Start with Analog-Digital Boundaries to anchor contracts.
Learn PLL/SerDes behaviors before converter and integration detail.
Practice noise/IR signoff after understanding physical constraints.
Use interview-prep section to rehearse mechanism-first communication.
BOUNDARY -> MODE -> METRIC -> ARTIFACT -> OWNER -> REGRESSION
1. Which boundary and operating mode?
2. Which mechanism is likely failing first?
3. Which metric proves impact?
4. Which artifact proves root cause?
5. Who owns first bounded fix?
6. Which regressions protect tapeout decisions?