

Those who want to apply for circuit design roles at major companies like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, but are concerned about their lack of systematic hands-on experience and a competitive portfolio

📌

Undergraduate students considering graduate school

Those who want to gain practical, job-oriented skills quickly instead of going to graduate school,
and wish to become competitive in the job market with only a bachelor's degree

📌

Current engineers who lack experience in task automation

Those who want to self-teach Python, TCL script utilization, and
AI-based design/verification automation workflows due to a lack of internal automation training opportunities at their company.

Notes before taking the course


Hands-on Environment

  • Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)

  • Required Software: LTSpice, Quartus Prime Lite, KiCAD

  • Recommended Specifications: 8GB RAM or more, 50GB or more SSD storage space, Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 CPU or higher

Prerequisite Knowledge and Precautions

  • Basic knowledge of Python, Verilog HDL, UVM, and Shell Script (Batch/Tcl) required

  • It will be even more effective if you have a basic understanding of semiconductor circuit design.

  • Curiosity and a willingness to learn about AI-based automation are important.

Learning Materials

  • Lecture slide PDF (Summary of key content)

  • PDK and library files used for hands-on practice

  • Example code for automation scripts written by the instructor themselves

It covers Python, SystemVerilog, UVM, batch scripts, RTL, and more.


✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

1st Early Bird Discount EVENT !

1st Early Bird EVENT : 500,000 KRW X → 300,000 KRW

2nd Early Bird EVENT: 500,000 KRW X → 330,000 KRW

3rd Early Bird EVENT: 500,000 KRW X → 360,000 KRW

...
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

This is a course where I communicate with students through the Naver Cafe!

  1. Please join the open KakaoTalk chat room for announcements! (Entry code: 0459)
    https://open.kakao.com/o/gm1KFaCg

  2. Please join the Naver Cafe to receive the student materials!


    https://cafe.naver.com/samcoach

  3. Through monthly live classes, we provide assignment feedback and counseling for your concerns!


    ➡ Schedules and live class details are announced monthly via the Naver Cafe (Replays provided!)

  4. We provide various information and EVENTS for your job search!
    ➡ Cafe level-up + continuous updates + accessible even after completion.

Access to Sam Coach's community and EVENT participation for circuit design job seekers is now ON!

We invite you to Samcoach's Naver Cafe for circuit design job seekers!

https://cafe.naver.com/samcoach
To upgrade your cafe membership level, please apply for the lecture, join the cafe, and then fill out the form below!
https://forms.gle/r76HSgCHNyf43qmV6

For students,

  • Samcoach Group Consulting Pass

  • Advanced Student Resource Access

  • Discounts on other content

Various benefits such as these are available.

Samcoach Naver Cafe

Continuous updates planned!

We plan to continuously communicate with students and provide updates on any content that requires supplementation.


Nice to meet you, I'm Samcoach, your circuit design mentor! 🙌

  • Former Samsung Electronics DS Division / 5th-year Chip Circuit Design Engineer

    • Analog IP / Digital Scenario Design

    • Class A patent application filed

  • Technical support and engineering response for global foreign companies

  • Former) Startup Hardware Accelerator / MCU Firmware Design

  • Former) Major home appliance corporation / All-in-one water purifier production technology

  • Former) Mid-sized medical device company / PCB HW, CIS, DDI ASIC design


🧭 Mentor Activities

  • Author of the Circuit Design part of 'The Semiconductor Job Bible: Insights from Current Professionals by Role'

  • ‘Korea Semiconductor Industry Association SEMI-MOOC’ Circuit Design Core Theory and Simulation Instructor

  •  ‘No. 1 STEM Job Placement LetUin & Career Community Comento’ Circuit Design Job Mentor

  • Conducted circuit design job boot camps and special lectures at more than 10 universities, including Yonsei University, Hanyang University, and Konkuk University.

  • Over 200 sessions of resume / self-introduction letter / interview consulting for circuit design positions

  • ‘K-Digital Basic Competency Training’ Instructor (Stop difficult circuit formulas; Semiconductor circuit (chip) design done with your eyes)

  • Operating the YouTube channel 'Sam Coach, the Pathfinder for Circuit Design Jobs'

See you in the lecture! 🖐🏻

The fact that you are reading this right now means you are more than qualified to take on the challenge of a circuit design role. My role is to help the efforts of those passionate about circuits lead to a successful job offer.
This lecture will gift those of you challenging yourselves in circuit design with a 'distinctive design experience.'

