Xbox 360 Slim Rumor Gets Traction: MS Hiring Motherboard Engineer

Nexgenrulz · 03-09-2010, 05:16 AM

Cyg touched on this in a earlier thread. But this article also lists the ad for the qualifications. Maybe Pinoy can apply. He's a computer guru. If you get this job Pinoy, I get a % of your salary!

http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=7339

News
Xbox 360 Slim Rumor Gets Traction: MS Hiring Motherboard Engineer
By Constantine Mishin-Lutzky 09th Mar 2010
Microsoft, 1,805 views

ShareThis

...and not just any motherboard engineer, but specifically one for the Xbox 360 development team. Read the job description to see exactly what is required from the person taking the position. .
Lately, we saw a resurgence of the old Xbox 360 slim rumor in the face of Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, talking about new console models designed for specific price points and dependant on "form factors", or essentially, on the size of the console. While he didn't say anything specific, speculation ran wild, and now such speculation may even have basis thanks to a recent Microsoft job ad, dated from the 7th of March 2010. Take a look:

Job Category: Hardware Engineering
Location: United States, CA, Mountain View
Job ID: 714897
Product: Xbox Home
Division: Entertainment & Devices Division

Motherboard Design Engineer
Job Description
The Xbox 360 Console development team is seeking qualified candidates for an Electrical Engineer. The responsibilities of this position are focused on specifying, designing (schematic capture, PCB layout, BOM, cost analysis), implementing and verifying the mother-board and other various sub-system boards that make up the XBOX 360 product line. This work includes development of requirements and evaluating different solution for functionality, cost, and risk. The subsystems on the XBOX 360 mother board include (but are not limited to): High speed busses (front side bus, memory bus, PCIe bus, SATA bus, USB bus, I2S, etc.), memory, Ethernet, audio/video, system clocking, power and thermal management, and misc. analog/digital circuitry.
The XBOX 360 Console Development team is responsible for aggressive cost reduction of the console throughout the life of the product as well as expanding the market for the console in derivative products. The position involves working closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software engineers, test engineers, component engineers, and program managers.

Qualifications:
Minimum BS/MS in Electrical Engineering
Minimum of 4 years experience contributing to the design and production of complex products in the consumer PC or consumer electronic industry.
A solid understanding of core engineering principles, fundamental circuit design, and analytical techniques is required.
Familiarity with PC, embedded system architectures hardware and software, experience with implementation of high speed serial busses (SATA, PCIe, USB) and/or high speed parallel busses such as: memory bus (DDR2, GDDR3, etc.), CPU front side bus, Hyper transport, and/or voltage regulator/power delivery design a plus.
Design for manufacturing and test experience is required.
Strong bench evaluation and in-lab debugging skills are required.
Strong communication skills required. Including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms.
Must be able to plan work, and work to a plan adapting as necessary in a rapidly evolving environment.
The ability to comprehend and assimilate technical concepts across multiple disciplines is a plus.
Enthusiastic, motivated and self driven.
Domestic and international travel may be required.

The important info is bolded for your convenience... and while it doesn't necessarily confirm a slim 360 model, it does confirm SOME future redisgns - whether they include a 360 slim or not is up in the air.

MikeRox · 03-09-2010, 05:30 AM

Cool... Hopefully this will happen, make it RROD proof and I'll get another 360.

Could actually just be to design a normal 360 that doesn't die.

Nexgenrulz · 03-09-2010, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

Cool... Hopefully this will happen, make it RROD proof and I'll get another 360.

Could actually just be to design a normal 360 that doesn't die.

But I could see them making a slimmer version. Since Sony redesigned the PS3, sales have picked up and their cost has gone down. This could help aleviate their RROD problems too! I would like to see a smaller version without the power brick.

railven · 03-09-2010, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRox

Cool... Hopefully this will happen, make it RROD proof and I'll get another 360.

Could actually just be to design a normal 360 that doesn't die.

They do this and succeed I'd buy 360 games again! This far into the life of the console, there should be no RRoDs or E-74 errors.

Fix the drive too! PLEASE!

xcitor · 03-09-2010, 07:22 AM

In all honesty, they can't even keep the heat under control in the current case...how the hell do they think they will manage with a slimmer version???

Razor05 · 03-09-2010, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xcitor

In all honesty, they can't even keep the heat under control in the current case...how the hell do they think they will manage with a slimmer version???

Probably because the first case has a design flaw. Plus there are newer more power efficient chipsets, etc. It's not so much the size as the design and layout are the crucial factors.

gameguru1360 · 03-09-2010, 11:11 AM

maybe with a slimmer motherboard, they can afford to include faster and more efficient fans

kamspy · 03-09-2010, 12:02 PM

It's about time they hired some hardware engineers.

II SAL II · 03-09-2010, 01:23 PM

how would your fat hardrive look on a slim 360?

Pinoy · 03-09-2010, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by II SAL II

how would your fat hardrive look on a slim 360?

I'm gonna go out on a limb and guess retarded.

And Nexgen I wish I was anywhere near that level to work developing boards and such.

kamspy · 03-09-2010, 02:17 PM

If the xbox gets slimmer...how much thicker will this get.

