About | Mohammad Nayem Hossain

Welcome to my portfolio website. I, Mohammad Nayem Hossain, am a graduate student in Electronics at the University of Oulu, currently residing in Oulu, Finland. Previously, I worked as an Analog Layout Design Engineer at the Dhaka office of Quest Global in Bangladesh. Before that, I served as an Assistant Engineer in the IC Mask Design Department at Ulkasemi, also located in Bangladesh. Prior to entering the industry, I had the opportunity to work as a research student in the NSU Optics Lab, part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North South University (NSU).

I have achieved a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) from NSU with a commendable academic record. Throughout my time at the university, I was granted a merit-based tuition waiver from the second semester until my graduation for my good academic performance. Additionally, I ranked among the top 10% of graduates in the 'Graduating Class of 2019,' which comprised 3470 graduates. Before, I completed my Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination from Dhaka College and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination from Noakhali Zilla School.

I am captivated by the limitless potential of VLSI technology and the prospect of applying innovative problem-solving to push the boundaries of electronic design. With the limitations of Moore's law in mind, I am intrigued by the possibilities of quantum computing and photonics to solve complex issues in the lowest amount of time. My journey in research began with an exploration of electromagnetics and optical physics, which helped me better to understand the behavior of light on nanoscale-level objects. This piqued my interest in quantum computing and photonics, driving me to delve deeper into research methodologies and explore novel solutions to complex challenges. My experience in the VLSI industry has given me a deeper understanding of solid-state electronic devices and their limitations which excited me about pursuing groundbreaking research in this field.

Besides my undergraduate studies, I was involved with several organizations, including IEEE NSU Robotics and Automation Society, JAAGO Foundation, and Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD). In 2014, I began volunteering at VBD, Dhaka division, which is a non-political youth wing of JAAGO. Through my involvement with multiple organizations and volunteering in various social communities, my social and interpersonal abilities have improved significantly.

I am a somewhat introverted individual who enjoys reading books from various genres, including thriller, mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and classic literature. I strive to maintain a sense of contentment while continuously challenging myself to evolve and improve in preparation for what lies ahead. Because I always remember the following quote by Carl Sagan,

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

University of Oulu

Pentti Kaiteran katu 1, 90570 Oulu, Finland

Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

Master of Science in Electronics

September 2024 – Present

The University of Oulu is an international science university that creates new knowledge, well-being and innovations for the future through research and education. The University of Oulu, founded in 1958, is one of the largest and most multidisciplinary universities in Finland.
The MSc in Electronics is one of the most specialized graduate programs at the University of Oulu, alongside Wireless Communications Engineering. This program is built on three main pillars: Electronics Design, Electronics Materials and Components, and Future Electronics and Measurement Techniques. It offers a diverse range of topics and specializations, complemented by opportunities for hands-on project work and practical sessions. The program emphasizes the design and development of circuits, materials, components, and advanced measurement techniques, with applications in cutting-edge technologies. Research units such as Circuits and Systems (CAS), Microelectronics (MIC), and Opto-Electronics and Measurement Techniques (OPEM) equip Electronics students with a comprehensive skill set and deep expertise in their respective fields.

North South University

Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE)

CGPA: 3.01 out of 4.00

Session: 2015 – 2019

North South University (NSU) is the first-ever private university of Bangladesh, founded in 1992, where I had the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). My academic excellence was well-acknowledged during my time at NSU, as I was granted a 25% merit-based tuition waiver by the university from my second semester onwards, in recognition of my outstanding academic performance. Furthermore, I achieved a place in the top 10% of graduates within the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of NSU, further validating my academic achievements. To my delight, I also ranked among the top 10% graduates of the entire 'Graduating Class of 2019,' consisting of 3470 graduates.
The EEE curriculum in NSU consisted of substantial coursework and labs. Several significant undergraduate courses completed by me during the bachelor are as follows,

Elective Courses: EEE410 Semiconductor Devices and Technology, EEE411 Introduction to VLSI Design, EEE462 Switchgear and Protection
EEE Core Courses: EEE211 Digital Logic Design, EEE221 Signals and Systems, EEE312 Power Electronics, EEE321 Introduction to Communications Systems, EEE361 Electromagnetic Fields & Waves
Mathematical Courses: MAT125 Introduction to Linear Algebra, MAT361 Probability and Statistics

