Is there going to be more or less demand for analog designers in the future?

[astonmartin]

On the one hand, there the argument that things are going digital, and most IC design firms now try to have as few analog components as they can. On the other hand, as long as you're interfacing with the real world, you can never really design a completely digital system.

Also, I hear that there's a shortage of good analog designers nowadays because most people prefer to study digital IC design. True?

 

[skeptic2]

I think the demand will stay about the same. Yes, electronics is moving to digital but as digital speeds increase, a good understanding of analog effects and even RF will become more important. RF is continuing to develop and now incorporates a large amount of digital technology. Knowing analog will open up additional opportunities in digital.

 

[sophiecentaur]

Every signal that goes from place to place, including from one part of a microchip to another, is an analogue waveform. Forget that at your peril.
Every digital i.c. needs a power supply (an analogue device).

People will always need someone who understands that digital signals and simulations are only half the job. Bad news is that the analogue engineer may get paid a bit less because it's not sexy enough.

 

[yungman]

It is an analog world, everything is still analog. Yes, there are a lot more jobs for digital design than analog. But at the same time one need a lot more knowledge to design analog than digital. So competition is less also.

But the nature of analog design shift in the last 10 or 15 years. There are more jobs in analog IC design than anything else.

 

[alphysicist]

The demand for analog designers in the future will depend on various factors such as advancements in technology, market trends, and industry needs. While it is true that digital components are becoming more prevalent in IC design, there will always be a need for analog designers in the field. This is because, as you mentioned, digital systems still need to interface with the real world, which requires analog components. Additionally, there are certain applications and industries that heavily rely on analog design, such as telecommunications, medical devices, and automotive.

It is true that there is currently a shortage of skilled analog designers, as many individuals tend to focus on digital IC design. However, this presents an opportunity for those who are interested in analog design to stand out in the job market and have a successful career in this field. As technology continues to advance, there will be a growing demand for skilled and innovative analog designers to push the boundaries of what is possible in the analog world.

In conclusion, while the demand for analog designers may fluctuate, there will always be a need for their expertise in the IC design industry. As long as technology continues to evolve and require interfacing with the real world, analog designers will play a crucial role in shaping the future of electronics. It is important for students and professionals to recognize the value and importance of analog design and consider pursuing it as a career path.