FW: Free SystemVerilog Classes, Silicon Valley?

From LinkedIn Groups

Group: ASIC & FPGA Engineers
Subject: Free SystemVerilog Training Course -- What are your topics of interest?

ASICSoft will be starting a series of FREE SystemVerilog training classes. We are looking for the user community's input on the subjects you'd like to see covered. Each of our training sessions are intended to last about 3 hours. These events will be held in the Silicon Valley. More updates to follow soon. Please provide input. Thanks. Mike Chandler, President, ASICSoft. 
Posted By Mike Chandler

Mike Chandler   

ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PCB, Embedded -- MChandler@ASICSoft.com - 408-348-2399

San Francisco Bay Area

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Too bad it's not in Denver/Boulder/Fort Collins, we don't get much of the free seminars/classes here outside of the Nerd Triangle (San Jose, Austin, Boston).  :-(  
But if you are in SJ, FYI 

Cheers,

Connie

Feel free to connect with me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/connieodell , new email is odellconnie@gmail.com

Anyone who reads this blog should feel free to connect with me at http://www.linkedin.com/in/connieodell , new email is odellconnie@gmail.com

Re: Cheaping out on textbooks via used.addall.com

I would also be interested to hear if anyone has a better idea how to dispose of used textbooks at the end of the semester.  From what I have seen, textbook buyback services offer you a very small percentage (15%?) of resale value.  I have had quite good luck reselling used textbooks on Amazon, for about what I bought them for (or more) if they were already used, and you really only have to come up with a condition and a price.  It is not hard to check to see what the cheapest one of comparable condition sells for, and price yours the same (or a penny less), and then they usually sell quickly because of how many customers they have.  Yes, I am usually out the shipping and Amazon commission.  This is for any book that sells for more than $3.99 - less than that and it you might as well donate it and take the tax deduction, post it on PaperBackSwap if it is light, or keep it as a trophy.   YMMV.  :-)

So far, I still think buying used physical books and reselling them is cheaper in the long run than either using electronic books or textbook rental, as long as you can trust yourself to remember to sell them within a year.  They do devalue fairly quickly if you keep them too long, of course.

Cheers,
Connie 

Cheaping out on textbooks via used.addall.com

The trick with textbooks is to obtain the ISBN for the book (for instance, by looking up the class on the school bookstore's website to find the recommended texts and ISBNs), look it up on amazon just to make sure you know which edition it is, and then to look it up on used.addall.com like shown below, and sort the results from low price to high.  The prices vary wildly, as it collects prices from all used book vendors and possibly Canada and UK as well (these are sometimes cheaper even with shipping).  If the description on addall doesn't say something funny like "this is really edition 1" when you know you need edition 2, then it should be OK.  Conditions vary, but I have never seen a book come that was not usable.  If a CD is supposed to be included then you should check the description to make sure it is.

It is best to assume that the book may take a week to come if in the US, and 2 weeks if outside the US, unless the vendor offers express shipping.

It is OK to buy books without an ISBN (by title, author, *and* edition), if you are *absolutely positive* about all this information.  Older editions also sometimes work for non-technical classes.

If I do not find a better price than the campus bookstore on a very expensive ($85+) or new book (these tend to be math or science books), I will also try looking on ebay, which sometimes has books for better or worse prices, it varies, but it is more complicated.  If you are ever seriously buying things on ebay auctions, I'd suggest learning about esnipe.com.

Cheers,
Connie 

Example searches for textbooks I purchased:

...