Dissertation Topic: Chiral standing waves and its trapping force on chiral particles

Dhaka College

New Market, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC), Science Group

GPA: 4.50 out of 5.00

Session: 2011 – 2012

Established in 1841, Dhaka College is the oldest and most esteemed institution in Bangladesh. I had the privilege of attending the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination at this institution, where I once again achieved a commendable GPA. In addition to my academic pursuits, I was also an active member of the 'Dhaka College Science Club' and participated in various extracurricular activities such as sports and library.

Noakhali Zilla School

Maijdee Court, Noakhali-3800, Bangladesh

Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Science Group

GPA: 5.00 out of 5.00

Session: 2009 – 2010

Noakhali Zilla School is among the country's oldest establishments, where I obtained the highest GPA in all of my subjects during the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exam, marking a significant achievement in my academic career. Additionally, I actively participated in extracurricular activities such as sports and library while attending high school.

Analog Layout Design Engineer

Department of Analog and Mixed Signal, Quest Global

Shaptak Square, Road - 27, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

June 2022 – July 2024

Contributed to the layout design of PLL, Low Voltage Bandgap, CLKBUF, and other critical components for a high-speed SERDES project using a 6nm process node.
Expertise in planning and distributing power grids for full chip designs and implementing compact layouts with proper routing techniques.
Capable of using symmetrical array-wise routing and device placement, as well as matching differential pair MOSFETs and implementing Powerfets and triple guard rings to prevent leakage.

Assistant Engineer

Department of IC Mask Design, Ulkasemi Pvt. Limited

191/1, Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh

July 2020 – May 2022

Experienced in creating custom SOC using Planar and FinFet technologies from 22nm to 4nm process node.
Proficient in designing Comparator, Operational amplifiers, Bias generators, Bandgap reference, Phase Locked Loop, etc.
Skilled in power planning, floor planning, and device placement with considerations of device matching, critical devices, orientation, and shielding of critical nets.
Able to maintain symmetric routing and resolve timing issues by maintaining a shorter route.
Experience working with full custom, p-cell, and standard cell-based layouts.
Experienced in working with cross-site projects with people in multiple time zones.

Under-Graduate Teaching Assistant

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, North South University

Plot#15, Block# B, Bashundhara, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh

May 2019 – August 2019

Responsibilities:

Conducted tutorial sessions for students needing extra help outside of class hours.
Assisted faculty members in course-related work, such as preparing course materials and organizing class activities.
Graded homework and assignments, ensuring fair and consistent grading across all students.
Provided feedback to students to help them improve their understanding of course concepts.

Project-1:

Worked on the implementation of a Digitally Controlled Oscillator (DCO) which is a part of the Clock Generation Module (CGM) in the TSMC 5nm process node using the Cadence layout suite.
Multiple iterations of DECAP cell placement and routing were needed to achieve the desired frequency range, signal integrity and area utilization.
Closely worked with the circuit designer to increase frequency as the parasitics were causing difficulties and the suggested changes were to increase the number of the device’s fins and decrease the threshold voltage level.
Successfully did the layout of the block according to the proposed integration guidelines manual of the client.
Cleaned up LVS/DRC/ERC violations using Calibre and delivered a clean GDS for integration.

Project-2:

Engaged in the implementation of a PVT sensor, which was a component of a Test Chip, using Tanner L-edit in TSMC 7nm process technology.
Performed some notable blocks under this project which were the Controller unit, Level Shifter and VDD Off Detector.
Constructed a floorplan based on the pin information given by the analog team, strategically positioned the custom cells, and established a sturdy power grid.
Built custom standard cells to achieve optimum efficiency, minimize crosstalk, and optimize power flow.
Perused the Design Rule Manual (DRM) and solved some critical DRCs, especially relating to max density.
DRC, LVS and ERC checks were performed with Calibre, resulting in a clean GDS file being provided.
Resolved EM/IR issues after the layout phase through iterative discussions with the circuit designer.

