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Showing posts from October, 2025

Nvidia's $1 billion stake in Nokia

Ref: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nvidia-make-1-billion-investment-finlands-nokia-2025-10-28/ $1 Billion Equity Investment: Nvidia is making a $1 billion equity investment in Nokia. The deal involves purchasing approximately 166 million new shares at a subscription price of $6.01 per share , giving Nvidia a 2.9% stake in the Finnish telecommunications equipment maker. Strategic Partnership for AI-RAN and 6G: The investment is part of a comprehensive partnership aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of AI-native mobile networks (known as AI-RAN) and 6G technology . Technological Collaboration:  Nokia will integrate Nvidia's accelerated computing into its Radio Access Network (RAN) portfolio, speeding up its 5G and 6G RAN software to run on the NVIDIA CUDA® platform. Nvidia is launching the NVIDIA Arc Aerial RAN Computer , a 6G-ready platform, which will be incorporated into Nokia’s new AI-RAN products. The collaboration will also extend to AI networ...

My Thoughts on ASIC PD Interviews: A 10-Year Perspective - Part 4

The Indispensable Role of Communication in Engineering Interviews Engineering, at its core, is a deeply collaborative discipline. While technical prowess is undoubtedly crucial, the ability to effectively communicate those technical ideas, especially complex ones, stands out as an equally valuable, if not more so, skill. During interviews, this communication ability becomes a critical differentiator, often determining a candidate's success regardless of their underlying knowledge. Candidates who demonstrate exceptional communication skills leave a lasting positive impression. This includes those who can articulate their thoughts clearly and concisely, structure their explanations logically, and actively engage in meaningful dialogue with their interviewers. Their ability to break down intricate concepts into understandable terms showcases not only their intellectual capacity but also their potential to seamlessly integrate into a team environment where clear communication is paramo...

Google has quantum algorithm

Ref: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/10/google-claims-to-have-quantum-advantage-with-a-potentially-useful-algorithm/?utm_source=tldrnewsletter Here is a summary of the key points: Verifiable Quantum Advantage: Google's Quantum AI team claims to have achieved the first-ever demonstration of verifiable quantum advantage using their Willow quantum chip. The Algorithm: The breakthrough was achieved by executing a novel, peer-reviewed algorithm called Quantum Echoes . Performance Leap: The Quantum Echoes algorithm, run on the Willow chip, performed a specific, scientifically meaningful physics simulation task approximately 13,000 times faster than state-of-the-art classical methods running on the world's leading supercomputers (like Frontier). Practical Use: Unlike previous "quantum supremacy" demonstrations that were often criticized as being narrow and unverifiable, this result is considered a step toward useful quantum computation . The task tackled—explorin...

My Thoughts on ASIC PD Interviews: A 10-Year Perspective - Part 3

Part 3. Passion Is a Differentiator While skills and knowledge are crucial for any professional role, particularly for fresh graduates, genuine enthusiasm truly sets you apart. We’ve consistently observed that individuals who clearly articulate their passion for their projects, research, or developments in their field resonate most deeply. This innate passion is a powerful catalyst, manifesting as infectious energy, insatiable curiosity, and an eagerness to exceed expectations, tackling challenges proactively. It goes beyond grades, qualifications, or a perfectly crafted resume. It's about demonstrating deep-seated interest and unwavering commitment. Whether your ambition is an internship, an entry-level position, or an advanced role, letting your true passion shine through is paramount. Authentic enthusiasm is contagious—it captivates interviewers, suggesting a natural fit within the team, and is far more memorable than a simple recitation of accomplishments. Candidates who can vi...

ChatGPT Atlas - AI Browser from OpenAI

 Ref:  https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-atlas/ Based on the article, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Atlas on October 21, 2025. It is a new web browser with ChatGPT built directly into its core. Here's a summary of its key features: Integrated AI: ChatGPT is part of the browser, allowing it to understand the context of the webpage you are on. This lets you ask questions and get help without having to copy and paste information. Browser Memories: An optional feature that allows ChatGPT to remember context from sites you visit. This enables more personalized assistance, such as asking it to summarize job postings you looked at last week. Users have full control over this feature and can view or delete memories. Agent Mode: A preview feature for paid users that allows ChatGPT to take actions for you within the browser, such as researching topics, automating tasks, or planning events. Privacy and Control: Users can control what ChatGPT sees and remembers. By default, br...

