Young Professional & Women in Circuits Session

Tuesday, 15 April

5:30 pm-6:30 pm

Title: What They Don’t You Teach at University:  Survival Skills for Young Circuits Designers in Today’s Semiconductor Industry

The semiconductor industry has undergone mind-boggling changes over the past 30 years.  Moore’s Law has taken us from 3um feature sizes to below 2nm with on-chip clock speeds going from the low MHz to the hundreds of GHz.  But much remains the same.  Circuit designers still practice the old black magic of ad-hoc topology selection, device size optimization and trading off between circuits and system considerations.  Computing and CAD advances allow designers to predict production yield for critical functions and performance parameters as never before.  There is a tremendous temptation for engineers to specialize as chips become so much more complex.  But for ambitious circuit designers to stand out and flourish, they need to cultivate understanding of adjacent fields:  digital design, verification, systems architecture, firmware/software, lab validation, product engineering, manufacturing, marketing and sales.  Circuits designers are working in ever larger worldwide teams where the importance of cultural sensitivity and empathy are crucial to project and business success.  Clear written and verbal communication on complex and subtle technical and business topics are essential to professional success.  This session will draw from the speaker’s long career in circuit design and the semiconductor business and will include anecdotes and cautionary tales that will be instructive for up-and-coming engineers, whether they be aspiring technical leaders or aspiring managers, in today’s industry.

Marc Loinaz

Bio: Marc Loinaz is the Vice President of R&D for High-Performance PHY in the Silicon Solutions Group at Cadence Design Systems.  His team produces serial transceivers for PCIe, Ethernet, USB and MIPI standards at data rates from 224Gb/s down to 480Mb/s in process nodes from 28nm down to 2nm.  Dr. Loinaz has worked on serial transceivers at Broadcom, NetLogic Microsystems and Aeluros, a venture-backed start-up where he was a co-founder.  He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in EE from the University of Pennsylvania.  Dr. Loinaz started his career at AT&T Bell Laboratories where he worked on early CMOS cameras and was a co-recipient of the 1998 JSSC Best Paper Award

Title: Women in Tech at TSMC: Breaking Barriers and Charting Your Path in the Semiconductor Industry

Abstract: In the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, breaking the glass ceiling remains a significant challenge, particularly for women in the semiconductor field. With over 20 years of experience within TSMC, I have witnessed the transformative power of perseverance and integrity. This journey is not just about self-advancement but also about envisioning the bigger picture for our industry and future generations. As more women join this dynamic field, it is crucial to cultivate an environment that values diversity, encourages skill development, and celebrates achievements. In my speech, I will share essential lessons that have guided my path to success. These include the importance of having a clear vision, understanding the power of pacing oneself, and embracing the white spaces of opportunity. I have learned to harness the strength of customer focus and results-driven strategies, finding ways to navigate challenges creatively. By tapping into our genuine selves and identifying our unique talents, we can carve our own paths in this industry. Join me as I recount my personal journey and the principles that have shaped my leadership style. Let these stories inspire you to pursue your career aspirations and break through barriers in the semiconductor industry. Together, we can create a future where diverse voices lead the way, transforming challenges into opportunities.

Diana Tai

Bio: Diana Tai recently celebrated her 20-year tenure at TSMC, where she’s been key in managing the company’s brand and the Open Innovation Platform (OIP) ecosystem.
Her expertise in industry trends, technological advancements, and brand strategies has been crucial in launching value-added services and enhancing customer trust.
Diana excels in product marketing, corporate communications, and partnership management.
Known for her strategic insight and relentless drive, she is dedicated to building a sustainable ecosystem and fostering global industry partnerships.
Diana focuses on understanding client needs and running impactful campaigns for TSMC’s products and services, continually strengthening customer confidence, and reinforcing its reputation as an industry leader.