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Duration
Identical coursesComputer-Aided IC Design (B-KUL-H05D7A)
Gielen Georges (coordinator) | Dehaene Wim | Gielen Georges Aims
The objectives of this course are to provide insight in the basic algorithms that are used in the design of CAD tools utilized by designers of integrated circuits. Based on the understanding of the algorithms, insight is developed in the capabilities and limitations of computer-aided design (CAD) and design automation tools for electronic circuits.
Previous knowledge
The student must have prior knowledge from the courses "Basic electronic circuits" and "Analog building blocks for signal processing".
Is included in these courses of study
- Master in de nanowetenschappen, nanotechnologie en nano-engineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Master of Nanoscience, Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering (Leuven) 120 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
- Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: elektrotechniek (Leuven) (Elektronica en chipontwerp) 120 ects.
- Master of Electrical Engineering (Leuven) (Electronics and Chip Design) 120 ects.
Activities
2.41 ects. Computer-Aided IC Design: Lecture (B-KUL-H05D7a)
Content
This course studies the basic algorithms as used in advanced electronic CAD tools :
1. Simulation of integrated circuits
Basic algorithms for circuit simulation. Device models for circuit simulation. Basic techniques for the simulation of RF circuits. Higher-level modeling of integrated circuits. Notions of hardware description languages (such as VDHL-AMS and VERILOG-A/MS). Symbolic analysis of circuits.
2. Analog circuit and layout synthesis
Basic techniques for the optimization of the design and layout of integrated circuits. Efficient global optimization algorithms and applications (simulated annealing, genetic algorithms). Basic techniques of layout synthesis, including algorithms for placement and routing of integrated circuits.
3. Design for yield and reliability
Techniques for the analysis of the impact of stochastic process parameter variations and yield optimization. Methods to deal with variability during design. Reliability problems and analysis: aging, substrate noise couplings, EMC, etc.
4. Testing and design for testability of integrated circuits
Importance of design verification and testing. Techniques for fault analysis and test generation. Design for testability methods.
Course material
Handouts distributed by the lecturer.
0.59 ects. Computer-Aided IC Design: Exercises and Laboratory Sessions (B-KUL-H05D8a)
Content
The exercise sessions are combined into a project related to the course material covered in the lectures.
Course material
Handouts are made available to the students.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Computer-Aided IC Design (B-KUL-H25D7a)
Explanation
Oral examination. Open book. Questions are about the course project as turned in by the student (counts for 2/3 of the course grade) and about the course material covered in the lectures (counts for 1/3 of the course grade). No course grade will be given if no project is completed and turned in.
Information about retaking exams
The exam of the second exam round has the same format as in the first exam round. A new or extended project must be turned in by the designated deadline before the exam.