For the calc books, these are what I get.  I think they are intended to be 2 different versions of the textbook, and a study/solutions guide.
This is the textbook search:

http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/submitRare.cgi?author=&title=&keyword=&isbn=9780495011729&order=PRICE&ordering=ASC&binding=Any+Binding&min=&max=&exclude=&match=Y&dispCurr=USD&timeout=20&store=ABAA&store=Alibris&store=Abebooks&store=AbebooksDE&store=AbebooksFR&store=AbebooksUK&store=Amazon&store=AmazonCA&store=AmazonUK&store=AmazonDE&store=AmazonFR&store=Antiqbook&store=Biblio&store=BiblioUK&store=Bibliophile&store=Bibliopoly&store=Booksandcollectibles&store=Half&store=ILAB&store=LivreRareBook&store=Powells&store=Strandbooks&store=ZVAB

and this is the study/solutions guide:
http://used.addall.com/SuperRare/submitRare.cgi?author=&title=&keyword=&isbn=9780495012283&order=PRICE&ordering=ASC&binding=Any+Binding&min=&max=&exclude=&match=Y&dispCurr=USD&timeout=20&store=ABAA&store=Alibris&store=Abebooks&store=AbebooksDE&store=AbebooksFR&store=AbebooksUK&store=Amazon&store=AmazonCA&store=AmazonUK&store=AmazonDE&store=AmazonFR&store=Antiqbook&store=Biblio&store=BiblioUK&store=Bibliophile&store=Bibliopoly&store=Booksandcollectibles&store=Half&store=ILAB&store=LivreRareBook&store=Powells&store=Strandbooks&store=ZVAB

As you can see, the prices are better than the on-campus bookstore.
...

Khan Academy Delivers 100,000 Lectures Daily

Slashdot News Story | Khan Academy Delivers 100,000 Lectures Daily

YouTube site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6l8-1kHUsA&feature=channel

Hey, I know this is not new news, but it is timely info for me. I have also downloaded 2 iTunes apps for downloading the Pre-Calc and Chem I Khan classes (a refresher in both wouldn't hurt me, especially Chem, and also my son may find them useful).

I am permanently changing my email to odellconnie@gmail.com. My IEEE alias may cease to be at year-end, I haven't decided yet. I still seem to be retired, and so cannot justify the $$. :-)

Cheers,
Connie

Should Semiconductor companies use Cloud Computing?

harry … the ASIC guy: "Should Semiconductor companies use Cloud Computing" - interesting question, analyzed by Harry, Scott Clark, Daniel Nenni and others.

Cheers,
Connie

Silliness... :-)

Galactic Inbox: An HTML5 game inspired by Gmail - Official Gmail Blog: "If you’re into games, or just like the idea of flying m-velopes that shoot bad guys, give it a try"

VMM refresher basics, part 2

Doulos website on VMM has some more good stuff, too:

http://www.doulos.com/knowhow/sysverilog/VMM/

Cheers,
Connie

VMM refresher basics

Here are some basic resources for any functional verification expert wanting a quick VMM-specific refresher:

General: The VMM website: http://www.vmmcentral.org/ is really quite a good site and very download-friendly Especially of note: Useful videos, long and short ones, in lower right hand corner of main page, about VMM in general and the latest VMM features!

Also, more items accessed on sub-pages, highlights below:

VMM Golden Ref Guide (Doulos): http://vmmcentral.org/pdfs/vmm_golden_reference_guide_jan_2010.pdf

I really like these in general, no experience with this specific one. For a quick overview, see the introduction of this manual; for more detail, read on :-)

Various detailed implementation posts in and around: http://www.vmmcentral.org/vmartialarts/2008/11/how-to-use-vmm-callbacks/ is an example. Covers some tricky topics and terminology.

VMM verification methodology: http://www.vmmcentral.org/cgi-bin/download/reg2.cgi?id=Implementation (registration required): I would guess that this is not a light quick read, but I have added it for completeness. :-)

As far as books, I was recommended Ben Cohen's VMM book, and Chris Spear's newest book if System Verilog is also of interest. Janick's book was disrecommended.

This appears to be the introduction, table of contents, &c for Ben Cohen's book, may give you a feel for what is covered:

http://www.systemverilog.us/vmm_adoption/vmm_isbn_0970539495.pdf

Thanks to my consultant friends for the good information they provided. Any errors injected and misinformation are my own work. :-)

Cheers,
Connie

Assertion-Based Verification Webinars

I always find new formal and mixed sim/formal methodologies interesting...  No warranties expressed or implied, of course.

