Advanced VLSI Systems
(3-0-0-3)
CMPE Degree: This course is Not Applicable for the CMPE degree.
EE Degree: This course is Not Applicable for the EE degree.
Lab Hours: 0 supervised lab hours and 0 unsupervised lab hours.
Technical Interest Group(s) / Course Type(s): VLSI Systems and Digital Design
Course Coordinator: Arijit Raychowdhury
Prerequisites: ECE 3150
Corequisites: None.
Catalog Description
An advanced treatment of VLSI systems analysis, design, and testing withemphasis 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 SystemsCourse Outcomes
Not Applicable
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. ( Not Applicable ) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. ( Not Applicable ) 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. ( Not Applicable ) An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. ( Not Applicable ) 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. ( Not Applicable ) 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. ( Not Applicable ) An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. ( Not Applicable ) An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Strategic Performance Indicators (SPIs)
Outcome 1 (Students will demonstrate expertise in a subfield of study chosen from the fields of electrical engineering or computer engineering):
1. Explain the design of combinational circuits, sequential circuits, SRAM and DRAM circuits in CMOS, dynamic logic and current mode logic.
2. Expertise in designing and laying out VLSI circuits and sub-systems using Cadence Virtuoso.
Outcome 2 (Students will demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate advanced problems and apply knowledge of mathematics and science to solve those problems):
1. Analyze delay, power and area of VLSI circuits using both simulations as well as analytical models.
Outcome 3 (Students will demonstrate the ability to utilize current knowledge, technology, or techniques within their chosen subfield):
1. Design VLSI hardware at the circuit level using commercially available design tools.
Course Objectives
Topical Outline
1. Current State of VLSI
a. Fabrication and Size Metrics
b. Performance Metrics
c. System Complexity
2. Complex VLSI Systems
a. Architectural Trends in Microprocessors
b. The Large VLSI Chip
i. Modules, Units, and VHDL
ii. Floorplanning, Interconnect, Clock Distribution
iii. System Hierarchies: VHDL to Silicon
c. Timing Issues
3. High-Performance CMOS Design Styles
a. Transient Analysis and Sizing
b. Dynamic Logic Networks
c. Domino, Advanced Dynamic, SR and ST Logic
d. Dual-rail Differential Logic Families
e. Advanced Design Techniques
f. Clock Distribution Techniques
g. High-speed I/O Networks
h. Examination of Current Literature
i. Standard-cell to Full-custom
ii. Critical Metrics and Physical Limitations
i. Packaging Issues
4. The VLSI Design Environment
a. System Specifications
b. Efficient Usage of Design Libraries and Hierarchies
c. Toolsets at the User Level
i. LVS, Logic Simulation, Circuit Simulation, Place & Route
d. Design of Toolsets
i. Review of Basic Algorithms
ii. Database Structure and Usage
e. Design Automation and VLSI
i. Layout, Placement, Routing, Silicon Compilation
f. Synthesis Tools