Understanding Latch-Up in Advanced CMOS Logic

http://www12.fairchildsemi.com/an/AN/AN-600.pdf

some environment settings of cadence tools

Wavescan default setting: $CDSHOME/tools/dfII/etc/tools/wavescan/.cdsenv

Change the trace line thickness setting using: envSetVal(“wavescan.trace” “linethickness” ‘string “Bold”), just add this line to .cdsinit file in the working directry.

The highlight colour and thickness can be changed in the tool Display resource manager.

Ocean initialization file

Ocean initialization file is .oceanrc, which you can put the default setting in the file.

Double the Power Level in Your Resume

When you're job hunting, you're in competition with a lot of people. Your resume has to do a huge amount of heavy lifting for you. A hiring manager is looking for more than a bundle of skills in a human-shaped package. He or she is looking for someone who's self-directed and proactive. There's no better way to get these traits across than in the description of the past jobs in your resume.

Somewhere down the line, we've learned to write our resumes in a passive style. We've learned to write them in a weird "corporate-speak" language in which sentences have no subject.

Where else, outside of a resume, would we ever write, "Results-oriented professional with a bottom-line orientation"? The answer is nowhere!

We're writing about ourselves. We can use "I" in a resume, like this: "I build nimble supply chains for consumer-products makers. I love to forge strong relationships with vendors that give my employers great pricing, great service, and up-to-the-minute information." That two-sentence excerpt from a resume summary is professional, and it's human, too. It puts a picture in the hiring manager's mind--a picture of someone hard at work, strengthening vendor relationships around the world to get the company's products to market faster than its competitors can.

A resume has to have a human voice, and it needs to put your power on the page. When we use our resume bullets merely to list the tasks we performed at past jobs, we're losing our best power-conveying opportunity. Our resume can work harder for us. We need to let a hiring manager know what's in our wake from each of those past jobs. We need to let him or her know what we set out to do in each assignment, and what we got done. Our words have to make it clear that we didn't show up and do the same job that anyone else in the role would have done. We need to show how we put our stamp on the company!

Here's an example. The old version of this resume included a section on a stint at Acme Dynamite:

Acme Dynamite
Pasadena, California
Quality Control Manager
2002-2004

• Managed the Quality Control department of five employees.
• Created Quality Control processes and procedures.
• Led Quality Control task force to improve our dynamite's effectiveness against roadrunners.

This section doesn't help the job seeker. It's more likely to put a reader to sleep than to help anyone get a job. It tells us what's in the job description. We could have guessed at these duties, since they're the typical tasks a person with the Quality Control Manager title performs. We can do better! We can bring more of our power and personality across in our resume. Let's try it again:

Acme Dynamite
Pasadena, California
Quality Control Manager
2002-2004

• I was recruited to join Acme, the world's largest supplier of dynamite to the coyote market, by a colleague of mine who knew Acme's CEO. I was brought on board to build a QA team from scratch and allow Acme to penetrate the lucrative 'toon market.
• Took apart the design-and-release process and rebuilt it with a team of hourly-to-senior-exec peers, taking three months out of the concept-to-ship cycle.
• Reduced manufacturing cost by 30 percent and slashed the defect rate by half.
• Established relationships with our nationwide sales team to get quality issues raised and addressed within 48 hours after they were reported.

How is this resume stronger than the first version? The second take has five advantages over the first one. For starters, it has a human voice. The job-seeker uses "I" only twice in this section, but he uses it to his advantage. He was recruited by a friend of the CEO of the company--of course he wants to tell that story, because it shapes the way we perceive him. Second, this job-seeker tells us a story. He tells us why Acme Dynamite needed him. That's huge. It's clear that he understands the business ramifications of a strong quality program. He isn't a guy who takes a job and just does what he's told. He spots opportunities and problems and dives into 'em. Who doesn't want a guy like that on the team?

