Aims: This course covers all aspects of the realisation of integrated circuits, including digital, analogue and mixed-signal implementations. Consideration is given to the original specification for the circuit which dictates the optimum technology to be used also taking account of the financial implications. The various technologies available are described and the various applications, advantages and disadvantages of each are indicated. The design of the circuit building blocks for both digital and analogue circuits are covered. Computer aided design tools are described and illustrated and the important aspect of testing is also covered.
Learning Outcomes:
After completing this module the student should be able to take the specification for an IC and, based on all the circuit, technology and financial constraints, be able to determine the optimum design approach. The student should have a good knowledge of the circuit design approaches and to be able to make use of the computer aided design tools available and to understand their purposes and limitations. The student should also have an appreciation of the purposes and methods of IC testing.
Skills:
Students will learn the principle and techniques of modern integrated circuit design and realisation and be able to demonstrate these skills through simple circuit design and analysis examples. Taught, facilitated and tested.
Content:
Design of ICs: the design cycle, trade-offs, floor planning, power considerations, economics. IC technologies: Bipolar, nMOS, CMOS, BiCMOS, analogue. Transistor level design: digital gates, analogue components, sub-circuit design. IC realisation: ASICs, PLDs, ROM, PLA & PAL structures, gate arrays, with particular emphasis on FPGAs, standard cell, full custom. CAD: schematic capture, hardware description languages, device and circuit modelling, simulation, layout, circuit extraction. Delineation of design flows between digital and analogue. Testing: types of testing, fault modelling.
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