From audio amplifiers to integrated circuits - A story of passion, innovation, and evolution
I have always had a love of electronics starting from a very young age. As a teenager, I designed and built my own audio system complete with preamp, amplifier, and speakers. When I pursued an Electrical Engineering degree, vacuum tubes were still a major part of the curriculum.
Besides the standard curriculum I took every semiconductor class that was offered, including "IC Processing" and "Advanced Semiconductor Physics." However, I wanted to follow my passion: designing audio equipment.
I came up with an idea to use the transistor cascode configuration in an audio amplifier. I was finishing my prototype when Nelson Pass announced his cascode amplifier product. Disheartened, I moved on to a different concept.
Motorola had just announced their V-FET power transistors. These were fast enough to use in a digital switching audio amplifier. This became my Senior project. Then Nelson announced his line of Stasis amplifiers. I felt that I wouldn't be able to keep up with Nelson and I questioned my plans.
I got a job offer from a microwave semiconductor company and was about to start when I got a call from RCA in Lancaster, PA. To make a long story short, I got a job offer to design hybrid analog/digital circuits for them and took it.
I was the only person interviewed who knew what a CCD was thanks to my interest in advanced devices. Turned out that the interviewer was one of the creators of the CCD. I feel that this was the main reason I got the offer.
At RCA, I designed integrated circuits for driving CCD imagers, high-speed (1200 baud) modems, and various designs with the 1802 processor. I also developed design techniques for integrated circuit layout that reduced tasks from taking 2 weeks to 2 hours. This started my relationship with the RCA design automation group in Somerville, NJ.
I transferred to the Solid State Technology Center of RCA in Somerville, NJ. I became part of the MIMIC team where I trained and supported RCA designer in various divisions with using MIMIC.
Created the technology libraries for use in MIMIC in various groups throughout RCA. Developed various tools to automate the flow from design to manufacturing and testing.
Developed various new capabilities for MIMIC, including the resistive switch element, dynamic loading, and test equipment emulation
My career evolved through several distinct phases:
Creating the actual hardware - chips and circuits that would become products.
Helping designers use MIMIC and other tools, understanding their needs and challenges.
Creating the tools themselves - the EDA software that would enable others to design chips.
Creating systems to manage the entire design process.
Developed design techniques that reduced IC design tasks from 2 weeks to just 2 hours, revolutionizing productivity at RCA.
Led the effort that achieved a 98% first-time silicon success rate, an unprecedented achievement in the industry.
Contributed to the first Design Automation Conference and the government's initiative to standardize a design language that became VHDL.
From designing audio amplifiers as a student, chasing after Nelson Pass, to pioneering EDA software that would be used by 60+ companies worldwide - the journey has been one of continuous learning and evolution.
Each setback in audio design led to new opportunities. Each transition from hardware to software opened new possibilities. What started as disappointment about not keeping up with Nelson Pass in audio design led to a career that helped shape the entire integrated circuit design industry.
I have lots of details about my journey along the way and my triumphs and failures. Perhaps one day I'll write them down.
Outstanding Technical Achievement
Awarded for pioneering work on the MIMIC simulator. This was the last technical award given by RCA before the company was acquired, making it a historic recognition of the revolutionary impact of MIMIC on integrated circuit design.
Digital Television Innovation
1. For creating a device that simulates a model of the human vision system for accurate video grading
2. For developing a device to verify broadcast streams from satellites meet timing and other specifications
Image Processing
Holder of six patents in image processing technology, contributing to advances in visual signal processing and analysis.
The journey didn't stop with integrated circuit design. The evolution continued into the realms of video processing and broadcast technology, applying deep technical expertise to new challenges in the television and satellite industries.
Developed a groundbreaking device that models the human visual system for accurate video grading. This work earned a Technical Emmy Award and represented a significant advance in understanding how humans perceive video quality, enabling more accurate color and quality adjustments in video production.
Created a sophisticated device to verify that broadcast streams from satellites meet precise timing and technical specifications. This second Emmy Award-winning work was critical for ensuring broadcast quality and reliability in the emerging digital television era.
Developed and patented six innovations in image processing technology, bridging the worlds of signal processing, visual perception, and digital media. These patents represent fundamental contributions to how we process and analyze visual information.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT):
This multidisciplinary education gave me a unique perspective - straddling the transition from vacuum tubes to semiconductors, taking advantage of every advanced semiconductor class available (including IC Processing and Advanced Semiconductor Physics), and later expanding into computer engineering and biomedical applications.
Working at RCA provided exposure to:
Throughout this journey, what made the difference wasn't just technical skill - it was understanding what designers needed, building relationships across the industry, and having the courage to pursue new directions when old paths closed.
From working directly with RCA designers for 6 months to understand their needs, to collaborating with Shiv Sikand on the asynchronous ARM processor, to contributing to industry-wide standards - the connections and collaborations shaped everything.
I still love what I do and he journey continues.