II SAL II · 03-09-2010, 02:29 PM

maybe they will have us attach our hardrives to the power brick

there will be no slim IMO

KEEBS1984 · 03-09-2010, 02:44 PM

I believe there will be a Slim model of the Xbox 360. There's so much evidence leading credence to the fact that Microsoft is planning on something like this:

1. The current design is almost synonymous with the RROD. Microsoft has to know that a new design will help shed some of this unwanted publicity.

2. Ballmer has been quoted as saying that there isn't enough variation in the Xbox line up. What does this mean exacty? Who knows, but a slim model of the 360 can certainly come into play here.

3. Microsoft is treating Natal release like a new console release. Why not introduce a new chassis for their flagship device as well? While not technically a new console, it'll certainly drum up hype for the entire new Xbox line up.

4. Price cuts are awesome, but a price cut mixed with a new design is a killer formula. It worked for the PS3, I'd be willing to bet that Microsoft is willing to take a chance on their own redesign.

5. Microsoft are no strangers to yearly redesigns of their technology. Look no further than the Zune line up to see that their designers are constantly cooking up new ideas. I'd be willing to bet there is a stack of Xbox redesigns just waiting to get green lit.

No hard evidence, of course, but it all lends credence.

MikeRox · 03-09-2010, 02:53 PM

I'd hope you're right KEEBS, as I said, if they get a new model out and it doesn't have RROD issues, it'd be a near day 1 purchase for me.

Cygnus · 03-09-2010, 03:00 PM

All good points, but 360 slim won't be ready for natal launch unless MS had hired the person multiple months ago.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KEEBS1984

I believe there will be a Slim model of the Xbox 360. There's so much evidence leading credence to the fact that Microsoft is planning on something like this:

1. The current design is almost synonymous with the RROD. Microsoft has to know that a new design will help shed some of this unwanted publicity.

2. Ballmer has been quoted as saying that there isn't enough variation in the Xbox line up. What does this mean exacty? Who knows, but a slim model of the 360 can certainly come into play here.

3. Microsoft is treating Natal release like a new console release. Why not introduce a new chassis for their flagship device as well? While not technically a new console, it'll certainly drum up hype for the entire new Xbox line up.

4. Price cuts are awesome, but a price cut mixed with a new design is a killer formula. It worked for the PS3, I'd be willing to bet that Microsoft is willing to take a chance on their own redesign.

5. Microsoft are no strangers to yearly redesigns of their technology. Look no further than the Zune line up to see that their designers are constantly cooking up new ideas. I'd be willing to bet there is a stack of Xbox redesigns just waiting to get green lit.

No hard evidence, of course, but it all lends credence.

03-09-2010, 05:16 AM	#1
Nexgenrulz Damn B! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,755	Xbox 360 Slim Rumor Gets Traction: MS Hiring Motherboard Engineer Cyg touched on this in a earlier thread. But this article also lists the ad for the qualifications. Maybe Pinoy can apply. He's a computer guru. If you get this job Pinoy, I get a % of your salary! http://news.vgchartz.com/news.php?id=7339 News Xbox 360 Slim Rumor Gets Traction: MS Hiring Motherboard Engineer By Constantine Mishin-Lutzky 09th Mar 2010 Microsoft, 1,805 views ShareThis ...and not just any motherboard engineer, but specifically one for the Xbox 360 development team. Read the job description to see exactly what is required from the person taking the position. . Lately, we saw a resurgence of the old Xbox 360 slim rumor in the face of Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, talking about new console models designed for specific price points and dependant on "form factors", or essentially, on the size of the console. While he didn't say anything specific, speculation ran wild, and now such speculation may even have basis thanks to a recent Microsoft job ad, dated from the 7th of March 2010. Take a look: Job Category: Hardware Engineering Location: United States, CA, Mountain View Job ID: 714897 Product: Xbox Home Division: Entertainment & Devices Division Motherboard Design Engineer Job Description The Xbox 360 Console development team is seeking qualified candidates for an Electrical Engineer. The responsibilities of this position are focused on specifying, designing (schematic capture, PCB layout, BOM, cost analysis), implementing and verifying the mother-board and other various sub-system boards that make up the XBOX 360 product line. This work includes development of requirements and evaluating different solution for functionality, cost, and risk. The subsystems on the XBOX 360 mother board include (but are not limited to): High speed busses (front side bus, memory bus, PCIe bus, SATA bus, USB bus, I2S, etc.), memory, Ethernet, audio/video, system clocking, power and thermal management, and misc. analog/digital circuitry. The XBOX 360 Console Development team is responsible for aggressive cost reduction of the console throughout the life of the product as well as expanding the market for the console in derivative products. The position involves working closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software engineers, test engineers, component engineers, and program managers. Qualifications: Minimum BS/MS in Electrical Engineering Minimum of 4 years experience contributing to the design and production of complex products in the consumer PC or consumer electronic industry. A solid understanding of core engineering principles, fundamental circuit design, and analytical techniques is required. Familiarity with PC, embedded system architectures hardware and software, experience with implementation of high speed serial busses (SATA, PCIe, USB) and/or high speed parallel busses such as: memory bus (DDR2, GDDR3, etc.), CPU front side bus, Hyper transport, and/or voltage regulator/power delivery design a plus. Design for manufacturing and test experience is required. Strong bench evaluation and in-lab debugging skills are required. Strong communication skills required. Including the ability to clearly express technical concepts in verbal and written forms. Must be able to plan work, and work to a plan adapting as necessary in a rapidly evolving environment. The ability to comprehend and assimilate technical concepts across multiple disciplines is a plus. Enthusiastic, motivated and self driven. Domestic and international travel may be required. The important info is bolded for your convenience... and while it doesn't necessarily confirm a slim 360 model, it does confirm SOME future redisgns - whether they include a 360 slim or not is up in the air. __________________ Recession is when your neighbor loses his job Depression is when you lose your job Recovery is when Obama loses his

