Microelectronic Design

Module Overview

This module introduces techniques used in designing complex microelectronic systems and the selection of the design process. It includes:

Silicon microelectronic fabrication process and packaging
Testing IC devices
Aspects of design, including the design process and CAD
Alternative microelectronic design approaches such as FPLA and FPGA, gate arrays, CBIC and full custom, and design for test
Low level transistor design encompassing both analogue and digital building blocks including low power design aspects.
Brief aspects, relevant to microelectronic design of quality and reliability, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Current trends and possible future developments

The module is organised into nine chapters in total, and is assessed by two assignments (weightings 50% each). All chapters contain relevant SAQs, answers and worked solutions.

One core text book is required for this module as detailed below, although three others are referred to also. Additionally many websites are available which can be of help.

Unit 1. Integrated Circuit Design Process
Unit 2. Microelectronics Fabrication Process
Unit 3. Integrated Circuit Packaging
Unit 4. Integrated Circuit Realisation
Unit 5. Computer Aided Design
Assignment 1
Unit 6. Test and Design for Test
Unit 7. Transistor Level Design and Low Power Design
Unit 8. Quality & Reliability and EMC
Unit 9. Trends and Future Developments
Assignment 2

STUDY PLAN

Study Week	Unit	Unit / Assessment
1	1	Integrated circuit design process
2	2	Microelectronics fabrication process
3	3	Integrated circuit packaging
4	4	Integrated circuit realisation Start looking at Assignment 1
5	5	Computer aided design Continue work on Assignment 1
6		Assignment 1, 25 hours (worth 50%)
7	6	Test and design for test
8	7	Transistor level design and low power design
9	8	Quality and reliability and EMC
10	9	Trends and Future Developments
11 & 12		Assignment 2, 25 hours (worth 50%)

Author /Tutor Profile

Ted Pritchard

Professor Ted Pritchard is a specialist consultant engaged to tutor this module. Previously he was the Divisional Leader in Electronics and Communications Systems at the University of Huddersfield. He has substantial experience over many years in microelectronics teaching and research, for example:

A key member of the UGC/DTI ECAD Initiative which set up CAD Design facilities in UK Universities
An extensive record of industrial research and publications in the microelectronics field including test, silicon compilation, and fabrication.
Technical adviser to the DTI Microelectronics in Business (MiB) and Electronic Design (ED) programmes and also the EC
External Examiner and advisor at several UK and overseas universities.

Online Postgraduate Courses for the Electronics Industry

Provided By The University of Bolton

Useful Tools

Microelectronic Design

Module Overview

Contents

STUDY PLAN

Author /Tutor Profile

Ted Pritchard

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