Preethi Ashwath: Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Consumers
Preethi Ashwath, an integrated circuit designer at Analog Devices in Wilmington, Massachusetts, is gaining recognition for her ability to communicate complex technology to consumers. As one of the few women in the specialized field of analog integrated circuit design, where approximately 11 percent of professionals are female, Ashwath is making her mark.
Last year, Ashwath stepped into the spotlight at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where she demonstrated new earbuds developed by Analog that monitor heart and lung health through vibrations in the ear canals. Her clear explanations of the technology led to her selection as a representative for the company at various events.
Ashwath views public speaking as integral to her contributions to the engineering field, stating, “I have come to see speaking as part of contributing to the field, rather than something separate from technical work.” She also engages in technical talks on electrostatic discharge (ESD) and participates in panel discussions to reach a broader audience of engineers.
Growing up in Bengaluru, India, Ashwath developed an interest in electronics through her high school physics tutor and her sister’s engineering studies. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communications engineering at the SJB Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, initially aiming for a career in very-large-scale integration. However, her focus shifted during her master’s program at the University of California, Irvine, where she discovered a passion for circuit design during an internship at Intel.
At Intel, Ashwath learned about circuit design, package design, and reliability verification tools, which solidified her connection to design. After earning her master’s degree, she joined Intel as an analog design engineer, gaining experience in mixed-signal circuit design before moving to Analog Devices. In her current role, she focuses on designing ESD pad rings for consumer hearables and wearables.
Ashwath’s work involves creating protection structures around microchips to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning to ensure that these structures function correctly, as mistakes can lead to significant issues in the field.
After being encouraged by a senior leader to seek high-visibility opportunities, Ashwath has represented Analog at various events, including CES, where she explained the technology behind the earbuds. These devices not only play audio but also serve as health-monitoring platforms, detecting conditions such as arrhythmia and fluid in the lungs.
Reflecting on her experiences at CES, Ashwath noted the importance of understanding consumer reactions to technology. She stated, “When you’re designing a block, you’re focused on specifications and margins. At CES, after explaining what the product does, I had a better understanding of why it matters to them.”
Since CES, Ashwath has continued to present her work at industry events, including the National Association of Music Merchants show and the Global Technology Conference at Analog, where she demonstrated solutions for augmented reality smart glasses.
Ashwath joined IEEE to access research and networking opportunities, which she found invaluable for staying current in her field. She actively volunteers with IEEE conferences and journals, serving as a peer reviewer for several events, including the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems.
She believes that contributing to the engineering community is essential, stating, “Whether through designing semiconductor products, publishing technical articles, reviewing conference papers, or speaking at industry events, I try to contribute to the growth of the engineering community and the advancement of the field.”
Ashwath’s journey reflects her commitment to both her technical work and her role in bridging the gap between technology and consumers.
Source: IEEE Spectrum