Cutting Edge AI in Electrical Design: A Framework for Engineering Collaboration With AI
Large language models can dramatically accelerate engineering work, but they fail in specific and repeatable ways. Based on months of daily use in analog and mixed-signal IC design, this talk explores where AI creates real value, where it breaks down, and what those failures reveal about the future role of engineers. Through examples in modeling, verification, and design workflows, I will present a practical framework for working with AI: constrain, verify, and learn. The central lesson is that while AI reduces the cost of implementation and exploration, it increases the importance of judgment. As generated answers become abundant, verification becomes the bottleneck and domain expertise becomes more valuable than ever.
Brian Holford
Principal Engineer, Lead Technologist, Advanced Layout Technology Team, Analog Devices on November 13, 2026 at 10:15 AM in 1231 Koch Hall
Join Zoom Webinar
Brian Holford is a principal engineer at Analog Devices, where he serves as lead technologist for the Advanced Layout Technology Team. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in signal processing and data conversion systems at NC State under the advisement of David Ricketts. His research focuses on ultrawideband spectral monitoring using low-resolution dithered quantizers. At Analog Devices, Holford defined the mixed-signal system-on-chip layout methodology that has scaled across multiple product generations. He also leads the Advanced Data Converter Fellowship Program, an internal training initiative that accelerates the development of new engineers into productive contributors in data converter design. Holford received his B.S. degrees in electrical engineering and computer engineering in 2006 and his M.S. in electrical engineering in 2008, all from NC State.
This lecture series features exciting and dynamic visiting and virtual speakers from across the range of ECE disciplines. Take some time every Friday morning to be inspired by these great scientists and engineers before heading into the weekend!