Comprehensive Course Structure
The VLSI Design curriculum is designed to provide students with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of integrated circuit design. The program spans four years, with each year building upon the previous one to ensure a deep understanding of complex topics.
Year One: Foundation Building
The first year focuses on establishing a strong base in mathematics, physics, and basic electronics. Students are introduced to programming concepts through languages such as C and Python, which are essential for simulation and automation tasks in VLSI design.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | CS101 | Programming Fundamentals | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| I | EC101 | Basic Electronics | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| I | PH101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| I | MA101 | Mathematics I | 4-0-0-4 | None |
| I | ME101 | Engineering Drawing | 2-0-0-2 | None |
| I | EC102 | Digital Logic Design | 3-0-0-3 | None |
Year Two: Core Engineering Concepts
In the second year, students delve deeper into core engineering concepts with courses covering microprocessor architecture, embedded systems, and computer organization. These subjects provide essential knowledge for understanding how complex systems operate at a low level.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| II | EC201 | Microprocessor Architecture | 3-0-0-3 | EC102 |
| II | CS201 | Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| II | EC202 | Signals and Systems | 3-0-0-3 | PH101, MA101 |
| II | EC203 | Embedded Systems | 3-0-0-3 | EC102, CS101 |
| II | MA201 | Mathematics II | 4-0-0-4 | MA101 |
Year Three: Specialized VLSI Topics
The third year introduces specialized topics in VLSI design including circuit simulation, physical design, and verification techniques. Students gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and work on projects that simulate real-world challenges.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| III | EC301 | VLSI Design Principles | 3-0-0-3 | EC201, EC202 |
| III | EC302 | Physical Design of VLSI Circuits | 3-0-0-3 | EC301 |
| III | EC303 | Circuit Simulation and Modeling | 3-0-0-3 | EC202 |
| III | EC304 | Design Verification Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | EC301 |
| III | EC305 | VLSI Lab I | 0-0-6-2 | EC301 |
Year Four: Advanced Projects and Capstone
The final year focuses on capstone projects, where students apply their knowledge to solve complex problems. They work closely with faculty mentors and often collaborate with industry partners to develop innovative solutions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | EC401 | Advanced VLSI Design | 3-0-0-3 | EC302, EC304 |
| IV | EC402 | VLSI System Integration | 3-0-0-3 | EC401 |
| IV | EC403 | VLSI Capstone Project | 0-0-12-6 | EC301, EC302, EC304 |
| IV | EC404 | VLSI Thesis | 0-0-6-3 | EC401, EC402 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Students can choose from a wide array of advanced departmental electives that align with their interests and career goals:
- Machine Learning for VLSI: This course explores how machine learning techniques can be applied to automate design processes, improve optimization, and enhance performance in VLSI systems. Students learn to implement ML models for predicting circuit behavior and optimizing layouts.
- Low Power VLSI Design: Focused on reducing energy consumption in electronic circuits, this course covers power management strategies, dynamic voltage scaling, and architectural optimizations. It prepares students for roles in battery-powered devices and mobile electronics.
- RF and Analog VLSI Design: Designed for those interested in wireless communication systems, this elective delves into analog circuit design, noise analysis, and RF transceiver architecture. Students gain practical experience using tools like Cadence and ADS.
- System-on-Chip (SoC) Architecture: This course provides an overview of SoC design principles, including hardware-software co-design, memory hierarchy optimization, and integration of multiple IP blocks into a single chip.
- Hardware Security & Cryptography: Emphasizing the protection of integrated circuits against tampering and unauthorized access, this course covers techniques for secure design, side-channel attacks, and cryptographic implementations in hardware.
- Design Automation Techniques: Students explore automated methods for circuit synthesis, place-and-route algorithms, and optimization techniques using commercial tools like Synopsys and Cadence.
- VLSI Testing and Reliability: This elective covers testing methodologies, fault models, and reliability analysis in VLSI systems. It prepares students to ensure high-quality products through systematic testing and validation.
- Advanced Process Technologies: An overview of the latest developments in semiconductor manufacturing, including FinFETs, GAA, and beyond. Students learn about process variations, yield optimization, and future trends in chip fabrication.
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes experiential education and real-world problem-solving. Mini-projects are assigned throughout the program to reinforce concepts learned in lectures and labs. These projects typically involve designing a simple circuit or algorithm and implementing it using industry-standard tools.
For the final-year capstone project, students select a topic under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The selection process involves multiple rounds of proposal evaluation, ensuring that each student's project is both challenging and feasible. Projects often lead to publishable results or patents, contributing significantly to academic and industrial advancement.
Students also have opportunities to participate in research programs funded by DST, MeitY, and private companies. These initiatives provide exposure to cutting-edge technologies and allow students to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in VLSI design.