Who is Chase Na? What is VLSI?

Chase Na

Chase Na

— 3 min read
Who is Chase Na? What is VLSI?

"I will study semiconductors until I die. And I will share the knowledge I have learned."

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlsikr/

I’m driven by a passion for achievement and sharing knowledge.

VLSI and Writing is my hobby that brings me joy and lets me connect with others—plus, it’s a great way to highlight the exciting work we do!

Originally posted on December 15, 2023, with contributions from Hyebin.

My Journey in VLSI Design

I’ve been immersed in the world of semiconductor design since my undergraduate days. I took every major course my department offered, and by my third year, I dove deep into Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits (VLSI). I've focused on mastering integrated circuit design from university to graduate school and now at my company.

This blog is my platform to explore VLSI, share insights on culture, investments, and personal reflections, and document my growth. My primary research focuses on optimizing VLSI design methodologies—balancing performance, power, area, and development costs to create more efficient chips.

What is VLSI?

VLSI stands for Very Large Scale Integrated Circuit. These are the powerhouse chips (like the one pictured below) that handle computation, storage, and more in modern devices. They’re the backbone of today’s technology, from smartphones to AI systems.

I’ve been fortunate to work with top-tier semiconductor organizations since my undergrad days. I’ve gained hands-on experience across the ASIC design flow, including design, verification, Design for Test (DFT), and physical design. From Multi-Project Wafers (MPW) to full-scale production, I’ve seen the process firsthand.

I’m not yet an expert, but I’m relentless in my pursuit of knowledge. Through this blog, I revisit what I’ve learned, promote my company’s innovative work, and make complex VLSI concepts accessible to newcomers. (For proprietary technical details, you’ll have to join our team!)

Beyond Semiconductors

Outside of VLSI, I’m a bit of a Renaissance soul:

  • Art Enthusiast: I’ve worked at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Korea.
  • Military Service: I served in the Air Force, handling in-flight targeting missions.
  • Side Hustles: I dabble in publishing, blogging, language learning, classical music, gaming, fitness, and café-hopping.

MBTI: I’m an ESTJ—highly driven and confident, sometimes mistaken for a “robot” 🤖. I’m a quiet extrovert; I thrive in presentations or new conversations but keep small talk to a minimum. If I come off too intense, just let me know—I’ll dial it back!

Ask Me Anything About Semiconductors!

I’m here to answer your questions about VLSI or semiconductors in general. Leave a comment or email me at gc@vlsi.kr, and I’ll respond with what I know or research what I don’t. My goal is to break down complex topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces.

A few ground rules:

  • I only discuss publicly available information (e.g., IEEE standards, public whitepapers, or news).
  • I won’t cover anything that conflicts with my company’s interests, homework assignments, or personal privacy.
  • For the juicy, in-depth details, consider joining our awesome team! We have a great manager and a fantastic work environment.

I’ll respond to questions during my downtime after work. My blog’s mission is to share the latest semiconductor insights, so let’s learn together!

Here are some go-to books I reference for my work:

  • Analog: Electronics by Razavi
  • Process Design: Solid State Electronic Devices by Streetman
  • EDA: Electronic Design Automation by Laung-Terng Wang
  • Digital Design: Digital Design and Computer Architecture: ARM Edition by Sarah Harris
  • DFT: VLSI Test Principles and Architectures by Laung-Terng Wang
  • SDC & STA: Constraining Designs for Synthesis and Timing Analysis by Sridhar Gangadharan
  • Low Power: An ASIC Low Power Primer by Chadha
  • Verification: System Verilog Assertions and Functional Coverage by Ashok B. Mehta

Let’s Connect!

Have a question or want to chat about VLSI, tech, or life? Reach out via:

I aim to make this field approachable and exciting for global readers new to semiconductors. If you’re curious about our work or team, join us—we always look for passionate people!

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