Advanced VLSI Systems

(3-0-3-4)

CMPE Degree: This course is Elective for the CMPE degree.

EE Degree: This course is Elective for the EE degree.

Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 3 unsupervised lab hours.

Technical Interest Group(s) / Course Type(s): VLSI Systems and Digital Design

Course Coordinator: Arijit Raychowdhury

Prerequisites: ECE 3050 or ECE 3060 or ECE 3150 or ECE 3400

Corequisites: None.

Catalog Description

An advanced treatment of VLSI systems analysis, design, and testing with
emphasis on complex systems and how they are incorporated into a silicon
environment. Credit is not allowed for both ECE 4130 and ECE 6130.

Textbook(s)

Introduction to VLSI Circuits and Systems

Course Outcomes

  1. Explain the working principles for MOSFETs and CMOS logic.
  2. Provide detailed analysis and explanation of power and performance of digital CMOS logic gates.
  3. Provide detailed design, analysis and explanations of both combinational as well as sequential circuit design including static random access memory circuits.
  4. Explain clocking, power management and clock/power distribution circuits.
  5. Design, simulate and analyze both schematics and layout of digital circuits using the state-of-the-art computer-aided-design tools.

Student Outcomes

In the parentheses for each Student Outcome:
"P" for primary indicates the outcome is a major focus of the entire course.
“M” for moderate indicates the outcome is the focus of at least one component of the course, but not majority of course material.
“LN” for “little to none” indicates that the course does not contribute significantly to this outcome.

1. ( M ) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics

2. ( LN ) An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors

3. ( LN ) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

4. ( LN ) An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts

5. ( M ) An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives

6. ( M ) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions

7. ( LN ) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)

Not Applicable

Course Objectives

Topical Outline

Current State of VLSI
Fabrication and Size Metrics
Performance Metrics
System Complexity

Complex VLSI Systems
Architectural Trends in Microprocessors
The Large VLSI Chip
Modules, Units, and VHDL
Floorplanning, Interconnect, Clock Distribution
System Hierarchies: VHDL to Silicon
Timing Issues

High-Performance CMOS Design Styles
Transient Analysis and Sizing
Dynamic Logic Networks
Domino, Advanced Dynamic, SR and ST Logic
Dual-rail Differential Logic Families
Advanced Design Techniques
Clock Distribution Techniques
High-speed I/O Networks
Examination of Current Literature
Standard-cell to Full-custom
Critical Metrics and Physical Limitations
Packaging Issues

The VLSI Design Environment
System Specifications
Efficient Usage of Design Libraries and Hierarchies
Toolsets at the User Level
LVS, Logic Simulation, Circuit Simulation, Place & Route
Design of Toolsets
Review of Basic Algorithms
Database Structure and Usage
Design Automation and VLSI
Layout, Placement, Routing, Silicon Compilation
Synthesis Tools