Cheers,
Connie 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: OneSpin Solutions <info@onespin-solutions.com>
Date: Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 7:08 AM
Subject: New Series: Assertion-Based Verification Webinars

If you are having trouble reading this email, read the online version

New Series: Assertion-Based Verification Webinars		"Operational ABV + Formal Coverage Analysis = 100% Coverage" Tuesday, 24 August, 2010 11:00 - 11:45 AM PDT >> Register here "Preventing X-related Bugs through 4-state-logic Formal Analysis" Thursday, 26 August, 2010 11:00 - 11:45 AM PDT >> Register here
Don't miss our new "Verification Beyond Doubt" webinars. Meet our verification experts who explain and demonstrate best-practices in assertion-based verification (ABV) which will save you verification effort and significantly increase your confidence in verification results – no matter if you are new to formal verification or an experienced user. Webinar 1: "Operational ABV + Formal Coverage Analysis = 100% Coverage" This webinar explains how OneSpin's 360 MV can eliminate the need for writing  block-level test benches while efficiently achieving certified 100% design coverage. See how  360 MV's Operational ABV methodology and formal coverage analysis simplifies verification planning, guides high-coverage assertion development and automatically identifies any verification holes, i.e. yet unverified design functionality – proven in more than 300 verification projects. Webinar 2: "Preventing X-related Bugs through 4-state-logic Formal Analysis" This webinar explains OneSpin's 360 MV 4-state-logic formal analysis that enables exhaustive pre-synthesis analysis of X-propagation while considering X-optimism and X-pessimism simultaneously. See how this analysis also avoids  RTL-netlist mismatches at the RTL level and thus effectively eliminates the need to run gate-level simulations to check for dangerous X-propagation. It detects, e.g., unintended X-propagation caused by uninitialized registers and ensures safe use of X's for RTL verification and synthesis optimization. These webinars are the continuation of our series of formal ABV webinars that have been attended by hundreds of engineers and managers in the past 6 months. Here's some of their feedback: •     "Clearly beyond the capabilities of our current verification approach" •     "As an experienced formal verification user, I especially liked your operational ABV methodology." •    "The embedded example for automatic detection of verification holes was really nice." •    "Excellent webinar, easy to follow; interesting tool." Register now. If date or time is inconvenient, check alternatives here. Feel free to forward this invitation to interested colleagues. For more information about 360 MV's new X-Checking capabilities see our  press release.
Operational ABV + Formal Coverage Analysis = 100% Coverage   Tuesday, 24 August, 2010 11:00 - 11:45 AM PDT You will learn:  • how to use the Operational Assertion-Based Verification methodology  • how to derive high-coverage operation-level assertions from timing diagrams  • how to identify and close verification holes using an exhaustive, automatic  coverage analysis Reserve your seat HERE. Space is limited.	Preventing X-related Bugs through 4-state-logic Formal Analysis   Thursday, 26 August, 2010 11:00 - 11:45 AM PDT You will learn:  • how to use fully automatic checks for early X-analysis and X-verification • how to use X-aware SystemVerilog assertions (SVA) to find any unintended X-propagation • how to debug X-related problems using X-aware debugging - featuring full visibility of X's Reserve your seat HERE. Space is limited.

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Arapaho Bay campground near Granby, Colorado

IMG_2366
Originally uploaded by odellconnie

Fwd: ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer Needed - Denver Area

In case of interest; if you think you are qualified, feel free to contact Matthew directly.

Cheers,
Connie O'Dell

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Matthew Sabol <Matt@junogroup.net>
Date: Fri, Aug 6, 2010 at 2:21 PM
Subject: ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer Needed - Denver Area

Hello Connie,

Our client in Denver, CO is looking for an ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer to fill out their Hardware Engineering Team. 

---

Job Title:     ASIC/FPGA Design Engineer
Location:     Denver
Job Type:    Full Time

---

Looking for a self starter with good problem solving skills and full life cycle experience from concept to layout.

