17³Ô¹Ï

Q: What sparked your interest in engineering and, in particular, EDA?

A: I was always the kid interested in the real answer. For example, I wanted to know what causes the sky to be blue. While attending MIT, I found that I really liked understanding the real answers behind electronics and semiconductors, the physics of semiconductors, and software. The intersection between electronics and software is EDA¡ªthe sweet spot. Early on, I found a career area that to this day, I remain extremely excited about. 

Q: As EDA¡ªand the electronics industry¡ªcontinue evolving, what do you think are some of the challenges and opportunities available?

A: As much as Moore¡¯s law seems to have slowed down, the consumer doesn¡¯t care. They just want a faster phone, more electronics, more integration. While lithographically things are shrinking, there are many other ways to progress in the industry. Engineers are thinking more three-dimensionally; this is just one aspect of change where we¡¯re just scratching the surface. Superconducting electronics is a whole other paradigm, and we¡¯re also just scratching the surface here. We will continue to apply engineering ingenuity, some curiosity, and some stick-to-it-ness to drive innovation.

Q: What are some of your proudest achievements so far at 17³Ô¹Ï?

A: I love working with customers, understanding what they do, and helping them solve challenges. By working closely with our customers, I gain a good sense of how 17³Ô¹Ï is changing the world. As we introduce new technologies, there¡¯s always something we can be proud of. It¡¯s an evolution¡ªjust look at how your cellphone has evolved. But things that stand out the most are the people on my team. I¡¯m so proud when I see someone on my team go through their career evolution, when they learn something new, or take on new assignments. 

Q: What was the Roadtrip Nation experience like?

A: The External Communications team at 17³Ô¹Ï reached out to me to gauge my interest. One of my hobbies is talking with students, so I was excited about the opportunity. While the Roadtrip Nation students were there to interview me about my engineering career, I probably asked them more questions than they asked me! After the cameras stopped rolling, I asked the students what they were going to do next. They were headed to dinner, so I asked if I could join them. It turns out, they wanted to ask me along but were mindful of my time. We ended up enjoying a wonderful conversation at a downtown Sunnyvale restaurant. 

Q: What drives your interest in engaging with students?

A: Be curious. Ask questions: Why is it this way? Why can¡¯t it be a different way? If we can¡¯t solve a certain problem, why don¡¯t we take a different approach? Just by being curious, you can come up with novel approaches. 

I would tell new hires, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about what you don¡¯t know. The more curious you are, the more you¡¯ll find solutions to problems you¡¯re assigned¡­or problems you¡¯re not assigned. I still ask lots of questions. For example, how can we solve one of the pressing problems of the world, like climate change? Our industry uses a lot of compute power, electricity. What if we found a way to reduce that power by 30x but still make compute 30x faster via superconducting electronics? 

If you¡¯re always looking at how to apply what you know, figure out things you don¡¯t know, your career will evolve. Also, many people feel intimidated by tech in general. However, there¡¯s an enormous playing field for people who aren¡¯t technical to contribute. At the end of the day, our products and solutions contribute to the whole culture of the world, so we do need a variety of viewpoints. 

Set Your DVR for Roadtrip Nation

Watch Duncan and his semiconductor industry peers on the . Episodes start airing on March 1 on PBS.