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COMP_ENG 391: CMOS VLSI Circuits Design


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Prerequisites

Undergrad: COMP_ENG 203; Grad: None

Description

Design of CMOS digital integrated circuits, concentrating on device, circuit, and architectural issues. Analysis and design techniques in custom integrated circuit design, standard cells, memory. Use of modern VLSI design tools on a small project. 

REQUIRED TEXTS: "CMOS VLSI Design: A Circuits and Systems Perspective" by Neil Weste and David Harris; 4th edition

COURSE COORDINATOR/INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Jie Gu

COURSE GOALS: Students will become proficient with design and analysis of CMOS VLSI design including: Modern VLSI design techniques and challenges in nanoscale CMOS technology; Basic circuit designs using CMOS transistors; Proper layout structures; Methods for optimizing the area, speed, and power of circuits; Use of CAD tools for both schematic and layout of complex CMOS circuits; Design of arithmetic logic and memory cells; Large system integration.

DETAILED COURSE TOPICS:

  • Introduction to CMOS Technology and Device.
  • Design and Layout of Simple Logic Gates
  • Delay and Power
  • Combinational Logic
  • Sequential Logic
  • Timing Analysis and Variation
  • Arithmetic Blocks, e.g. Adders, Multipliers
  • Memory Circuits
  • Advanced System Design Techniques and Nanoscale-CMOS Design Challenges

COMPUTER USAGE: Students will require the use of the Cadence Virtuoso tool suite for most assignments, as well as the final project.

LABORATORY PROJECTS:

  • Basic schematic and layout techniques in Cadence Virtuoso.
  • Advanced circuit simulation in Cadence Virtuoso.
  • The design of functional CMOS circuits from scratch (such as ALU, etc.)

GRADES:

  • Homework and Labs – 20%
  • Project – 30%
  • Midterm Exam – 20%
  • Final Exam – 30%

COURSE OBJECTIVES: When a student completes this course, s/he should be able to:

  • Design and layout basic CMOS integrated circuits
  • Apply the common design techniques for optimization
  • Understand the tradeoffs and issues in modern VLSI design
  • Design and optimize complex functional blocks
  • Use commercial CAD tools for design and optimization
  • Establish a solid foundation in IC design for further study and work in related areas