From Chip Lab to Center Stage
Many engineers are more comfortable working behind the scenes developing technology than speaking to consumers about products. But Preethi Ashwath has learned to take center stage, talking about the “hearable” and wearable devices she has had a hand in developing as an analog integrated circuit designer in the consumer electronics division at Analog Devices of Wilmington, Mass. The IEEE member is…
Preethi Ashwath, an analog integrated circuit designer at Analog Devices in Wilmington, Massachusetts, has transitioned from working in the background to speaking at industry events. As a IEEE member, she is part of a field where women are scarce, making up only about 11 percent according to Zippia.
In 2023, Ashwath took the stage at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, showcasing Analog’s latest earbuds capable of tracking users' heart and lung health through vibrations in their ear canals. Her ability to explain complex technology in simple terms earned her a role as the company's representative at other events. She now views public speaking as an integral part of her technical work, rather than a separate endeavor.
Ashwath also delivers technical talks on topics such as electrostatic discharge (ESD) and participates in panel discussions to engage engineers beyond her immediate team. She is an active volunteer with the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society, contributing to the engineering community in various ways.
Ashwath's journey into circuit design began at Intel, where she discovered her passion for chip design during an internship. Her experience at Intel, combined with her studies at the SJB Institute of Technology in Bengaluru and the University of California, Irvine, shaped her career. She focuses on designing ESD pad rings, the protective borders around microchips that prevent damage from electrical discharge.
Her role involves rigorous testing and collaboration with various teams to ensure the integrated circuits work seamlessly. In 2024, she was awarded the company's Impact Award for her significant contribution to a critical project with substantial business impact.
Written by urgent.news from IEEE Spectrum's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
