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VLSI Design Lab
The final project in Digital VLSI Design integrates previously learned concepts towards designing a complex digital circuit. It emphasizes phases such as specification, architectural design, logic design, and verification through simulations. Additionally, the project requires students to document their design process, analyze performance metrics like critical path delays, and reflects on the challenges faced during the design process.
Course Chapters
Introduction to the EDA Environment and MOS
The lab module focuses on introducing students to the Electronic Design Automation (EDA) environment and performing simulations to analyze MOS transistor characteristics. Key skills developed include navigating EDA tools, conducting SPICE simulations for NMOS and PMOS transistors, and understanding the significance of various electrical characteristics. Students also explore the effects of transistor dimensional ratios on performance and the importance of design parameters in VLSI design.
CMOS Inverter Design and Static Characteristics Analysis
This lab module focuses on the design and simulation of the CMOS inverter, a fundamental component in digital logic circuits. It emphasizes understanding the static characteristics of the inverter, specifically analyzing the Voltage Transfer Characteristics (VTC) and calculating noise margins related to varying transistor Width-to-Length ratios. The hands-on procedure involves using circuit simulation tools to capture the inverter schematic, conduct simulations, and interpret results to optimize performance characteristics like Vth and noise margins.
CMOS Inverter Switching Characteristics & Delay Analysis
The lab module focuses on analyzing the dynamic performance and delay optimization of a CMOS inverter. It covers various experiments aimed at understanding transient simulations, measuring propagation delays, investigating the effects of load capacitance and transistor sizing on propagation delays, and differentiating between power components in CMOS circuits. Additionally, students are tasked with designing an inverter that meets specific delay constraints, enhancing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge in digital VLSI design.
Layout Design of a CMOS Inverter and Physical Verification
This chapter provides comprehensive insights into the layout design of a CMOS inverter, covering critical aspects such as the importance of design rules, the layout translation from schematic to physical design, and the execution of Design Rule Check (DRC). It emphasizes the role of well contacts and substrate connections in ensuring device stability and reliability.
Layout Versus Schematic (LVS) Verification and Post-Layout Simulation
The chapter discusses the essential processes involved in post-layout verification for VLSI design, focusing on parasitic extraction and Layout Versus Schematic (LVS) verification. It examines the impact of parasitic effects on circuit performance metrics like propagation delay and power dissipation, emphasizing the importance of accurate modeling through post-layout simulations. The final steps of the chapter elaborate on how to analyze simulation results, ensuring that circuits meet design specifications and performance expectations.
Design and Simulation of Basic Combinational CMOS Logic Gates (NAND/NOR)
The chapter focuses on the design and simulation of basic combinational CMOS logic gates, specifically the NAND and NOR gates. It outlines the objectives, procedures, and experiments necessary for understanding their operational characteristics, with a detailed emphasis on simulations and practical applications in digital VLSI design. Key activities include schematic capture, functional verification, transient analysis, and transistor sizing optimization to enhance performance.
Layout Design and Verification of Basic Combinational CMOS Logic Gates
This lab module guides students through the design and verification of combinational CMOS logic gates, specifically focusing on the 2-input NAND and NOR gates. It emphasizes extending layout expertise, mastering complex routing, adhering to design rules, and understanding performance-driven layouts. Additionally, it covers the importance of physical verification and post-layout simulation to ensure functional correctness and performance analysis of the designs.
Introduction to Sequential Logic: CMOS D-Latch/Flip-Flop Schematic and Simulation
This lab focuses on understanding and building basic memory circuits, specifically the CMOS D-Latch and D-Flip-Flop. Students explore the differences between sequential and combinational logic, learn about key timing rules such as setup time and hold time, and address issues like metastability in digital systems. The practical aspect includes drawing and simulating circuits, measuring performance, and analyzing results to ensure correct operation under specified conditions.
ASIC Design Flow - Gate-Level Synthesis & First Look at Timing
The chapter covers the ASIC design flow, focusing on how design code translates into a blueprint of basic gates, the use of Hardware Description Languages (HDL) such as Verilog and VHDL, and the synthesis process that converts this code into a gate-level netlist. It also addresses the importance of Static Timing Analysis (STA) in ensuring that the circuits meet timing requirements and can function as intended. Understanding these concepts equips students with the foundational knowledge necessary for automated chip design and analysis.
ASIC Design Flow - Floorplanning, Placement, and Routing (Conceptual/Tool Demonstration)
The chapter outlines the physical implementation flow of ASIC design, focusing on key stages such as floorplanning, placement, and routing, which translate logical designs into manufacturable layouts. It emphasizes the importance of these stages in managing chip dimensions, optimizing cell locations, and creating connections while addressing challenges associated with power distribution and signal integrity. Additionally, the role of post-layout analysis and extraction for ensuring accurate timing is highlighted as critical before fabrication.
Final Project / Open-Ended Design Challenge
The final project in Digital VLSI Design integrates previously learned concepts towards designing a complex digital circuit. It emphasizes phases such as specification, architectural design, logic design, and verification through simulations. Additionally, the project requires students to document their design process, analyze performance metrics like critical path delays, and reflects on the challenges faced during the design process.