03-09-2010, 05:30 AM	#2
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	Cool... Hopefully this will happen, make it RROD proof and I'll get another 360. Could actually just be to design a normal 360 that doesn't die. __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob

03-09-2010, 07:22 AM	#5
xcitor F'IN CAMPERS!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2005 Age: 26 Posts: 489	In all honesty, they can't even keep the heat under control in the current case...how the hell do they think they will manage with a slimmer version??? __________________ 50" Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD Onkyo TX-SR805 PS3 Slim w/ 320GB HDD Fronts: Mirage OMNI 550 Center: Mirage OMNI C150 Surrounds: Mirage OMNI 150 Rear Surrounds: Mirage OMNI 150 Subwoofer: Infinity PS-212 Monster Cable Surge Protector HTPC: Case: SiverStone LC13-E Motherboard: Asus P5E CPU: Intel Q6600 @ 3.2 Memory: 6 GB A-Data 6400 @ 800 1:1 HDD: WD 640 GB Video: Sapphire 4890 @ 950/1000 Power: PC P&C 750 Silencer PSN: xombekiller PS3: 53 : 250

03-09-2010, 11:11 AM	#7
gameguru1360 High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pasadena, CA Posts: 826	maybe with a slimmer motherboard, they can afford to include faster and more efficient fans __________________ "Girls are like phones. They like to be held, and talked too but if you press the wrong button you'll get disconnected!!! "

03-09-2010, 02:44 PM	#13
KEEBS1984 FIFA 10 > PES 2010 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: PORTLAND!!!... OR Posts: 2,659	I believe there will be a Slim model of the Xbox 360. There's so much evidence leading credence to the fact that Microsoft is planning on something like this: 1. The current design is almost synonymous with the RROD. Microsoft has to know that a new design will help shed some of this unwanted publicity. 2. Ballmer has been quoted as saying that there isn't enough variation in the Xbox line up. What does this mean exacty? Who knows, but a slim model of the 360 can certainly come into play here. 3. Microsoft is treating Natal release like a new console release. Why not introduce a new chassis for their flagship device as well? While not technically a new console, it'll certainly drum up hype for the entire new Xbox line up. 4. Price cuts are awesome, but a price cut mixed with a new design is a killer formula. It worked for the PS3, I'd be willing to bet that Microsoft is willing to take a chance on their own redesign. 5. Microsoft are no strangers to yearly redesigns of their technology. Look no further than the Zune line up to see that their designers are constantly cooking up new ideas. I'd be willing to bet there is a stack of Xbox redesigns just waiting to get green lit. No hard evidence, of course, but it all lends credence. __________________ My various gamertags: Spoiler: Xbox 360 GamerTag: GeoffisAwesome PSN Username: BacteriaEP Steam Account: Keebs1984 Add me on any of these! I accept all friend requests... cept for you spammers. I don't like you. TELL ME WHO YOU ARE IF YOU ADD ME! Oh also feel free to check out my various musings on gaming at one of the sites I currently write for HERE.

03-09-2010, 12:02 PM	#8
kamspy of Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 16,045	It's about time they hired some hardware engineers.

03-09-2010, 01:23 PM	#9
II SAL II PSN is POO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Richmond, Va Age: 37 Posts: 2,846	how would your fat hardrive look on a slim 360?

03-09-2010, 02:17 PM	#11
kamspy of Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 16,045	If the xbox gets slimmer...how much thicker will this get.

03-09-2010, 02:29 PM	#12
II SAL II PSN is POO Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Richmond, Va Age: 37 Posts: 2,846	maybe they will have us attach our hardrives to the power brick there will be no slim IMO

03-09-2010, 02:53 PM	#14
MikeRox Blu Blu Skies! :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huddersfield, United Kingdom Posts: 14,229	I'd hope you're right KEEBS, as I said, if they get a new model out and it doesn't have RROD issues, it'd be a near day 1 purchase for me. __________________ Latest HD additions - The Box - The Taking of Pelham 123 - Angels and Demons - Couples Retreat - Mad Men: Season 1 HD Movies - 312 (161/151) Latest Gaming Additions - Nier - God of War 3 - Ridge Racer 7 - Monster Hunter Tri - A Boy and His Blob