My Thoughts on ASIC PD Interviews: A 10-Year Perspective - Part 2

Part 2. Fundamentals Matter In the highly specialized and constantly evolving field of semiconductor engineering, a profound and unshakeable understanding of fundamental principles is not merely advantageous, but absolutely essential. During our recent interview processes, we were consistently and notably impressed by candidates who demonstrated an exceptional ability to articulate and elucidate complex concepts with clarity and precision. This included a deep dive into topics such as the intricate operational mechanics of a Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET), the foundational principles governing Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) logic design, and the critical nuances of timing analysis in integrated circuits. These are not simply abstract academic subjects to be memorized and recited; rather, they serve as the indispensable building blocks upon which all real-world engineering solutions are constructed. From the design of microprocessors and memor...

LLM as of now

Ref: https://blog.arcbjorn.com/state-of-llms-2025 In the late-2025 landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs), the era of a single, dominant AI model has conclusively ended. Instead, we are now in a specialized ecosystem where different models excel at specific tasks. This shift, as detailed in the blog post "State of LLMs in Late 2025," has led to a more diverse and competitive market, with users needing to understand the key technical differentiators between models to select the right tool for their needs. These differentiators include the model's architecture, the data it was trained on, and its fine-tuning methods. The major players in the LLM space of late 2025 each have their own strengths and ideal use cases. OpenAI's GPT-5 is noted for its unified intelligence system, making it a versatile and powerful option for a wide range of applications. Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.5 has established itself as the leader in coding and autonomous tasks, a go-to for devel...

My Thoughts on ASIC PD Interviews: A 10-Year Perspective - Part 1

I've interviewed a lot of candidates for ASIC Physical Design Services over the last decade, and it's always an interesting mix. Sometimes I'm really impressed, other times not so much. It's not just about picking the best people, it's also about helping future applicants. So, I'm planning to share my thoughts regularly on what makes a good candidate, what could be better, and how to shine in this tough but rewarding field. Part 1. The Power of Preparation Candidates who took their time to research, understand the company and the role, reviewed their coursework, and anticipated questions stood out immediately. Preparation is the foundation of a successful interview. They came in with confidence, clarity, and purpose.  However, those who seemed unaware of the job description or couldn’t explain their own resume left a poor impression. Some of the candidates had no idea about the ASIC industry and the major fields. Some others did not review their coursework and f...

ChatGPT Pulse

Ref:  https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-pulse OpenAI has introduced a new feature for ChatGPT called Pulse, which is currently available as a preview for Pro users on mobile devices. Pulse transforms ChatGPT from a reactive tool to a proactive assistant by delivering personalized updates. Here's how it works: Proactive Research: Every night, Pulse analyzes your chat history, memory, and direct feedback to identify topics relevant to you. Personalized Updates: The next day, it presents these findings in the form of visually appealing, easy-to-scan cards. These updates can include follow-ups on previous conversations, suggestions for daily activities, or progress on long-term goals. Enhanced Personalization: You can optionally connect your Gmail and Google Calendar to further personalize the updates. User Control: You can provide feedback on the updates and directly request topics for research, which helps improve the relevance of the information provided. Pulse is sti...

A Wider Perspective on Chips, Code, and AI

Ever since I was a kid, I've been fascinated by the magic of technology. Not the stage-magic kind, but the real, tangible magic that happens when you etch impossibly small patterns onto a slice of silicon, or when you write lines of code that spring to life, learning and creating in ways we're only beginning to understand. For me, taking apart an old radio wasn't just about seeing the components; it was about trying to grasp the invisible logic that connected them. That curiosity never left. It led me down a rabbit hole that became a career, a path that has placed me right at the intersection of hardware and software engineering. I've spent years with one foot in the cleanroom, marveling at the physics of semiconductor fabrication, and the other foot in the command line, crafting the software that breathes intelligence into that silicon. I’ve come to see these two worlds not as separate disciplines, but as two sides of the same revolutionary coin. And that's why I...