<p>Although I learned a lot about electronic digital circuits, microprocessors and microcontrollers while working on my undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at XXXX University it wasn’t until my senior year designing and stimulating CMOS analog circuits by employing EDA that I understood how to transition from theoretical to practical applications. Not only did the project demonstrate analog circuit frequency response and linearity trade-off, but it also started me on a path that soon became a career as a test engineer. Just as that project provided a springboard for my career, I know the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at Arizona State University will further develop my career in analog/mixed signal IC design. </p>
<p>Immediately following graduation I began working at an IEEE 802.11 ad compliant wireless CMOS chipset design company. As part of the product team, I develop automation test methods by using GPIB interface to achieve automated RF performance measurements such as phase noise, VCO, PLL characterization, SoC power consumption and SoC current leakage measurement. While I have a general understanding of circuit design, I lack the skills needed to understand the theoretical behavior of the RF circuit design so that there is enough margin to cover silicon process variations and explain the reasons they don’t always follow expected outcomes. In addition to gaining a better understanding of the minutia of circuit design, I am also interested in efficient power amplifiers and low noise amplifiers as well as how calibrating the DC offset, carrier leakage and IQ phase aren’t ailing from a circuit design perspective. </p>
<p>After completing a project that focused so heavily on rf/mixed circuit design, I know the areas I need to improve in order to make the career advances I wish. The electrical engineering program at ASU has a reputation for having a strong solid circuit design program that focuses on mixed signal design, rf testing and analog circuit design. This degree will allow me to test more complex SoC and rf performance so that I will be better prepared to discuss leakage from transistors, bandgap reference voltage and trade-off between performance and linearity. Not only will the program address the gaps in areas where I lack the necessary expertise, but it will also help me polish my teamwork and communication skills. </p>
<p>While my low GPA might make one think otherwise, I am the ideal candidate for this program. Unlike the young student who was going to school because I knew I needed to, years of working as a test engineer have matured me and I am eager to return to school because I know it will provide job security as well as satisfy my interest in rf/mixed signal circuit design. Between studying under some of the leading experts in the field, collaborating with peers, research opportunities and having access to resources that will help provide the edge I will need to advance my career. </p>