Physical Layer (L1) Job Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide

The physical layer, or Layer 1 in the OSI model, serves as the crucial interface between Layer 2 (MAC/RLC) and the transmission medium, whether wired or wireless.

The physical layer performs a variety of essential functions, with scrambling, modulation, and Forward Error Correction (FEC) being among the most significant. Physical layers in diverse wireless standards and technologies incorporate these fundamental modules. Furthermore, each standard boasts specific FEC modules, interleaving techniques, and frame structures (featuring unique pilots and preamble sequences) tailored to meet varying data rate and coverage demands.

The primary objective of an L1 (physical layer) job is to design, develop, and rigorously test these critical physical layer modules. This work is often executed using a variety of programming languages.

Typically, a simulation model is first developed using MATLAB/Simulink. This model serves as a reference for subsequent C/C++ model development, which is then targeted for deployment on processors or DSPs. Development in VHDL or Verilog is also common for porting designs onto FPGAs or for ASIC fabrication.

Jobs in the physical layer domain also include the development of Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems and test and measurement applications. Furthermore, testing roles are available to provide support to development teams by conducting daily/weekly regressions, basic sanity checks, interoperability tests, conformance tests, field trials, inter-RAT (IRAT) tests, and more.

Candidates possessing knowledge of any physical layer standard such as WLAN, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, or LTE will have a significant advantage when pursuing jobs as physical layer professionals.

Demand Across Industries

• Wired modem industry
• Wireless modem industry
• Telecom/Wireless companies

Skills Desired

• Good knowledge in wireless systems and embedded systems.
• Physical Layer 1 (L1) development experience on the Mobile (UE) or base station side (NodeB/eNodeB).
• Familiarity with TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000, GSM/GPRS, HSPA+, or LTE standard-based L1.
• Proficiency in C language coding.
• Understanding of real-time programming concepts.
• Experience with Linux/Unix development environments.
• Knowledge of DSP concepts.
• Experience using test equipment such as R&S CMU-200, R&S CMW-500, Agilent 8960, and Anritsu.
• Experience with source control management and version control systems.

Companies Hiring for L1 (Layer 1) Physical Layer Jobs

• Qualcomm
• Ericsson
• Intel
• Samsung
• NSN

Expected Salary Range