FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF SPACE SCIENCE AND APPLIED PHYSICS

BSc HONOURS ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (HETT)

HETT406: DESIGN OF DIGITAL AND VLSI SYSTEMS

Course Overview
This course is an introduction to concepts associated with the analysis and design of integrated circuits (ICs) in state-
of-the-art CMOS technologies. It provides an introduction to the design and implementation of Very-Large-Scale
Integration (VLSI) circuits for complex digital systems. In this course, we will study the fundamental concepts and
structures of designing digital VLSI systems (including CMOS devices and circuits), standard CMOS fabrication
processes, CMOS design rules, static and dynamic logic structures, interconnect analysis, CMOS chip layout,
simulation and testing, low power techniques, design tools and methodologies, VLSI architecture.

Course Aim
The course is designed to give students an understanding of the different design steps required to carry out a complete
digital VLSI design in silicon.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
i. Use mathematical methods and circuit analysis models in analysis of CMOS digital electronics circuits,
including logic components and their interconnect.
ii. Create models of moderately sized CMOS circuits that realize specified digital functions.
iii. Apply CMOS technology-specific layout rules in the placement and routing of transistors and interconnect, and
to verify the functionality, timing, power, and parasitic effects.
iv. Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of CMOS circuit construction and the comparison
between different state-of-the-art CMOS technologies and processes.
v. Complete a significant VLSI design project having a set of objective criteria and design constraints.

Topics and Specific Learning Outcomes

1. Semiconductor Devices and Technology
At the end of this section, students will be able to:
a. Describe the physical and engineering principles behind semiconductor technology.
b. Describe the principle of operation and applications of semiconductor devices
c. Recognize the need for Integrated Circuits
d. Describe the evolution of Integrated Circuits

2. CMOS Logic, fabrication and layout

At the end of this section, students will be able to:
a. Describe the theoretical principles behind CMOS logic gates.
b. Interpret CMOS circuits and layouts.
c. Design and test functionality of basic gates by using CAD tools.

3. MOS Transistor Theory

At the end of this section, students will be able to:
1
a. Describe the theoretical principles behind MOS device operation.
b. State and explain the practical engineering issues related to MOS device design.

4. Analog IC Characterization
At the end of this section, students will be able to:
a. Describe and explain DC and transient response of ICs.
b. Explain delay and logical effort in ICs
c. Design fast ICs.
d. Explain different sources of power dissipation in ICs
e. Design low-power ICs.

5. Combinational Circuit Design

At the end of this session, students will be able to:
a. Describe techniques to optimize combinational circuits for lower delay and/or energy.
b. Recognise different circuit families.

6. Sequential Circuit Design

At the end of this session, students will be able to:
a. Recognise and explain sequencing for both static and dynamic circuits.
b. Perform circuit design of latches and flip-flops.

7. CMOS VLSI Design and Circuit Simulation

At the end of this section, students will be able to:
a. Synthesize and analyze a basic digital logic IC.
b. Design and verify IC operation by using Analog Cadence tools and SPICE simulator.

Textbooks
i. J. M. Rabaey, A. Chandrakasan, and B. Nikolić, Digital Integrated Circuits - A Design Perspective, 2nd Edition,
Prentice-Hall, 2003.
ii. Neil H.E. Weste and David Harris, “CMOS VLSI Design, A Circuits and Systems Perspective”, Pearson
Education, 4th Edition 2011, (ISBN: 0321547748)
iii. A. Sedra and K.C. Smith, Microelectronic Circuits, 6th Ed., Oxford Press, 2010.
iv. Neil H.E. West and Kamran Eshraghian. Principles of CMOS VLSI Design: A Systems Perspective. Addison
Wesley; 2nd edition (October 1, 1994). ISBN-10: 0201533766; ISBN-13: 978-0201533767
v. Modern VLSI Design: System on Silicon by Wayne Wolf. Prentice Hall; 2nd edition (July 1, 1998). ISBN-10:
0139896902; ISBN-13: 978-0139896903
vi. G. DeMicheli, Synthesis and Optimization of Digital Circuits, McGraw-Hill, 1994
vii. F. N. Najm, Circuit Simulation, John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

Course Assessment
Course Component Weight
Continuous Assessment 30%
• Tests and Assignments 10%
• Laboratory, seminars and projects 20%

Final Examination 70%

To obtain a passing grade in the course, a mark of 50% or more must be achieved on the final examination as well
as on the continuous assessment. A final examination or laboratory mark less than 50% will result in a final course
grade of 48% or less.