ECE 5545 - Advanced VLSI Design (3C)

Advanced concepts in CMOS-based digital system design are studied. The topics include implementation of special purpose structures for complex digital systems, automation and verification of the design process, and design for testability (5545); and design techniques for low-power design, power dissipation estimation, and application of low-power techniques in the different levels of the design hierarchy (5546).

Successful completion of this course sequence provides students with the ability to design, implement, and test state-of-the-art integrated circuits. As technology has evolved, it has become necessary to base this course sequence on the newest technology, CMOS, and to incorporate new tools, techniques and design principles into the sequence. The sequence introduces students to what is soon to become a fundamental design technique. The ability to design integrated circuits or to at least be able to analyze other’s designs has become a necessary attribute for many electrical and computer engineering practitioners. Additionally, to be broadly marketable in the industrial world, graduates of our program must have a reasonable depth of exposure to the CAD tools used to develop and analyze integrated circuits. This course sequence allows students to see how to physically implement some of the designs or design techniques they have learned in other classes and thus brings a level of closure to their curriculum.