Article
Bright Minds: Rutger on Digital IC Design engineer
An inside look at signal integrity, testability, and the challenges of backend design.
It is not just about the tools, but about the engineers who master them. Rutger started his journey at Bruco IC as an intern in 2014 and has since grown into a key Digital IC Design Engineer. In this article, we dive into his technical drivers: why linking components at the micron level requires a completely different mindset than discrete design, and how he navigates challenges around testability and signal integrity.
Rutger's journey at Bruco IC began in 2014 during his internship. After completing his Bachelor in Engineering in 2015, he immediately joined the team as a Junior Digital Backend Designer. Looking back, this was the ideal opportunity to broaden his skillset: "Adding digital frontend knowledge was an interesting addition to the hard technical skills I had already developed."
For Rutger, the fascination with IC design lies in the low-level aspects of the work. It goes far beyond simply connecting components to create a working system.
"You have to deal with fundamental aspects of IC design such as technology choices, signal integrity, parasitics, and testability (DFT)," Rutger explains. "We are developing systems on a micro- and nanometer scale. That way of thinking is completely different compared to discrete design on a PCB."
A typical day for a Digital Engineer at Bruco is diverse. Engineers often work on multiple projects simultaneously, with activities ranging from writing specifications to actual design, verification, and implementation.
"In our digital group, we aim to use industry-standard methods, but we also explore every possibility our tools and systems offer," says Rutger. This dynamic mix of R&D and structured implementation keeps the work technically challenging and fresh.
Why do engineers choose Bruco? According to Rutger, the strength lies in autonomy. "We have the freedom to plan our own days. With flexible hours and excellent opportunities for self-development, it is a pleasant environment to work in." Furthermore, employees are actively involved in the company's future and methods of working, creating a strong sense of ownership over the final product.
Explore the latest developments in RF IC, analog/mixed-signal design from Bruco Integrated Circuits.