Skills:

• ASIC Design & Simulation -
• FPGA Design & Simulation -
• ASIC/FPGA Verification -
• Physical Design -
• Timing Analysis -
• Verilog Programming -
• VHDL Programming -
• Documentation for Regulated Environments (Medical Device, DOD,FAA ...)
• Layout Pin Placement -
• Package and Code Review -

Best Regards,

Matthew Sabol / Sr. Recruiter
Juno Group / Erie, Colorado
www.junogroup.net
303-952-4300

This e-mail was sent by Juno Group, Inc, located at 2069 Pinon PL, Erie, CO 80516 (USA). To receive no further e-mails, please click here or reply to this e-mail with "unlist" in the Subject line.

MATLAB Virtual Conference 2010

If you are an engineer thinking about learning more about MATLAB to increase your employability, this sounds like a cheap (free) way to do it.  It is unfortunate that you don't get any in-person networking opportunities from virtual events, and that it will probably be at least 50% marketing, but oh well...  Not knowing this vendor, I cannot say if they are friendly to unemployed engineers or not, but many are in this economy.

Cheers,
Connie 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: MathWorks <mathworks@em.mathworks.com>
Subject: Register Now – MATLAB Virtual Conference 2010

To view this email as a web page, go here. Learn from MATLAB and Simulink experts—wherever you are. MATLAB Virtual Conference September 28 Explore the agenda Engage with MATLAB and Simulink users from around the world at this year's MATLAB Virtual Conference. We've expanded the conference to include live sessions across all time zones, presentations in multiple languages, and a keynote by Jack Little, president and cofounder of MathWorks. Attendees can select from four conference tracks: • Track 1 - Discover MATLAB and Simulink MathWorks engineers demonstrate the core capabilities of the MATLAB and Simulink product families. • Track 2 - Find Out What's New for MATLAB and Simulink MathWorks engineers highlight new features and capabilities from recent releases, including Release 2010b, planned for September. • Track 3 - Learn How Industry Experts Innovate with MATLAB and Simulink Users from around the world show how they solve challenging problems with MathWorks products. • Track 4 - Explore MATLAB and Simulink in Academia Presentations showcase how MathWorks products inspire learning and advance research. The MATLAB Virtual Conference offers you everything that a physical event provides and more. You can: • Network with MathWorks experts and fellow users from industry and academia • Explore MathWorks and partner booths to learn about the latest technologies • Get answers to your specific product questions >> Register now for the MATLAB Virtual Conference and take advantage of the MATLAB and Simulink community, wherever you are. Conference Highlights Keynote Presenters Jack Little President and Cofounder MathWorks Andy Grace VP of Engineering, Design Automation MathWorks Participating Product Partners • Analytical Graphics, Inc. • Argonne National Laboratory • COMSOL, Inc. • Concurrent Computer Corp. • CQG, Inc. • IKV Technologies • MKS • Phoenix Integration • Steepest Ascent Ltd. • Vector Informatik GmbH To update your address, send e-mail to service@mathworks.com © 2010 The MathWorks, Inc. MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. OPT-OUT Click the link to remove this e-mail address from MathWorks commercial electronic mailing list. The MathWorks, Inc. - 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick, MA 01760 - 508-647-7000

More tips on how to answer illegal interview questions

More tips on how to answer illegal interview questions: "But no matter what the intent, the problem for the candidate is the same: do I answer or not?"

20 Resources for Finding a Processor Verification Internship | The Processor Verification Company

"Finding an internship in processor design and verification can be difficult if you don’t know where to look... [Here's a] list of 20 processor designers who operate internship / co-op programs."

20 Resources for Finding a Processor Verification Internship | The Processor Verification Company

Cheers,

Connie

Aug design verification employment outlook from DVClub

"There are currently a good number of jobs out there, with additional companies continuing to joining the hiring...but these companies are taking their time and being very selective"

Design Verification Club august-2010-employment-outlook-for-design-verification-professionals

Cheers,

Connie

P.S. I do love the "Blog This" add-on in Google Chrome. Very cool!