Third, this candidate doesn't bore us with his job description. Every bullet in his resume describes an accomplishment he's proud of. He uses numbers to showcase his results. He packs a lot of punch into those short bulleted phrases. Fourth, this job seeker doesn't use abstractions to highlight his skills, such as "I'm a team player." He tells us what he did with a team and lets readers see that he's a team player. Fifth, this fellow uses vernacular like "took apart" and "slashed." He is confident. He uses business slang because he's writing for a fellow business problem-solver, not a bureaucrat. This writing style honors the reader by signaling, "Look, we're both in this game to make things happen. I'm not going to waste your time with corporate-speak gunk like 'Seasoned leader of cross-functional teams' and 'Meets or exceeds expectations.' I assume you don't have time for that. I know for dang sure I don't."

Try a human voice and action-packed resume bullets the next time you revise your resume. If you're job-hunting, try them today!

Rejuvenate Your Resume

In a competitive job market, we have to do everything we can to make our resumes more attractive to hiring managers. This can be difficult for older workers, who fear that even if there's no bias (subconscious or conscious) against job seekers on the mature side of 40, a resume may make them look "overqualified" for the positions they want.

Here are five ways to make your resume more youthful, so you can score the interview--and make an impression with your experience and enthusiasm, instead of your assumed birth date.

1. Remove dates from your education. Hiring managers (as well as resume-reading software) may be looking for certain minimum requirements in the area of education. But they likely won't think about dates unless you mention them. If your life followed a typical pattern, the dates of your college degrees are an age indicator. (But education dates are a double-edged sword--if you got your degree or certification relatively recently, you may seem inexperienced; too long ago, "over the hill.")

2. Focus on recent relevant experience. Of course you're proud of all your accomplishments--but the people looking at your resume are interested only in the skills and achievements that relate directly to the position they're trying to fill. Many job seekers (not only those with long work histories) make the mistake of putting too much on their resumes.

For example, if you're a 45-year-old marketing professional applying for a management position, the fact that you were Congressional page in the early 1980s is interesting--but probably not relevant. (And the fact that you were, say, a data-entry clerk for eight months in the late 1980s is neither of those things.) Look at the earliest jobs on your resume--do they say relevant and unique things that will make you more attractive to this particular employer? If not, cut them.

3. Focus on new technologies. "Teletype," "DOS," Wite-Out correction fluid: your resume should have none of these things on it. Demonstrate that you're not an "old fogey" by removing all references to outmoded technology from your resume. If you're a graphic designer, for instance, you know that the design program Macromedia xRes is no longer being used--so why would you waste valuable resume space on touting your xRes skills?

List only software programs and technologies that are current in your industry.

4. Get online and get connected. Like it or not, many jobs now require a familiarity with social media. And almost all job seekers can benefit from the knowing how to navigate Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and industry-specific online communities. For many hiring managers and recruiters, if you're not online, you don't exist.

(For more on using social media, read "Career Networking Tips: Get Started on Twitter.")

5. Give your resume a personal voice. Old-fashioned resumes contain a lot of lifeless writing, vague generalities, and "job-seeker jargon"--words and phrases that have lost all meaning through overuse: "detail-oriented," "team player," "responsible for," and so on.

Instead of saying that you're detail-oriented, give an example of how your attention to detail saved a past employer money. Instead of saying that you're a team player, tell the hiring manager about how your team worked together to increase profits. And never tell a hiring manager you were "responsible for" something--tell her what you achieved. Use numbers to quantify those achievements, and use strong verbs.

Finally, don't be afraid of "I" statements in your resume--enthusiastically telling your story as only you can will give your resume more vitality and help it stand out from the pack.

Make Over Your Career in 2011

Sometimes, a job--even a pretty good one--can start to feel like it's "going nowhere." But although you may want to advance your career, you may not be in a position to look for a new job. Maybe you're in an industry where staffing is still tight. Or maybe you just started a new job, and you'd like to put in a few years before moving on. Or maybe you can't take a financial risk right now.

