HLS Design Engineer

Project

Work done for a product or program.

• Restructure algorithmic C++ or SystemC into synthesisable HLS source with explicit loop, array and interface structure suited to hardware.
• Apply and tune HLS pragmas and directives for pipelining, loop unrolling, array partitioning, dataflow and interface protocol selection.
• Explore the micro-architecture design space by sweeping directive sets and comparing resulting latency, throughput, area and power.
• Define arbitrary-precision fixed-point types with ac_fixed or ap_fixed and prove accuracy against floating-point references.
• Validate the generated RTL against the C++ reference using C/RTL co-simulation and close any behavioural mismatch.
• Verify that HLS-generated RTL meets downstream lint, CDC, synthesis, DFT and timing requirements, and adjust source or directives when it does not.
• Collaborate with algorithm owners so their reference code evolves in an HLS-friendly form from the start.
• Document generated block interfaces, latency behaviour and configuration options for integrators.

Function

Work that keeps the discipline running: methods, tools, suppliers and people.

• Build reusable HLS libraries and templates for common kernels so that other teams can generate their own blocks.
• Benchmark HLS results against hand-written RTL to establish where HLS is and is not competitive for the organisation.

Project

1. Produce and hand over the role's key deliverables
   • Synthesisable HLS source with directive configuration sets
   • Generated RTL releases with QoR reports
   • C/RTL co-simulation correlation results
   • Design space exploration studies (latency/area/power Pareto)
   • Reusable HLS kernel library and coding guidelines
   • Integration documentation for generated blocks
2. Design the blockGeneral
   • Write or capture the design to the specification
   • Run lint, simulation or circuit checks
   • Close design reviews and their actions
3. Support integration and sign-offGeneral
   • Fix bugs found by verification
   • Support timing and physical closure
   • Deliver handoff files and documentation

Function

1. Keep design methods currentGeneral
   • Maintain coding and design standards
   • Build and maintain reusable blocks
2. Develop peopleGeneral
   • Mentor newer engineers
   • Run design reviews and knowledge sharing sessions