Why you should attend the User2User conference in Munich
As an IC design engineer, staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of electronic design automation (EDA) is crucial. Pete Davy, Business Development Director at EDA Solutions — a distribution partner for Siemens EDA — shares why investing your time and resources to attend this event is a decision you won’t regret.
Gain cutting-edge knowledge
The U2U Conference is packed with how-to sessions and case studies solving technical challenges with Siemens EDA solutions. These sessions, presented by engineers from across Europe, cover a wide range of topics, from the latest advancements in integrated circuit (IC) design to innovative methodologies in printed circuit board (PCB) systems.
For instance, the Custom IC Verification session on “5-sigma PVTMC verification of trimmed circuits in SDE” by Enez Yaz of OnSemi is a must-attend for analog and mixed-signal chip designers. Whether you are looking to explore new concepts or dive deep into your core area of expertise, the conference offers valuable insights that can enhance your technical skills.
Ask questions
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned from attending conferences is the importance of asking questions. Even simple questions can lead to a deeper understanding and unexpected insights. Engaging with presenters can make the learning experience more interactive and rewarding.
Network with engineers just like yourself
One of the most compelling reasons to attend the U2U is simply to talk with like-minded engineers. And even when I talk with those engaged in ‘less glamorous’ products, I discover that the engineering challenges are significant and their solutions are as inspiring as the latest-and-greatest hot stuff.
It’s a big dal speaking at a conference
Presenting at a conference like U2U is a significant achievement. Many engineers feel they have nothing interesting to share, but that’s far from the truth. Once a problem is solved, it may seem less challenging, but sharing your journey can be incredibly valuable to others facing similar issues. When you present, you engage with an audience eager to learn from your experiences.
I certainly remember some great presentations at past from our customers including ARRI, Elements, Eesy-IC, , Microdul, Pragmatic Semiconductor Sofics and Productivity Engineering. Supporting this year’s speakers can inspire you to submit your own paper next year, making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Siemens EDA product teams and management are very approachable
At U2U, you’ll find that Siemens EDA product teams and management are down-to-earth and eager to connect with attendees. This approachability breaks down barriers and fosters a collaborative environment where ideas can flow freely. Don’t hesitate to engage with them; they are genuinely interested in hearing your thoughts and feedback.
Learn from real-world case studies
The conference features insightful case studies presented by who share their practical experiences and solutions to design challenges. For example, two papers in the design-for-test domain are:
- Deploying Tessent’s MBIST with non-standard secured interface – Ricardo Aquino Guazzelli, IC’Alp
Optimizing Analog Coverage in Electronic Systems using Siemens Defectsim: a proprietary use case – STMicroelectronics – Edmondo Gangi
These real-world examples provide actionable insights that you can apply to your own projects, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
Fertile grounds for inspiration
Time is precious, and in an industry known for the importance of hitting time-to-market goals, it’s no surprise that attending a conference is a rare occurrence if you are an IC design engineer. In that respect, I have been lucky to attend conferences which I very much appreciate not least because they always give me those rare ‘Aha moments’. For a few hours away from my desk, I listen to peers, industry analysts, and executive leaders. It provides out-of-the-box thinking space. No amount of thinking in my usual environment ever produces the inspirations that a conference provides. And if you would like a book suggestion on stimulating and growing ideas try ‘Sticky Wisdom’.
Getting the ‘Big Picture’
While U2U predominantly consists of presentation by users, for users, it also features keynotes from industry leaders who explore macro trends and future directions. Notable sessions include “Redefining Compute: Why AI Needs Chiplets” by the CEO of Alphawave Semi and “Are We Ready? Succeeding in an AI-Driven, Software-Defined World ” by Siemens EDA’s CEO. These presentations address two of the metamorphoses being driven by AI. The first by peeking into the reshaping of compute and one of its under lying chip architecture approaches to adopt a chiplet methodology. And the second considering how AI will be adopted for EDA and more relevantly how critical it will b to have ‘production grad’ AI tools to hand.
Invest in you future
Attending U2U is an investment in your professional growth and the success of your projects. The knowledge, connections, and insights you gain from this event can have a lasting impact on your career and your organization’s performance. By dedicating time and resources to attend, you demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to staying at the cutting edge of EDA technology and IC design. Both you and your company will benefit from this valuable experience. Register now and take the first step towards unlocking new ideas.