Whatever the case, there are small changes you can make that will boost your career without giving it a major overhaul. We asked several experts for their tips:

1. Improve relations with your boss.
Your direct supervisor is one of the most important people in your professional life. If that relationship is feeling strained, get back into your boss's good graces by figuring out how to best communicate with him or her, suggests Katherine Reynolds Lewis, a workplace journalist for About.com and the Fiscal Times. "So often, managers have so little time to do the management, so you have to manage up," she says. Ask your supervisor if you can schedule a weekly check-in meeting. Or if your manager is more spontaneous, strike up a conversation and subtly mention your latest accomplishments. "Don't assume that your boss knows when you've done a great job," urges Lewis.

2. Beat procrastination or lateness.
If you struggle with tardiness or procrastination, then Fearless Career coach Victoria Ashford suggests owning up to the weakness and enlisting coworkers to help you stay accountable. "The biggest hindrance is not having a good support system," she explains. "Tell people, 'This is a problem for me,' and get them to share their techniques." Understanding the consequences can also help. "If you're not there on time, the door gets closed for a meeting," says Ashford, "and the embarrassment of you peeking through the glass reinforces the need to be on time."

3. Set goals for yourself.
So many workers focus on slogging through the workday that they forget to set goals. But motivational coach Steve Frank says that it's important to set goals and write them down. "Then break your goals down into smaller goals, so you have things to celebrate along the way," he adds. If you work in HR and your goal is to reduce turnover by 30 percent, then first think about how you can reduce it by 10 percent or 15 percent, and reward yourself for hitting those milestones.

4. Tackle new projects.
"This is a great time to create a new job within your job," says Ashford. Volunteer for the task no one else wants. Suggest a new project that you can spearhead to boost your skill set. Look for ways to save your company money. "If you can find a way to copy paper cheaper, you're going to be the shining star," adds Ashford. Making yourself indispensable helps solidify your position within the company and ensure that you'll have strong references when it's time to move on.

5. Polish your resume--just in case.
You should keep your resume up-to-date even when you aren't actively looking for a job. However, as Lewis says, "Polishing your resume shouldn't be about moving words around on paper. It's about getting things on your resume that will get you to that next level. Working on the fonts and formatting can be an excuse to procrastinate."

10 Ways to Make Yourself 'Unfireable.'

Phew. You survived the culling. Or maybe your company has managed to avoid a mass layoff. Either way, you're one of the lucky ones. Unlike so many of your friends and family, you won't have to deal with the unemployment office or cancel your cable--yet.

But instead of sitting smugly at your desk, you should be thinking about what you can do (right now!) to make yourself absolutely indispensable.

Having a job is not a civil right. Everyone is vulnerable to cutbacks. Now is not the time for complacency.

The good news is, there are lots of steps you can take to help safeguard your position. And who knows? You may even end up with a promotion!

If you want to be the last person they'd think of letting go, follow our ten tips:

1. Save your company money.
Do you have an idea for how your company can cut costs? Pitch it!

Whether it's moving toward digital systems to save on printer paper, or a killer idea to streamline your supply chain, now is the time to show management you understand the importance of the bottom line.

Even if they don't adopt your brilliant plan, they'll respect your eye for savings and appreciate your effort.

2. Be positive.
No one wants to work with a "Negative Nancy." Ever. And especially not now. Bad news abounds, and frankly, everyone is really tired of it.

So instead of complaining about the state of the economy, rising gas prices, or your mother-in-law, focus on the positive. Share on-the-job success stories. Be optimistic about your company, and focus on steps you can take to have a positive impact on its future.

Share good news (when you come across it). Make jokes where appropriate. Smile.

Things can't be that bad for you. You still have a job, remember?

3. Work longer hours.
I'm not suggesting that you stay until midnight. I'm not even suggesting that you miss prime time. What I am suggesting is that you be prepared to stay until the task at hand is finished.

