VLSI Systems Design

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Assemble CMOS cells to implement digital systems using a layout editor
• Design digital CMOS cells using a layout editor
• Verify the functionality and performance of CMOS designs using simulation tools
• Design test benches to verify digital systems using hardware description language
• Design digital systems using hardware description language

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Perform basic tasks on a Unix workstation
• Communicate your work accurately and concisely through written reports
• Organise your work in a logical manner in a Unix filesystem
• Collaborate with others to agree a common specification and share out work

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The design of digital CMOS integrated circuit cells
• The use of CAD tools in the design process
• The design of small digital systems using predfined cells

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the principles of digital CMOS integrated circuit design
• Derive compact and efficient circuit structures to implement digital functions

Layout for VLSI

• Cell layout
• Standard cell layout
• Full and semi-custom design
• Floorplanning
• Bit slice design

Digital design using SystemVerilog

• Introduction to SystemVerilog
• Design for Synthesis

CAD Tools & Techniques

• Magic VLSI layout editor
• HSpice analogue circuit simulator
• SystemVerilog Hardware Description Language and digital simulator
• Cadence IC design toolset

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Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.