ES3D8-15 Fundamentals of Modern VLSI Design
Introductory description
n/a
Module aims
The course aims to present the principles and techniques of integrated circuit (IC design), connecting digital system and logic design with the fundamental device physics, processing techniques and transistor level characteristics of Silicon integrated circuits, both in theoretical and practical aspects.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Silicon Processing. CMOS circuits for logic gates. Cell layout styles. Cell composition and structured layout techniques. Transmission gate logic and dynamic memory. Latches. Complex CMOS gates. Dynamic logic. Timing analysis and optimisation. Logical Effort and Delay Estimation. Power dissipation. Sequential Logic Design. Subsystem design: adders, , RAM, datapath and PLA/ROM. Managing Complex Designs, Clocks, I/O, Packaging. Design Exercises to cover cell layout and composition, switch level simulation and timing analysis, critical path finding and circuit level simulation for timing and power.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Examine how IC technology affects logic implementation and optimisation of simple CMOS integrated circuits.
- Apply simplified models to estimate the delay and power consumption of digital integrated circuits.
- Manage complex designs including partitioning into CMOS subsystems such as datapaths and memory arrays.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge how different circuit families can be used in IC design for trade-offs in speed, power, complexity and robustness.
- Acquire skills in the use of Computer Aided Design Software for IC design such as Mentor Graphics Tanner Tools or Cadence.
- Use CMOS technology, design and analysis techniques for implementation of digital IC systems.
Indicative reading list
“Fundamentals of Modern VLSI Devices, Taur, Y, 2013, 978-1107635715
"Integrated Circuit Design", Weste, N.H.E, 2011, 978-0321696946
“CMOS VLSI design", Weste, N.H.E, 2011, 9780321547743, TK 7872.468.W3
"CMOS: Circuit Design, Layout, and Simulation", Baker, R.J, 2011, 9781118038239
"Modern VLSI Design", Wolf,W, 2009, 978-0137145003,
Subject specific skills
Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process
Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality
Transferable skills
Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%) |
| Practical classes | 9 sessions of 3 hours (18%) |
| Private study | 108 hours (72%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
108 hours Guided Independent Learning
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design assignment | 60% | Yes (extension) | |
|
Written Report 2500 words/12 pages - Report describing the design approach including simulation results, power and delay measurements and reflecting on how could the designs be optimised further in terms of size, speed and power. |
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| In-person Examination | 40% | No | |
|
The student will apply simplified models to estimate the delay and power consumption of digital integrated circuits. The student will also demonstrate basic knowledge how different circuit families can be used in IC design for trade-offs in speed, power, complexity and robustness.
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Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment is by individual feedback mark sheet and overview. Feedback will be provided during the laboratory sessions and for the written report.
Pre-requisites
To take this module, you must have passed:
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 3 of UESA-H63W BEng Electronic Engineering
- Year 4 of UESA-H63V BEng Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UESA-H63X MEng Electronic Engineering
-
UESA-H636 MEng Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of H636 Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of H636 Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
This module is Core optional for:
-
UESA-H636 MEng Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of H636 Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of H636 Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of UESA-H63Y MEng Electronic Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UESA-H115 MEng Engineering with Intercalated Year
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UESA-H113 BEng Engineering
- Year 3 of UESA-H114 MEng Engineering
- Year 4 of UESA-H115 MEng Engineering with Intercalated Year
-
UESA-H11L Undergradaute Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 3 of H11L Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of H11L Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 4 of UESA-H111 BEng Engineering with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UESA-H112 BSc Engineering
- Year 3 of UCSA-G406 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 3 of UCSA-G408 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 4 of UCSA-G407 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of UCSA-G409 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)