From Chip Lab to Center Stage
Integrated circuit designer Preethi Ashwath stepped out from behind the scenes to speak at CES, demonstrating her ability to explain technology to consumers.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)

Integrated circuit designer Preethi Ashwath has transitioned from behind-the-scenes work to speaking engagements, including at CES, where she demonstrated her ability to explain technology to consumers.
Preethi Ashwath used to work behind the scenes making technology, but now she talks to people about it at big events like CES. She learned to explain complicated stuff in easy-to-understand ways.
Analysis
Background on Integrated Circuit Design
Preethi Ashwath, an integrated circuit designer at Analog Devices, has made a significant shift from behind-the-scenes work to public speaking engagements. This transition is emblematic of the changing landscape of technology communication.
The CES Experience
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Ashwath demonstrated Analog Devices' new earbuds, which track heart and lung health through vibrations in the ear canals. This innovative product required Ashwath to explain complex technology in simple terms, a skill she honed through her work and public speaking engagements.
Public Speaking and Community Engagement
Ashwath has become an active volunteer with the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society. She participates in various technical talks, panel discussions, and industry events. Her role extends beyond her immediate team, contributing to the growth of the engineering community and the advancement of the field.
Personal Background
Growing up in Bengaluru, India, Ashwath's interest in electronics was sparked by her older sister's engineering degree. She pursued electronics as a core course in her final years of high school, setting her on the path to a career in engineering.
Conclusion
Ashwath's journey from behind-the-scenes work to public speaking engagements underscores the importance of effective communication in technology, particularly for consumer-facing products. Her ability to explain complex technology in simple terms has made her a valuable asset to the industry.
Key points
- Preethi Ashwath transitioned from behind-the-scenes work to public speaking engagements at CES
- She demonstrated Analog Devices' new earbuds, which track heart and lung health through vibrations in the ear canals
- Ashwath is an active volunteer with the IEEE Circuits and Systems Society
If this trend continues, more women in technology will find opportunities to speak publicly, which can help bridge the gap between technical experts and the general public.
However, there may still be challenges in terms of representation and visibility for women in technology, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like integrated circuit design.