In the past, you might have left work promptly at 5 p.m., just short of completing something (reasoning that you'd finish it up in the morning). Nowadays, it's a good practice to stick around that extra 30 minutes or hour it takes to get it done.

You may also consider coming in 15 minutes early so that you can get yourself organized before the workday begins. You don't want to be scrambling to start up your laptop in time for a 9 a.m. meeting.

4. Be a leader.
You might not have a manager's job title, but that doesn't mean you can't act like you do.

Being a leader means helping others. It means understanding the bigger picture. It means being vocal about possible improvements and thinking not just about yourself and your position, but also about the overall goals of the organization.

Companies need leaders. Right now, you need to be needed. If you've got leadership qualities you've been sitting on, now is the time to let them emerge.

5. Steer clear of gossip.
News travels fast. Especially juicy news. Well, guess what. If you heard it, chances are, so did your manager. And if you play any part in its proliferation, chances are, your manager will know that, too.

As tempting as it can be, don't get sucked into office gossip. As soon as you do, you implicate yourself, make enemies, and come off as unprofessional. If someone else insists on telling you something, make sure it stops with you.

The workplace might sometimes feel like high school, but it isn't. The ramifications of being the office gossip are a lot more serious than detention or a missed birthday-party invite.

6. Enhance your skill set

You’ve got what it takes to do the job you’re doing. Obviously.

But why not enhance your skill set to make yourself even more valuable to your team? Or better at your job? Faster? Maybe some basic HTML, or Photoshop would allow you to take on more of your company newsletter?

Whatever your industry, there is always room for improvement. Now is a great time to explore any additional skills that will turn you into an indispensable employee. And with so much information out there, you can do so at a minimal cost. If you can’t afford to take a night class, buy a book (or check one out from the library!) or take an online tutorial.

And once you become a master at your chosen skill, you can offer to lead a workshop for the entire team. Voila. You’ve just become a leader (see #4)!

7. Work Well With Others

It may sound cheesy, but think of your workforce as a family. After all, you spend eight hours a day together, you depend on each other for the survival of the business, and you have no choice but to at least tolerate one another.

Now more than ever, effective collaboration is seen as a key driver of success. So put aside differences in age, background and interests, and learn how to communicate effectively with your teammates.

It’s not just the company’s survival that depends on it — it’s your own.

8. Watch Your Back

Think your boss doesn’t notice all those personal calls? Or how much time you spend on Twitter? Think again. Often, they’re paying closer attention than you think. And if ever they suspect you’re wasting their time, they can easily look up phone, email or internet records.

Now is not the time to be sloppy about personal communications on the job.

Depending on your office, it might be okay to take the occasional, quick phone call, or send an email or two on your lunch break. But if you’re on Gmail every time your boss walks up to your desk, you’re asking for trouble.

9. Keep Time Off to a Minimum

If you’ve got strep throat, stay home. Is your sister getting married? Go ahead and take a few days off (the wrath of Bridezilla = scarier than being fired).

It’s not that you shouldn’t take time off. It’s just that you should try and be a little more particular about your reasons, especially if your company is experiencing cutbacks. Don’t call in sick for a hangover, or plan any long, extravagant vacations (at least until the waters settle).

A week-long trip to the Bahamas sounds fun, but coming back to no job will be anything but.

10. Be Visible

Modesty is a sweet quality. Except, of course, in a recession.

If you’re working late, helping others and/or coming up with new, killer ideas, make sure someone (other than your mother) knows about it.

Give your manager regular updates on your progress. Even a weekly or semi-weekly recap of your accomplishments, sent by email, will do the trick. You’re not bragging, you’re just making sure they know what you’ve been working on.

Let’s face it: if you don’t toot your own horn, no one else will.

Good websites on collections of all kinds of articles and e-books

(1) http://khup.com/

Interview questions for analog IC design jobs

In this series of posts, I will try to collect those common interview questions for analog IC design jobs. Some of the questions are from internet, and some are from my personal experiences.