Project-3:

Worked on a Comparator block during the update of the previous PVT sensor on the TSMC 5nm process node.
In this node, there were slight variations in the top metal DRCs, while the majority of other layers and DRCs remained unchanged.
Improved layout from preceding technology node including power grid enhancement, separating critical cells and coaxial shielding.
Executed fill script and also provided extraction report for post-layout simulations to the circuit designer.
Cleaned up final sign-off DRCs such as density issues that were not solved by the fill script.

Project-4:

Performed the layout of a Receiver unit of a SERDES project in an Intel 22nm process node using Tanner L-edit.
Worked on some sub-blocks that include RX Differential Amplifier, Buffer logic etc.
Implemented transistor matching technique especially for critical transistors to keep the parasitics same on both nets.
Maintaining symmetrical routing for centroid-matched transistors was quite challenging.
Placing signal ESD due to the higher input voltage level was another difficulty to overcome.

Research Works

Chiral standing waves and its trapping force on chiral particles []
Tianhang Zhang, M.R.C. Mahdy, Shadman Sajid Dewan, Md. Nayem Hossain, Hamim Mahmud Rivy, Nabila Masud, Ziaur Rahman Jony

This paper delves into the phenomenon of trapping force exerted on chiral particles when subjected to a field comprising two counter-propagating plane waves with orthogonal polarization. In addition, the paper aims to elucidate the fundamental physics behind this phenomenon by modeling the particle as a chiral dipole and conducting an analytical study of the optical force. The research results show that the trapping force is strongly correlated with the dual "electric-magnetic" symmetry of the field and the dual asymmetry of the material. Moreover, the proposed technique is not restricted to dipolar chiral objects alone; chiral Mie objects can also be trapped using this method. The chiral trapping force has the potential for various applications, such as identifying the chirality of objects and selectively trapping chiral objects. In summary, the paper provides a thorough analysis of the trapping force on chiral particles and offers valuable insights into the underlying physics of this phenomenon.

IEEE NSU Robotics and Automation Society

Bashundhara R/A, Dhaka-1229, Bangladesh

Role: Member

2015 – 2016

The IEEE NSU Robotics and Automation Society is a club run by students at North South University that seeks to advance and promote the use of robotics and automation technology through various means such as seminars, workshops, and competitions. The organization provides students with a platform to acquire knowledge, explore different aspects of robotics and automation, and engage in project collaborations, all while encouraging inclusivity, creativity, and innovation. Being part of this community has given me the chance to participate in multiple robotics competitions organized by the IEEE NSU Robotics and Automation Society, leading to further development of my skills and knowledge in this area.

JAAGO Foundation

Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh

Role: Volunteer

2014 – 2015

JAAGO Foundation was founded in the early months of 2007 with the aim of improving the state of the nation by providing education to underprivileged children living below the poverty line and empowering young people, while also promoting volunteerism in Bangladesh. Presently, JAAGO operates schools throughout Bangladesh, providing free education to around 3,500 disadvantaged children. I have been employed by JAAGO since 2014 and have participated in various events hosted by the foundation, including the celebration of World Environment Day [].

Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD)

Banani, Dhaka-1213, Bangladesh

Role: Community Volunteer

2014 – 2015

Volunteer for Bangladesh (VBD) is a non-partisan volunteer and youth organization associated with the JAAGO Foundation, aimed at giving young people in Bangladesh the opportunity and means to contribute to the development of the country. Currently, VBD has a volunteer base of over 35,000 individuals spread across the nation. As for myself, I have been a volunteer for VBD in the Dhaka division since 2014. During this time, I have participated in numerous VBD events, including The Great Kindness Challenge, which was particularly noteworthy.

Scholarship and Awards

Financial Aid: I was awarded a 25% merit-based tuition waiver by North South University from the second semester (Spring'15) and throughout the following academic years.
Robotics Competition: In addition, I received the first prize for outstanding performance in the biggest national robotics competition held by the Military Institute of Science & Technology.

Certifications

Virtuoso Layout Design Basics, issued by Cadence Design Systems []