Of course, it would be great if we could work together on circuit design projects following the roadmap, but I recommend you first try what you can do on your own through the free lecture (click). Then, if you feel it's necessary, please sign up for the course.

I look forward to seeing you in class. Thank you 😊

🪜 View Coach Sam's entire circuit design lecture roadmap
(Click the image below)



Recommended for
these people

Who is this course right for?

  • Bachelor's degree holders who want to apply for circuit design roles at Samsung Electronics or SK Hynix but do not have a portfolio.

  • Those who are torn between graduate school and employment but want to build competitiveness with a bachelor's degree.

  • Those who want to understand industry terminology such as TSMC PDK, Corner verification, and STA, and prepare for interviews.

  • Those who know they need verification automation but don't know how to write Python/TCL scripts.

  • Those who want to learn how to automatically generate RTL with ChatGPT but are finding it difficult to get started.

  • Those who want to improve work efficiency through self-study because there are no automation training opportunities at their company.

  • Those who want to stay competitive and not fall behind in the age of AI

Need to know before starting?

  • Basic circuit theory knowledge (OpAmp, MOSFET, digital logic circuit basics)

  • Basic Python syntax (variables, loops, and functions should be enough)

  • Basic syntax of Verilog or SystemVerilog

  • ChatGPT or Claude account (paid model recommended, free version also available)

  • PC capable of installing EDA tools in a Windows environment

Hello
This is samcoach

4,941

Learners

475

Reviews

254

Answers

5.0

Rating

8

Courses

Experience & Background

Current) Major Semiconductor Company (Chip Circuit Design, 4th Year)

  • Analog IP / Digital Scenario Design

  • Class A Patent Application

  • Technical support for global foreign company engineers

Former) Startup Incubator (MCU Firmware Design)

Former) Major Corporation Home Appliance Company (All-in-one Water Purifier Production Technology)

Former) Mid-sized medical device company (CIS, DDI ASIC design)

Yes, Former) Startup Incubating Company (MCU Firmware Design) Former) Large Enterprise Home Appliance Company (All-in-one Water Purifier Production Technology) Former) Mid-sized Medical Device Company (CIS, DDI ASIC Design)

Yes, Former) Startup Incubating Company (MCU Firmware Design) Former) Large Enterprise Home Appliance Company (All-in-one Water Purifier Production Technology) Former) Mid-sized Medical Device Company (CIS, DDI ASIC Design)

You can definitely take on the challenge of getting a job or changing careers in CHIP design.

Get one step closer to landing a job or switching careers in CHIP design with me!

"Are you dreaming of a career in semiconductor analog/digital circuit design?

I will help you from the basics through the eyes of a current employee at S Electronics, a major corporation!

Get closer to landing a job or switching careers in CHIP design! "Are you dreaming of a career in semiconductor analog/digital circuit design? I will help you from the basics through the eyes of a current employee at S Electronics, a major corporation!"

Nice to meet you! I am Coach Sam, currently designing system semiconductors at S Electronics :)

"Do you dream of becoming a circuit designer? I will help you from the basics through the eyes of a current employee at S Electronics, a major corporation!" Nice to meet you! I am Sam-coach, currently designing system semiconductors at S Electronics. :)

I have gone through many trials and errors while taking on the challenge of circuit design, starting from a startup.

I gained experience in PCB design, F/W design, FPGA design, and CHIP design through trial and error.

However, there was one thing I found disappointing.

I've faced many trials and errors while taking on these challenges. I gained experience in PCB design, F/W design, FPGA design, and CHIP design in a somewhat haphazard way. However, I always felt that something was missing.

'Why are there so few opportunities for systematic hands-on practice and information about employment in the field of circuit design?'

I experienced chip design in a haphazard, trial-and-error way. However, I felt one lingering regret: "Why are there so few structured hands-on opportunities and job-related information in the field of circuit design?"

While there was plenty of content for fields like semiconductor processing and programming, circuit design felt like a "hidden world" because information was so scarce.

Those of you preparing for a career in circuit design who are reading this have likely felt the same frustration I did. That's why I interviewed professionals in the field, asked my professors, and took IDEC courses.

