Microelectronic Technologies and Applications
Module Overview
This module builds on two other modules: Microelectronic Design and Business Issues of Microelectronics. It covers CMOS, custom, semi-custom, and programmable microelectronic technologies (both digital and analogue) in more detail, using case studies where appropriate. The module also covers other aspects of CMOS logic relevant to microelectronic applications, including time delay and power dissipation. This module, for the first time in this course, requires you to use CAD tools remotely. This aspect will be further developed in other modules later on in the course, particularly Advanced Electronic Design Automation.
The module is organised into eight units and is assessed by two assignments (weightings 30% and 70%). Most units contain relevant SAQs, answers, and worked solutions. Later units contain additional elements making further use of the multimedia aspects of the web-based approach. Two core textbooks are required for this module, as detailed below. Web sites of interest are also specified.
Contents
- Unit 1: CMOS Digital Logic
- Unit 2: Time Delay and Power Dissipation Considerations
- Assignment 1
- Unit 3: Introduction to Simple Programmable Logic Devices
- Unit 4: Complex Programmable Logic Devices and Field Programmable Gate Arrays
- Unit 5: Design Systems for Programmable Logic Devices
- Unit 6: Programmable Logic Device Applications
- Unit 7: Digital, Analogue, and Mixed Signal Arrays
- Unit 8: Full Custom ASICs & Case Study
- Assignment 2 (CPLD Walkthrough and Design Exercise)
Suggested Study Plan
| Study Week | Unit | Unit / Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | CMOS digital logic |
| 2 | 2 | Time delay and power dissipation considerations, SPICE exercise |
| 3 | Assignment 1, 15 hours (worth 30%) | |
| 4 | 3 | Introduction to simple programmable logic devices |
| 5 | 4 | Complex programmable logic devices & field programmable gate arrays |
| 6 | 5 | Design systems for programmable logic devices |
| 7 | 6 | Programmable logic device applications |
| 8 | 7 |
Digital, analogue and mixed signal arrays |
| 9 | 8 | Full custom ASICs and case study |
| 10 - 12 | Assignment 2 (CPLD walkthrough and design exercise) 40 hours (worth 70%) |
Tutor Profiles
Ted
Pritchard
(Units 1 and 2 [except for SPICE exercise], Assignment 1 and Unit 8)
For Ted's tutor profile please refer to the overview for Microelectronic Design
Jeff
Ormerod
(SPICE exercise in Unit 2, Units 3 - 7 and Assignment 2)
Jeff is the Head of Microelectronics. His industrial career spans a number of years working in computer design for the Large Systems Division of International Computers Ltd. Since joining the university he has been responsible for initiating and developing the Department's microelectronic resources and teaching provision both in the area of specialised training for industry and in mainstream degree and postgraduate courses.
He was involved in the management of the Department of Trade and Industry's Microelectronics in Business programme and the European Commission's first user scheme FUSE, two initiatives directed towards introducing new technology into industry.
Jeff was jointly responsible for initiating the Advanced Microelectronics programme and has been closely involved with its development. He has a Master of Science degree in Integrated Circuit System Design and is a Chartered Engineer of the Institution of Engineers and Technologists.
Recommended Textbooks
Core
Title: Application-specific Integrated Circuits
Author: Michael John Smith
ISBN: 0201500221
Publisher: Addison Wesley
Much of the material from this book is available online at: http://www10.edacafe.com/book/ASIC/ASICs.php
Additional (Optional)
Title: Principles of CMOS VLSI Design: A Systems Perspective
Author: Neil Weste and Kamran Eshraghian
ISBN: 0201733897
Publisher: Addison Wesley
An ALTERA development kit is issued on loan for the CPLD Design Exercise in Assignment 2.
Updated 20.06.06 RA