Those of you preparing for a career in circuit design who are reading this have likely felt the same sense of frustration that I did.

So, you might try interviewing current professionals in the field, asking your professors for advice, or taking IDEC courses.

However, in most cases, you still find yourself feeling like you almost get it, but not quite.

SO! I went ahead and created a structured course myself that leads directly to employment!

I have experienced everything from [Analog Circuits -> Digital Systems -> MCU Firmware -> Driver Design -> Software], and

Through 'Top-down / Bottom-up' skills, I have become able to perfectly explain products and circuits.

And through my practical circuit courses on Inflearn, I will share everything from my own intuitive methods for interpreting 'analog/digital circuits' to the ways I evaluate trade-offs.

And on Inflearn, as we work with practical circuits, I plan to share everything from my own intuitive methods for interpreting 'analog/digital circuits' to the ways of evaluating trade-offs.

Let's build a solid foundation together, develop practical skills, and create your very own chip design story!

Let's build a solid foundation together, develop practical skills, and create your own unique chip design story!

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Curriculum

All

96 lectures ∙ (20hr 8min)

Course Materials:

Lecture resources
Published: 
Last updated: 

Reviews

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4 reviews

5.0

4 reviews

  • aceoftop1975님의 프로필 이미지
    aceoftop1975

    Reviews 121

    Average Rating 5.0

    5

    100% enrolled

    ===== 26/02/08/Sun 14:17 ===== I learned a lot from this lecture as well. Test/analysis automation has given me a lot to think about. Although I don't work in the semiconductor industry, listening to Coach Sam's lecture helped me understand a great deal. Thank you very much for creating such a great lecture.

    • sylee5341님의 프로필 이미지
      sylee5341

      Reviews 3

      Average Rating 5.0

      5

      30% enrolled

      • sosi8233449님의 프로필 이미지
        sosi8233449

        Reviews 1

        Average Rating 5.0

        5

        30% enrolled

        It covers HW, analog, and digital content, allowing for a truly diverse learning experience. Since it includes various hands-on exercises, it's great to be able to follow along with parts that were difficult to understand just by watching the videos.

        • samcoach
          Instructor

          Thank you for leaving a review. I am glad that the curriculum, which covers a wide range of topics from HW to analog and digital, allowed you to learn from various perspectives. It is especially meaningful to hear that the hands-on content helped you master parts that were "difficult to understand just by watching videos" by following along yourself. Ultimately, the process of implementing something with your own hands is what solidifies concepts and builds the foundation to apply them to your own environment. I will continue to reinforce the practical sections and examples so that the course goes beyond theoretical explanations and enables you to produce actual results by following along. Please feel free to leave any feedback regarding topics you would like to see covered further or the difficulty and structure of the exercises. Thank you.

      • 20231117629434님의 프로필 이미지
        20231117629434

        Reviews 1

        Average Rating 5.0

        5

        30% enrolled

        I became interested in digital design/verification automation and ended up taking this course by Coach Sam while looking for related classes. I haven't finished all the lectures yet because I've been focusing primarily on the digital sections first, but it has been incredibly helpful. The course explains in detail how to design and verify using AI, and what kind of prompts to input to obtain code that can actually be used in practice. Since the lectures cover how to utilize AI not only for digital but also for analog and hardware-related fields, I highly recommend this course even to those who haven't decided on a specific career path yet.

        • samcoach
          Instructor

          Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful and detailed review. The topic of digital design/verification automation can be particularly daunting because resources are scattered, and it's often unclear "where and how to start." I am truly touched to hear that this course helped you establish a direction for practical application. I feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that the specific sections—such as how to approach design/verification with AI and how to structure prompts to get usable code results—were helpful to you. As you mentioned, even if you haven't finished the entire course yet, focusing on the parts you need and applying them immediately is the most efficient way to learn. Furthermore, I included perspectives on "how to handle AI" from both digital and analog/hardware viewpoints to provide a universal framework applicable even to those whose career paths aren't fully decided. I am grateful that this intention resonated with you. I am also continuously exploring prompting and automation methodologies. I will keep updating the course with the latest cases and workflows to ensure it remains directly applicable to practical work. I will share news regarding updates through course announcements. If you encounter any roadblocks while learning or have topics you'd like me to cover in more depth, please feel free to leave a comment or message.

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